Boardwalk Beats and Thrills: A Promotion Party at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk June 2022

Stepping onto the iconic planks, the energy of this classic California amusement park was palpable. It wouldn’t be a boardwalk bash without the exhilarating rides, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk boasts a fantastic array, perfectly balancing nostalgic charm with modern thrills to entertain everyone from the most cautious little ones to the most daring teenagers. The Boardwalk's collection of rides offers something for every level of courage.



Presiding over the park as a timeless icon is the Giant Dipper. Built in 1924, this National Historic Landmark isn't just a roller coaster; it's a piece of living history. As one of the most beloved wooden coasters in the world, its imposing red and white structure is instantly recognizable. Since its debut, over 60 million riders have experienced the exhilarating drops and turns of this classic. Taking a seat in the vintage train, you're transported back in time before the initial 70-foot climb. The subsequent 65-foot drop sends you soaring at speeds up to 55 miles per hour, the roar of the train on the wooden track a visceral thrill. It's a relatively quick ride, just under two minutes, but the feeling of classic coaster airtime and the rattle of the cars make it an absolute can't-miss experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Boardwalk.



For those craving more intense sensations, the Boardwalk delivers. Rides like the Fireball offer a dizzying experience. This pendulum-style ride swings riders higher and higher, eventually completing full inversions, generating powerful G-forces that leave you delightfully disoriented and breathless. If a different kind of thrill is what you seek, the Fright Walk beckons. This updated walk-through attraction, now located "under the Boardwalk," is filled with new high-tech scares and classic frights designed to make you scream more than you have in years as you navigate its dark and twisted passages.





Offering a change of pace and stunning perspectives are rides that take you skyward. The serene Sky Glider, a classic chairlift, provides a gentle ascent and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire Boardwalk, the city of Santa Cruz, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. In stark contrast, the Double Shot lives up to its name. This tower ride uses compressed air to launch riders rapidly upwards, providing a stomach-dropping freefall sensation before a series of air-cushioned bounces. Both offer fantastic vistas, but one requires significantly more bravery to appreciate them! Similarly, the Sea Swings, a classic Waveswinger ride, lifts and spins riders in chairs suspended from a central tower, providing a breezy, scenic flight over the park and glimpses of the ocean.






The Casino Arcade is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring everything from classic video games and pinball to air hockey. It also houses attractions like miniature golf and a laser tag arena, offering competitive fun for groups. Arcade games award tickets that can be saved up and exchanged for prizes, from small trinkets to larger coveted items.



For those who prefer the classic carnival experience, the outdoor midway is lined with a diverse range of games. Test your aim at games like Break-a-Plate, where the satisfying shatter of ceramics is its own reward, or roll for points at the ever-popular Skee-Ball. Some outdoor games offer smaller prizes just for playing, ensuring everyone gets a chance to take home a memento of their Boardwalk adventure.