All Memories
Santa Cruz Lifeguards with Surfboards, 1948
Santa Cruz lifeguards have been protecting visitors and locals on Main Beach in front of the Boardwalk every summer since the 1930s! Here they are in 1948 with 12′ surfboards
Water Skiing at Boardwalk, 1969
We’ve always been a hot spot for entertainment. Check out this 1969 water skiing act!
Giant Dipper with Tiny Ferris Wheel, 1946
Things sure look pretty different in this 1946 photo taken in front of the Giant Dipper’s lift hill.
In Memory of Curtis Hanson
We’re sad to learn that director and writer Curtis Hanson passed away earlier this week in Los Angeles. We had the privilege of meeting him in 2011 while filming scenes
Building the Sky Glider, 1967
Our beautiful Sky Glider ride is wildly popular with photographers. Here’s a 1967 photograph of the ride towers being installed.
Boardwalk Water Carnival, 1941
Fearless Freddie” Quadros was just 11 years old when he made his debut in the Boardwalk’s Water Carnival. Freddie was best known for his high dives and swinging from a
Flying Cages
Our Flying Cages gave riders a workout in the 1960s… you used your weight to rock the cage and move the ride. If you were big and strong enough you
20 Millionth Giant Dipper Rider, 1976
Nikie Jensen of San Francisco was the 20 millionth Giant Dipper rider in April, 1976! The photo also shows current Boardwalk President Charles Canfield with the microphone, and former promotions
Ferris Wheel, 1950
Hey, where’s the pirate ship? In the 1950s, the Ferris Wheel was a major thrill with a prime location! Notice any other changes since this photo was taken?
First Miss California Pageant, 1951
The very first Miss California Pageant was held at the Boardwalk/Cocoanut Grove in 1924. The record-breaking crowd in this 1951 photo was estimated at 36,000!
Above The Boardwalk, 1975
I went to the Beach and Boardwalk many times when I was growing up in San Jose in the 1960’s and ’70s, as well as fishing on the Municipal Wharf
Speed Boat Ride, 1956
In July of 1956 we stayed at the Sea & Sand Hotel on West Cliff Drive (still there!) and spent time at the Boardwalk with my parents. My brother and
Wild Mouse, 1966
Lots of great memories there, as I grew up in Redwood Estates, Surfin Safaries, Senior sneak day, concerts on the beach, But the one that really sticks with me is…My
Classics, 1996
My family has been spending summers in Santa Cruz since my Grandmother was young. We would stay at the Terrace Courts for months. This is a photo we took in
Larry’s Restaurant, 1968
My first restaurant job was at Larry’s across the street from the entrance to the Penny Arcade. The Arcade occupied the entire first floor of the domed casino building. When
4th of July , 2015
My family is from Valencia California and I had opportunity to take my family last year for the first time to Santa Cruz and enjoy the Boardwalk. A very memorable
