Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Boardwalk Fun Facts

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 could flip the cage over the top!
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 trapeze...
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.
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 for his last movie,...
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.
Water Skiing at Boardwalk, 1969
We've always been a hot spot for entertainment. Check out this 1969 water skiing act!
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...
School Band in Fun House, 1969
We recently found this 1969 newspaper clip of the Santa Cruz High School Band in our old Fun House. One of our most popular (and dangerous?) attractions, the Fun House was a huge favorite. On...