Boardwalk Fun Facts

Beach Concert, 1972

It must have been a warm day in 1972, check out the people sitting in the shade under the stage. Our tradition of music on the beach continues every summer with a free concert.

Wooden Boardwalk

Here's an unusual view of how things looked along the Boardwalk in the 1930s. The traditional wood was eventually paved over because of too many splinters in bare feet.

Jack O'Neill rides Balloon, 1976

Local surf legend Jack O'Neill dropped by the Boardwalk in his hot air balloon in 1976. O'Neill used to launch the balloon off of a boat in Monterey Bay and use the winds to...

Big Dipper rides Giant Dipper, 1963

Legendary basketball player Wilt Chamberlain, aka the "Big Dipper" took a ride on our Giant Dipper in 1963. The 7'1" Warrior was NBA MVP 4 times in his career.

United Nations Pier, 1943

During World War II, the Boardwalk's Pleasure Pier was renamed the United Nations Pier when 30 U.N. Flags were displayed for a 1943 Memorial Day program.

Giant Dipper Opening, 1924

Our Giant Dipper opened on May 17, 1924. Here's to the guys who built our favorite ride in just 47 days!

Wharf and Pleasure Pier

This vintage photo is probably from the late 1930s or early '40s. Check out the old Pleasure Pier and bandstand in front of the Boardwalk, the streamliner train that ran along the Boardwalk...

Boardwalk Vintage East Side

This vintage photo shows the east end of the park looking towards the river.

beach boardwalk

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Contact Information

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Phone (831) 423-5590

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