Replica Cocoanut Grove made out of Apples, 1911
Look familiar? This delicious replica of the Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove was made entirely out of APPLES for the Santa Cruz County Fair in 1911.
Lou Williams Santa Cruz Beach Band, 1912
The Lou Williams Santa Cruz Beach Band looked pretty serious up on our Beach Bandstand in 1912.
Boardwalk’s Wild Mouse, 1958
If you ever rode the Boardwalk’s Wild Mouse, you’re probably *still* talking about it! The Wild Mouse opened in 1958 and closed in 1976.
Three Classic Rides, 1976
This 1985 photo shows the Great Auto Race (1985-1999) plus Logger’s Revenge (1977) and Sea Dragons (1976) both still going strong!
Santa Cruz Wharf Entrance, 1952
The entrance to the Santa Cruz Wharf sure looked different in 1952. The restaurant on the left looks similar, but it’s now called Ideal Bar & Grill. Cool cars and
Casino Arcade Voice Recording, 1959
A fun shot of the Casino Arcade. Visitors could go into a small sound booth and record themselves singing, then walk away with their own record. This is either 1959
Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach
This fun old photo shows an Easter Egg Hunt on the beach in the 1980s. Prizes were buried in the sand. The event became a little TOO popular and was
Hatching Dino the Dinosaur, 1961
This 1961 photo shows construction of the original Cave Train station with Dangerous Dan (aka) Dino the Dinosaur being installed in the pond.
Boardwalk Vintage East Side
This vintage photo shows the east end of the park looking towards the river.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
