"Boardwalk Fun Facts" Boardwalk Memories

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

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.

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

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

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

We’ve always been a hot spot for entertainment. Check out this 1969 water skiing act!

Things sure look pretty different in this 1946 photo taken in front of the Giant Dipper’s lift hill.

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

Our beautiful Sky Glider ride is wildly popular with photographers. Here’s a 1967 photograph of the ride towers being installed.

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

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

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

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?

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!

Miss California pageants were a huge annual event at the Boardwalk. The swimsuit portion of this 1936 competition was sponsored by Catalina Swimwear and Leasks Department Store.

Pretty cool Octopus ride!