"Boardwalk Fun Facts" Boardwalk Memories

The capture of a giant ocean sunfish (Mola Mola) and an octopus that measured twelve feet from tip to tip called for an exhibit of these two rarities.

The annual Miss California competition was held in Santa Cruz from 1924 – 1985, with many of the big events at the Boardwalk and Cocoanut Grove. This photo was taken

Check out this 1968 photograph of Junior Lifeguards taking a break in front of the Boardwalk. I bet some of these guys are still out surfing at Steamers Lane!

The Giant Dipper has a fresh paint job in this photo.. the white and red paint looks super sharp! What flags are flying? These days we fly the California state

There’s so much action in this 1904 photo! Can you see the sack race in progress? What’s up with the organ and the rocking chair? See the tall ladders for

A 1948 photo of the Giant Dipper shows three people per row! We don’t have a record of who these group of boys are, but my guess is that it

In 1977 the Logger’s Revenge, a large flume ride, replaced the Wild Mouse. Water rides have been popular in amusement parks nationwide since the first Shoot the Chutes dumped folks

Dantes Inferno (1932-1933) was the first dark ride at the Boardwalk. Billed as “A Trip Through Hades,” it featured six motor-driven cars that took riders through a dark cavern. Developed

Miss California pageants were held on the Boardwalk’s Beach Bandstand every year from 1924 to 1966, drawing huge crowds. This is the 1953 pageant.

The Casa del Rey Hotel once stood where our main parking lot is now. Hotel guests could cross Beach Street without going outside. The hotel enjoyed many glamorous decades, ending

This 1924 photo shows the Giant Dipper, still under construction. The unusual angle of the image, also reveals the wooden Boardwalk, and 2 wharfs. In the background you can also

This 1956 photo shows Lou Abbott cleaning the beach with, what looks a lot like, farm equipment. Today we use newer equipment, but the concept of sifting and raking the

Our Beach Bandstand, seen here in the 1970s, has changed a lot over the years. Today’s bandstand is seasonal, removed every winter and rebuilt in the spring… just in time

These 1972 photos show the construction of the Boardwalk’s upper deck. We have informally called it the Hurricane deck in recent years but it’s now becoming the UNDERTOW Deck!

Bay area companies and even national organizations have enjoyed celebrating at the Boardwalk. This 1920 photo shows a large convention enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach. Bring your company

This 1976 photo shows local Jack O’Neill (wetsuit inventor) often cruised around the bay in his hot air balloon which explains the O’Neill logo on the balloon.