Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

09/05/2026

The secret ingredient? Time. ⏲️

In today’s Kitchen Chat Episode 5, James Lehman and Executive Chef James Squassoni discuss the art of great barbecue. From juicy brisket smoked overnight to tender ribs seasoned with our signature rub, discover the techniques and attention to detail that bring big barbecue flavor to the Boardwalk. 🔥🍖

🎥 Watch now and see what’s cooking behind the scenes.

09/04/2026

Ready for one last summer hurrah? ☀️

🎢 Make the most of Labor Day weekend at the Boardwalk with thrilling rides, classic treats, beachside fun, and unforgettable memories. Rides are open daily September 4-7, so there's still time to squeeze every last drop out of summer!🍦

🎠 Want to save while you play? Purchase your Ride Wristband online in advance at bit.ly/Boardwalk-Tickets

🏖️ Planning some beach time, too? Please help protect our coast by packing your trash and keeping our beaches beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Have a safe and fantastic holiday weekend!

09/03/2026

Travel back in time to the beginnings of the Boardwalk. This remarkable 1911 panorama, originally presented as a four-panel chromocard, shows the rebuilt Santa Cruz beachfront, including the Sea Beach Hotel, Casino rotunda, Natatorium, Pleasure Pier, Japanese parasol stand, aquarium, dance hall and skating rink, dairy kitchen, bowling alley, and the beach's first thrill ride: the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway, a unique gravity coaster. 🏖️🎢

09/02/2026

✅ Checklist for the perfect Labor Day weekend:

🎢 Thrilling rides
🏖️ Beach time
🎯 Classic games
🕹️ Arcades
🍦 Boardwalk treats

Celebrate the long holiday weekend with family, friends, and all your favorite Boardwalk traditions. The Boardwalk is open daily from Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, giving you plenty of time to soak up every last bit of summer fun. 🎡☀️

📅 View park hours: bit.ly/Boardwalk-Hours

09/02/2026

What is it like to return to the Boardwalk after being away for a while? Join us for a chat with a Guest experiencing their first visit back. From favorite memories to fresh impressions, discover what makes coming back to the Boardwalk feel like coming home. 🎢

🎠 Behind every ride, game, and attraction is a story waiting to be told. Our new series, Talks on the Walk is about sharing the memories, traditions, and connections that have made the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk an iconic gathering place for generations. 🏖️

Through conversations with Team Members and Guests alike, we uncover the experiences that make every visit memorable. ✨

08/31/2026

❄️ The Boardwalk Holiday Bash is BACK! 🎄

Join us on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 6 PM–11 PM at The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center for the ultimate holiday party for small businesses and groups—no stress, all fun. We handle everything, you just show up and celebrate! Featuring a buffet dinner, free arcade play, DJ, photo booths, and so much more. 🪩🕹️🍬

🎟️ Reservations now open: bit.ly/Boardwalk-Holiday-Bash

This is the ultimate holiday party for small businesses and groups—no stress, all fun. We handle everything. You just show up and celebrate!

08/29/2026

It's not too late to register for our annual Boardwalk Fall Campout on September 11! Camping under the stars on the Boardwalk, rides, arcade play, a movie on the beach, and more...don't miss out! Even better, a portion of all registrations will go to help support the American Cancer Society. ⛺️✨🎢

Register by September 6 to secure your spot!
➡️ bit.ly/Boardwalk-Fall-Campout-fb

08/29/2026

What makes the Boardwalk's clam chowder a Guest favorite? 🥣

In Kitchen Chats Episode 4, Food & Beverage Director James Lehman and Executive Chef James Squassoni discuss the growing list of house-made items crafted in Boardwalk kitchens, including one of the Boardwalk's most beloved comfort foods, hearty clam chowder.

🥕🥔 Made from scratch with sautéed vegetables, tender potatoes, spoonfuls of clams, all prepared in a time-tested recipe, every bowl is packed with flavor and tradition.🥄

🎥 Watch now and discover why every bowl, especially in a fresh bread bowl, is packed with comfort and flavor that make it a Boardwalk tradition.

08/27/2026

🎠 Let's take a spin through history with a couple of photos and fun facts about the Boardwalk's oldest ride, the Looff Carousel, as we celebrate its 115th anniversary all month long! 🎉

The 1912 photo shows parents relaxing in rocking chairs while enjoying the music and keeping an eye on their children as they take a spin. Look closely, and you'll spot a beautiful Ruth Band Organ at the heart of the carousel. 🎶

Fast forward to 1928 and notice the platform on the right. A "ring person" would hoist a bucket of rings up the stairs and manually reload the ring machine while the carousel whirled below. By the early 1950s, the Boardwalk's maintenance team had automated the process. 🪣🪜

08/27/2026

Dance into the sunset at Salsa by the Sea! 🌅

Join us August 30 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Colonnade Stage for an evening of FREE outdoor dancing featuring Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Cumbia, and more. With rotating DJs and spectacular ocean views, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening. 🎶 🏖️

Plus, save the date for Fiesta en la Playa - Day 2 on September 27 for even more dancing fun by the beach! 🎉