Once Known As The ‘Coney Island Of The West,’ California’s Oldest Amusement Park Is An Immersive Seaside Time Capsule

Did you know that California’s oldest surviving [amusement park](https://secretlosangeles.com/theme-parks-los-angeles/) is up the coast in Santa Cruz? The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been an iconic family destination for well over a century, and it still preserves historic rides and retro elements that feel like a sort of living time capsule. From its historic rides to a memorable cameo in *The Lost Boys*, here’s a closer look at one of California’s most iconic destinations. History of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ----------------------------------------- The Boardwalk’s origins can be traced back to California’s public bathhouse history during the late nineteenth century. The growth of these coastal attractions led entrepreneur Fred W. Swanton to open the Boardwalk in 1907, billing it as the “Coney Island of the West,” complete with a casino and theater. It was the first major seaside amusement park on the West Coast, contributing to Santa Cruz’s popularity as a premier leisure destination. The 1911 Looff Carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster are easily the Boardwalk’s most emblematic rides. Both of them have been standing mostly unchanged since opening over 100 years ago, and they are National Historic Landmarks. Over the decades, the Boardwalk has added more rides and attractions to blend with its most classic ones. Some popular ones include the Cave Train , a cute family ride added in 1961; and the Sky Glider , a gentle aerial tram added in 1967. Recently, the new Surge ride debuted in 2024 as a high-thrill attraction that spins riders 360 degrees. Just as the rides and environment tap into that classic Americana, the Boardwalk’s food vendors follow suit with carnival foods such as fresh-dipped corn dogs, funnel cakes, and chocolate-dipped soft serve. You can also stop by Marini’s on the Beach , a Santa Cruz institution that’s been serving saltwater taffy and sweets since 1915. The Boardwalk’s retro amusement park landscape has drawn numerous Hollywood film crews over the years. While the 1987 vampire film *The Lost Boys * is the most iconic, you may also recognize it from *Sudden Impact* (1983), *Dangerous Minds* (1995), *Bumblebee* (2018), and *Us* (2019). Visiting the Boardwalk today ---------------------------- The Boardwalk is publicly accessible right on Santa Cruz’s Main Beach, so you don’t need to pay an entrance fee to check it out. Guests purchase tickets by the ride or buy a wristband. On-site parking costs $20-30 per car . You can also look for parking on East Cliff Drive or park downtown and take a shuttle. 🌐 Learn more : Santa Cruz beach Boardwalk Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/santa-cruz-beach-boardwalk-history-california/