Start with the Giant Dipper
The Giant Dipper opened in 1924. That date is worth pausing over before the ride: this wooden coaster has been part of the Santa Cruz waterfront for more than a century. Calling it the Boardwalk’s biggest thrill is our editorial pick; the long history is a matter of record.
There’s more history beside it
The park dates to 1907. Both the Giant Dipper and the Looff Carousel are National Historic Landmarks, according to the Boardwalk’s official history. That makes a visit an unusually direct encounter with the past: these are attractions people still come to enjoy, not just objects behind glass.
Check the calendar before you promise a ride
Look up operating days and attraction information before setting out, especially if one particular ride is the reason for your visit. Decide what you want to spend and start with your must-do. If the group splits between thrill-seekers and people happier watching the beachfront scene, leave room for both. Nobody needs to turn a day at the Boardwalk into a completion test.