Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Reviews Anyone?

[Disneyphile]

So, Ken and I are considering this attraction on our upcoming trip. Has anyone been? Is it worth a little drive from San Jose?

We figure it's worth hanging out a bit for atmosphere (unless it's ghetto) and a good place for some interesting photography.

[wolfy999]

It's fun and quaint...worth a visit, not ghetto at all. The Wolfpack always makes a trip there for an afternoon when we are in the area. One of our favorite restaurants is on the Pier and the photography opportunites are endless.

[innerSpaceman]

I haven't been in years, but in general Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places on earth. The boardwalk is neato nostalgia fun. The cliffside shoreline just north of there is beautiful and often has sea lions just off shore. The town is quaint and the people are wonderful.

Yes, recommend.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I went up after Nic&Robin got hitched. Had a fantastic time and wanting to go back. Rode the Big Dipper 10 times. Some pics up on Myspace

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=40909299&albumId=2324543

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I haven't been there in >25 years. When I was a kid, my grandparents lived in San Jose. Every time I'd go to visit them, they'd take me to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The highlight of my trip there was playing skee-ball. Also noteworthy because back then (I hope they still have it), they still had a carousel where riders would try to get a brass ring.

Memories....

I imagine it's changed so much I wouldn't even recognize the place now.

[Andrew]

I imagine it's changed so much I wouldn't even recognize the place now.

Take a look (http://www.beachboardwalk.com/) - I bet it's pretty much the same.

Also recommend.

[Deebs]

I haven't been in years either, but have many fond memories of the boardwalk, New Brighton, Capitola -- and seeing bands at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz. There's a fine view of Monterey Bay and the boardwalk from The Dream Inn, (http://http://www.dreaminnsantacruz.com/overview/) which used to be a funky old place but now appears to have been re-done in swanky boutique style.

[Alex]

We don't ride any of the rides but we enjoy the occasional day there (just last weekend, in fact). If you're going to be in the area anyway I would go. I wouldn't drive all the way up from LA just for the boardwalk, though.

Also, if this is an upcoming trip make sure they're open when you're there.

[CoasterMatt]

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is everything that DCA wishes Paradise Pier would be.

One of the best small parks in California, with a fun selection of rides, and a lot of history folded in to the mix. Make sure you ride the carousel and grab the ring!

[SacTown Chronic]

Well worth the drive from San Jose. I give it my highest recommendation.

[Snowflake]

I've not been in a while and I love the Big Dipper and the carousel. I think I still have a ring from it in my jewelry box....

[Deebs]

I've not been in a while and I love the Big Dipper and the carousel. I think I still have a ring from it in my jewelry box....

My daughter went to the boardwalk with a friend last year and came home with one of those rings. She loved Santa Cruz.

The Dream Inn, which used to be a funky old place but now appears to have been re-done in swanky boutique style.

The link from my earlier post was bad, sorry.

All better, I hope: Dream Inn Santa Cruz
(http://www.dreaminnsantacruz.com/overview/)