Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Reviews Anyone?

Disneyphile · 10-03-2009, 09:46 AM

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 · 10-03-2009, 09:51 AM

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 · 10-03-2009, 09:54 AM

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 · 10-03-2009, 10:18 AM

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/inde...lbumId=2324543

SzczerbiakManiac · 10-03-2009, 12:02 PM

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 · 10-03-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SzczerbiakManiac

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

Take a look - I bet it's pretty much the same.

Also recommend.

Deebs · 10-03-2009, 12:23 PM

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

Alex · 10-03-2009, 06:40 PM

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 · 10-04-2009, 12:05 PM

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 · 10-05-2009, 09:03 AM

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

10-03-2009, 09:46 AM	#1
Disneyphile SQUIRREL! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: On the curbside. Posts: 5,098	Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Reviews Anyone? 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.
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 09:51 AM	#2
wolfy999 Eyes like Sapphires! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2.4 miles from Disneyland Posts: 1,523	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. __________________ Diane "Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy." - George Carlin 1937-2008 DISNEY IS FINALLY PAYING ME BACK......STILL OWES ME ABOUT (oh, wait....way too much)!
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 09:54 AM	#3
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	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.
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 10:18 AM	#4
Bornieo: Fully Loaded Lego Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Disneyland, USA Posts: 3,704	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/inde...lbumId=2324543
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 12:02 PM	#5
SzczerbiakManiac "ZER-bee-ak" Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4,409	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. __________________
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 12:23 PM	#7
Deebs ... Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 961	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, which used to be a funky old place but now appears to have been re-done in swanky boutique style.
	Submit to Quotes

10-03-2009, 06:40 PM	#8
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	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.
	Submit to Quotes

10-04-2009, 12:05 PM	#9
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	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! __________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
	Submit to Quotes

10-05-2009, 09:03 AM	#10
SacTown Chronic the myth of the dream Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,217	Well worth the drive from San Jose. I give it my highest recommendation. __________________ Is it the fingers, or the brain that you're teaching a lesson?
	Submit to Quotes