Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Main Beach

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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Main Beach

Photo: Josta Photo · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🏖️ Beach · Santa Cruz

3.5 hours · $$ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 3.0
1–3 yrs
★ 4.0
3–5 yrs
★ 4.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 45 min drive
    From Sunnyvale · Parking: Boardwalk lot $20-40 in summer; free street parking farther out
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Great on sunny days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 3.5 hours
    Best seasons: Summer · Spring · Fall

A wide sandy beach right next to the free-entry Boardwalk, which has a whole section of toddler rides (mini train, little boats, carousel) that you pay for per ride.

💡 Tips
Many rides require an adult for kids under 36 inches; load a small amount on a play card. Weekdays or mornings are less crowded; you can pair it with the Roaring Camp beach train.

What this place offers

✓beach
✓toddler rides
✓carousel
✓arcade
✓snacks
✓restrooms

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This weekend's weather in Santa Cruz

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 61–92°F · 0% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 59–72°F · 0% rain

Location

Santa Cruz, California

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