Santa Cruz Boardwalk & Redwoods

Rides, beach time and a steam train through the redwoods. Big fun for a short drive.

1.25 hrs drive · 1–2 days · Best for toddlers to big kids · Apr–Oct

Day 1: Boardwalk

11:00 Rides and arcade at the Boardwalk
1:30 Beach time right below the rides
5:00 Dinner by the wharf; check which end is open before promising sea lions (the far end collapsed in Dec 2024)

Boardwalk rides open at noon. Arrive before then to get parking without stress, because crowds build through the afternoon. Street meters take dollar coins from a machine. 510 Families
For little kids, parents name the Boardwalk Racers pedal cars, the Wave Rider slide and Bulgy the Whale. Use shoes that stay on, since a shoe lost from the Sky Glider is a hassle. 510 Families
Where the San Lorenzo River meets the beach, it forms calm, shallow pools. Little kids can wade there away from the surf. Trips With Tykes
If you do both beach and rides, have one parent drop the towels and beach gear at the car. The lots across the street make that easy. One family shared a single ride card among four people instead of buying a card for each. 510 Families
The Henry Cowell Redwood Grove loop is under a mile, flat and wide, so it is easy for small kids. Look for banana slugs, and kids can wave at the steam train when it passes. Parking is $10, and the lot fills on summer weekends. We Are Outgrown
Roaring Camp has limited seats, so reserve the train ahead. Parents call the open cars through the redwoods the highlight. 510 Families

Go on a Sunday morning to beat crowds
Rides close seasonally, so check the schedule
Bring quarters for the arcade
Most Boardwalk rides close in winter and run short hours in late fall; the arcade stays open