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S.F. Bay Area — California
No. California Coastside
Santa Cruz

Fun & Sun in Northern California
The Santa Cruz Beach, Boardwalk and Amusement Park is considered one of the best places for fun and sun in Northern California.

Visitors and locals alike come to Santa Cruz to enjoy its beautiful sandy beaches and to ride its world-famous wooden Giant Dipper Roller-Coaster — built in 1924, it's a National Historic Landmark. Santa Cruz Boardwalk offers a variety of thrilling rides and fun attractions.

Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach
During Summer months, FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach is a big draw for locals and tourists alike — you can't beat a concert on the beach. Feast on Corndogs, Cotton Candy and all your favorite beach and amusement park foods. Enjoy two free shows each Friday at 6:30pm and 8:30pm on the Beach Bandstand.

Location
Santa Cruz Coastside is located on the north-side of Monterey Bay — nestled between Half Moon Bay and Monterey.

Heading south from Santa Cruz along the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), enjoy spectacular Monterey Bay scenery, with rolling hills on the left, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views on the right.

FUN Outdoor Recreational Activities
In addition to its famous Beach and Boardwalk, Santa Cruz offers a variety of fun outdoor recreational activities and watersports, including Golf, Tennis, Biking, Surfing, Swimming, Hiking, Diving, Deep-Sea Fishing, Kayaking, and Whale-Watching.

Dining & Shopping
Santa Cruz also has fun restaurants and cafes, boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries.

Boardwalk Amusement Park Rides
Photos of Boardwalk Amusement Park Rides, Games & Attractions

Santa Cruz & Capitola Restaurants

Save Time — Book a Santa Cruz or Capitola Restaurant Reservation
using OpenTable

Relaxing Weekend Getaway
and Corporate Retreat
Close to San Francisco, the S.F. Peninsula and the South Bay, Santa Cruz is a popular retreat for both business and pleasure.

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Santa Cruz
Hotels and Lodging

Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk

Fun Annual Events

Ducky Derby & Carnival
Ducky Derby & Carnival takes place every year at Harvey West Park, Friendship Gardens, Santa Cruz. Fun event for the whole family — watch as your "adopted" yellow rubber duck makes its way down a 75-ft waterway. Fun Prizes — gift certificates, getaways and more. Live entertainment and food. Free admission. 10:30am-3:30pm. 831-479-4070

Annual Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival
The Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival is held annually (around Springtime) and features more than 150 of the world's best paddle-powered surfers (including new stand-up paddling). Free to spectators — get great views on the cliff top park that overlooks the contest. Event also includes food booths, music and play-by-play contest coverage.

More Info
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beaches

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Amusement Park Rides

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