The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A Century by the Sea

Warm sand and cool surf. The sweet scent of cotton candy and the thrill of your first roller coaster ride. These are the kinds of memories the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has inspired over its first hundred years as one of America'??s oldest and most beloved seaside amusement parks.Colorfully illustrated with archival images of famous attractions, unforgettable performances, and vintage memorabilia, THE SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK tells the vibrant history behind this premier California tourist destination. Born in 1907 out of beachfront bathhouses and the ashes of Santa Cruz'??s first Casino, this "Coney Island of the West" is home to National Historic Landmarks like the enchanting Looff Carousel and the classic Giant Dipper roller coaster, as well as dozens of other rides, games, shops, and venues, including the historic Cocoanut Grove, the award-winning Casino Arcade, and Neptune'??s Kingdom. The origins of these Boardwalk treasures are detailed here, along with profiles of famous personalities and loyal concessionaires who have put a friendly face on the Boardwalk for more than a century.A dazzling pageant of Americana, pop culture, and amusement park history in the making, this delightful tribute to the Boardwalk will rekindle recollections of sea breezes and saltwater taffy for years to come.

The Santa Cruz Seaside Company has owned the Boardwalk since 1915. Led by the Canfield family, it has received local and state honors for its business practices. The Seaside Company has succeeded in preserving the Boardwalk’s nostalgic charm while keeping pace with the latest entertainment trends.