Small but popular, this walk up pizzeria features slices and whole pies to eat in or take out. Order at the counter, where pizzas are displayed for by-the-slice sales. You can watch the cooks work as you relax in a booth under dramatic surfing photos, and actual surfboards hanging through out the restaurant. Sidewalk seating on the busy downtown mall is available. Kid friendly and fast, this is a quick stop for a local favorite, in business for 30 years. You'll find this small independent chain in several college towns on the Central California Coast.
The Beach Street Cafe is warm, friendly and a great spot for low-key dining. With walls covered in an array of Maxfield Parrish art and a super-friendly staff, this is the place to get out of the hub-bub of beach activities and relax for a bit. Brunch specials as well classic favorites will keep everyone well fed. Champagne brunch is served every day.
Taqueria Santa Cruz, family owned and operated, was established in 1991. With a menu written in both Spanish and English, you know the food just has to be authentic. You'll find the usual choices of meats: pork, beef, chicken, chorizo. Others that you won't likely see on any other menu: goat and beef head are all here. Tacos, burritos, nachos, tostadas, seafood dishes, combination plates and other classic Mexican dishes round out the menu. The restaurant is clean and spacious with lively Mexican music playing in the background.
This admission-free amusement park is directly on the beach in Santa Cruz. It's open year-round and features activities and events for both adults and children.
Must-See Attractions at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk's wooden rollercoaster, Giant Dipper, is the fifth-oldest in the United States and can hit speeds of up to 46 miles per hour. Another thriller is Undertow, a spinning roller coaster that makes each ride unique due to changing speed and rotation. Visitors seeking a little less thrill should visit Fright Walk, where it's hard to say what's lurking around the next corner.
Where to Stay Near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz has numerous lodging options, some of which are close to the beach. One of the closest options is Carousel Beach Inn; Sea & Sand Inn is another nearby and attractive option because every room has an ocean view. Families who need a little more room can check out Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is busiest in the summer thanks to many special events. If crowds aren't a concern and visitors want to see the free concerts and movies, summer weekends are best. There's less of a crowd after 5 p.m. on summer weekends. No matter the season, weekdays are perfect for less crowded visits.
Discounts at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Many hotels in the area offer Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk discounts, as does the Boardwalk's website. Costco members also buy special tickets that give them unlimited rides for two days at a discount of about 25-35 percent.
Food at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Food carts abound at the Boardwalk. Visitors can find all the standard fare like burgers, ice cream and pretzels for $3-$8. There are also numerous restaurants with a range of food costing $5-$15. Restaurant choices include Dipper Diner, which features sandwiches, popcorn chicken and deep-friend cheese cake, and the popular Surf City Grill, with must-try fresh-dipped corndogs and large donuts.
Parking at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The closest parking to the Boardwalk is also the most expensive, at about $15-$20 for all-day parking. The Boardwalk also runs a shuttle from the Government Center on Ocean Street; the shuttle is free and parking is $10-$15.
Transportation Alternatives at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Metro's route 3 has several stops along Beach Street, which is right beside the Boardwalk. Routes 19 and 20 also have stops that are a few blocks away. Visitors parking in downtown Santa Cruz can also take the Santa Cruz Trolley from late May through early September.
Author's bio: Elizabeth Xu is a freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area, though she hails from the Midwest. Follow her travels @ElizabethMXu.
Ristorante Italiano is a Santa Cruz classic that has been serving delicious Italian food since 1980. The charming interior, with its red-and-white checkered tablecloths, green accents and straw-enclosed wine bottles, will transport you to an Italian village where good food, family and friends are all on the menu. This is the ambiance that owners John and Julie Clymer wished to create, and once you experience Ristorante Italiano's pastas, entrees and desserts, you'll find they've succeeded.
