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 BoardwalkThe 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 BoardwalkSanta 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 BoardwalkSanta 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 BoardwalkMany 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 BoardwalkFood 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 BoardwalkThe 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 BoardwalkSanta 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.