If you want to experience what a beachfront amusement park was like back in the day, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Opening in 1907, The Boardwalk has been a part of the Santa Cruz beach vacation fabric ever since. When I was in high school we used to go to the Cocoanut Ballroom to hear the hot local bands (Syndicate of Sound, Chocolate Watchband, Count 5). When I was younger I used to love to go to the arcade and get sepia tone baseball cards from the machines. And The Big Dipper was and is ever present - one of the great wooden roller coasters in the world. Interesting to note that in the 1930's and 40's bands such as Stan Kenton, Bennie Goodman, Lionel Hampton and Tommy Dorsey played at the Cocoanut Grove. Good family fun. It will take you 16 minutes to drive the 8.7 miles from The Cabin.
400-500 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00PM-7:00PM. Saturday-Sunday: 11:00AM-7:00PM. beachboardwalk.com