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Politics and Activism

A Brief History Of The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

William Escobar
Sep 28, 2015
University of California Santa Cruz
563
A Brief History Of The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a family-operated entertainment hotspot adored by many tourists, students, and locals. It is one of the last standing seaside amusement parks in the United States. The Boardwalk's founding can be traced back to 1865. In 1868, John Leibrandt built a bathhouse, swimming tank, and entertainment house. While Captain C. F. Miller opened the Neptune Baths in 1884. Soon, the Boardwalk concessions began to spring up and that included famous restaurants, photo stands, and various shops. Fred W. Swanton, a businessman and mayor of Santa Cruz, expanded the county of Santa Cruz, and he led the plans for the creation of the Boardwalk. He wanted to create a beach resort city, a Coney Island of the West; Santa Cruz was no longer the tiny lumber city it once was.

Two of the rides at The Santa Cruz Boardwalk are National Historic Landmarks. The 1924 wooden rollercoaster named the Giant Dipper and the Looff Carousel's are two historic attractions that are still in use today. There is also a modern arcade section with various pinball machines, claw machines, and video games. The Boardwalk has a laser tag and bowling arena, as well. There's a wide selection of carnival food options and other gourmet food available between attractions.


The Santa Cruz Boardwalk annually hosts the Boardwalk Frolic during UC Santa Cruz's welcome week, when the park is closed for everyone except UCSC students. Many people go to this event and visit the Boardwalk with their friends. It's an amazing experience filled with laughter and rollercoaster thrills. I, for one, really enjoyed the Frolic this year. I'm blessed to be attending UC Santa Cruz because I can travel to the Boardwalk whenever I want. It's also close to the beach, and I can ride my skateboard around the area. The Boardwalk is a fantastic place to create everlasting memories, and I urge you to visit it someday.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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