About This Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach, also known as Boardwalk Beach, is the lively heart of Santa Cruz’s coastline, fronting the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park with its vintage wooden roller coaster and other rides. This wide, sandy beach offers gentle waves perfect for swimming and beginner surfing, while the adjacent San Lorenzo River mouth provides a calmer area for families with small children. The Municipal Wharf extends into Monterey Bay, offering dining with ocean views and fishing opportunities. During summer, the beach hosts free Friday night concerts and movies on the beach, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.