Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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Theme Park:	Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (since 1907)

Address:	400 Beach St
	95060 Santa Cruz
	https://beachboardwalk.com/

Operated by:	Santa Cruz Seaside Company

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California, is one of America’s classic seaside amusement parks. Opened in 1907 along the shores of Monterey Bay, the Boardwalk has welcomed generations of visitors and remains closely connected to the traditional beach and amusement park culture of the California coast.

At the heart of the park is the Giant Dipper, the historic wooden roller coaster that has been operating since 1924 and remains one of the Boardwalk’s most recognizable attractions. It is joined by a varied collection of thrill rides, family attractions and classic amusement park rides, including the historic Looff Carousel. With the beach just steps away, the rides and surrounding boardwalk naturally blend into the lively atmosphere of the Santa Cruz waterfront.

More than a century after opening, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk still feels like a true California seaside amusement park. Historic rides, the beach and the Pacific Ocean are all part of the experience, giving the Boardwalk a charm that has grown over generations.

Reviews

A short visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Highlights of the Amusement Park

Giant Dipper

A true classic

Rock-O-Plane

The interactive looping ride

Undertow

A fun spinning coaster

TKathke February 18, 2024 August 9, 2026 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

SeaWorld San Diego

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Theme Park:	Sea World San Diego (since 1964)

Address:	500 Sea World Dr.
	92109 San Diego
	https://seaworld.com/san-diego/

Operated by:	United Parks & Resorts

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, is the original SeaWorld park and has been part of Mission Bay since 1964. What started as a marine park built around aquariums, animals and live shows has changed significantly over the years. Roller coasters and thrill rides have become a major part of the park, while its connection to the ocean remains visible throughout.

Emperor, Electric Eel, Manta and Arctic Rescue make up a varied coaster lineup, joined by the longtime favorite Journey to Atlantis. SeaWorld’s original focus is still very much present as well, with large aquariums and habitats featuring sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and many other species. The park’s location along Mission Bay provides a fitting backdrop, with water and coastal views never far away.

SeaWorld San Diego has come a long way since 1964. What was once primarily a marine park is now a place where you can spend the morning watching dolphins and penguins and the afternoon riding some of San Diego’s largest roller coasters.

Reviews

A visit to the original SeaWorld

Highlights of the Sea Mammal Amusement Park

Arctic Rescue

The awesome family launch coaster

Electric Eel

The Sky Rocket

Emperor

The dive coaster

Journey to Atlantis

A great water coaster

Manta

Flying through the park

Shipwreck Rapids

A great rapids adventure

TKathke February 17, 2024 August 9, 2026 SeaWorld San Diego

Legoland California

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Theme Park:	Legoland California (since 1999)
	Part of the Resort Legoland California Resort

Address:	One Legoland Dr.
	92008 Carlsbad
	https://www.legoland.com/california/

Operated by:	Merlin Entertainments Group

Legoland California in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, was the first LEGOLAND park to open in the United States. Since welcoming its first guests in 1999, the park has grown into a full resort while remaining firmly focused on families with younger children. LEGO models and playful details can be found throughout the park, giving even the simpler rides their own distinctive character.

At the heart of the park is Miniland USA, where millions of LEGO bricks recreate famous landmarks and cities from across the country. Around it, visitors will find a wide variety of family rides, interactive attractions and several small roller coasters, including Coastersaurus and The Dragon. Over the years, new themed areas have expanded the park beyond the traditional LEGO themes, while the adjacent water park and SEA LIFE Aquarium add even more to the resort.

LEGOLAND California is very much a park designed around children rather than thrill seekers. Its combination of LEGO-themed attractions, hands-on experiences and an impressive amount of detail makes it particularly enjoyable for families looking to spend a full day – or more – at the resort.

Reviews

A short visit to Legoland California