The Beach Boardwalk is an iconic part of the City of Santa Cruz. Every since it opened in 1907, the Boardwalk has been a perfect spot for family's trips to the beach. The Boardwalk offers visitors the pleasure of relaxing on a beach as well as roller coasters and rides for the more fearless people. Tourists first started coming to Santa Cruz in 1865, because "John Leibrandt built a public bathhouse near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River" (Schiffrin 1). By the end of the 19th century plans were being laid for a casino and boardwalk to be built similar to Coney Island. The new Cocoanut Grove ballroom, an indoor swimming pool, pleasure pier, and a boardwalk, opened in June of 1907. The Giant Dipper roller coaster opened in 1924 and continues to thrill riders today. The Giant Dipper, a 70 feet tall red and white roller coaster, is an iconic ride at the Boardwalk. The Giant Dipper is the oldest roller coaster in California. Ever since it was built over 60 million have experienced the Giant Dipper and till this day it remains to be the a key attraction at the Boardwalk.

    Cowell Beach is located to the right of the Boardwalk and is a popular surf spot. The waves on the beach are not very large and go for long distances making them perfect for beginner surfers. The beach was previously owned by Henry Cowell, the owner of Cowell Lime works, and was donated to the people of Santa Cruz after Henry Cowell death. The beach currently is facing high bacteria counts and the source of the bacteria is poorly understood as of now.