Santa Cruz
Theme Parks

Weeeee!!!  Ahhhhh!!!!  Yeehaw!!!

There is nothing like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Big Dipper to get the heart pumping! Here is a list of Santa Cruz and other close by Theme Parks! This guide is especially useful to help you identify age appropriate theme parks for the young, very young and young at heart! And yes, even ornery teenagers may find our list useful…DUH! 

There are several major theme parks just an hour or so away from Santa Cruz, so we included them here just incase you needed a quick 'coaster fix.

To search other vacation locations, go to our Destination Explorer and search away! 

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Santa Cruz

Voted the world’s Best Seaside Amusement Park in 2007 and 2008, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features both modern and classic thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling, all located on a mile-long sandy beach. On the south end of the park, is their section for young kids. The admission-free Boardwalk offers affordable ticket options and free summer entertainment. A truly unique California experience! 

Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy

(formally Bonfante Gardens) 

The family oriented theme park has over 40 rides, gardens and exhibits.  The Park's mission is to entertain and educate families — especially young children — making it the most family friendly theme park in the region.   

Great America – San Jose

Great America was recently voted the Bay Area's most exciting theme park! Along with their ultra thrill seeking rides, they have Planet Snoopy – a section dedicated to the younger children.

Six Flags – Vallejo

The park is a 135-acre park featuring awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions. This park has something for all ages. It has rides specifically designed for thrill seekers, teens, tots and the whole family. If amusement rides are not your thing, they have plenty of animal exhibits and shows.