Santa Cruz Main Beach

Santa Cruz Main Beach is also known as Boardwalk Beach because it sits in front of the boardwalk amusement park. Dating from 1907, it contains the historic Big Dipper rollercoaster, a swimming pool, mini golf, and restaurants among its attractions.

On the opposite side of the municipal wharf from Cowell Beach, Main Beach faces south and stretches on to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Despite its size, Main Beach can still get crowded on busy days, so when the sun is out its best to get their early.

The beach’s gentle waves make it a good choice for families, with swimmers able to enjoy a zone marked out by buoys that separates them from surfers. Life guards are on duty during the peak periods of the year, and facilities include outdoor showers. However, parking can be difficult to find, and quite pricey when it is.