Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s 118th Season Serves Up Iconic Eats and New Culinary Delights

As the summer sun warms the California coast, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is celebrating its 118th season not just with its classic rides, but with a culinary lineup that is capturing the attention of visitors. This iconic amusement park, a staple of the Pacific shoreline, is blending time-honored favorites with innovative new menu items, creating a unique food experience that complements its oceanfront thrills.

The park’s management emphasizes that creating lasting memories is at the heart of their operation. This philosophy extends directly to their food offerings, where a significant emphasis is placed on freshness and quality. From hand-dipped corn dogs made with a special house batter to made-to-order fried zucchini and artichoke hearts, the commitment to preparation is evident. Even the lemonade is freshly squeezed on-site, ensuring a burst of authentic flavor with every sip.

What Food Should You Not Miss at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

For first-time visitors or returning enthusiasts, navigating the culinary landscape can be a delightful challenge. The classic treats remain a powerful draw. The park’s churros, for instance, are a standout item because they are cooked on-site. They are hand-extruded from specially sourced flour, a process that distinguishes them from typical frozen alternatives and results in a superior, fresher taste. For an ultimate indulgence, the churro sundae is a highly recommended combination of this warm, cinnamon treat with cool, creamy ice cream.

Another legendary offering is the Sandae, a frozen confection with deep local roots. Contrary to what the spelling might suggest, it is not an ice cream sundae. It consists of graham crackers layered with chocolate malt, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in almonds. This treat has been a Boardwalk specialty since even before the current food operators took over in the 1950s and is considered a historic rival to San Francisco’s famous It’s-It.

This season also introduces several new items that push creative boundaries. These include a fresh crab sandwich developed in partnership with a local bakery, a hearty smoked brisket sandwich featuring house-made beef, generously sized hand-rolled pretzels, and hand-dipped chicken tenders. These additions provide new reasons for even the most frequent guests to revisit the boardwalk’s food stalls.

The enduring appeal of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk lies in its perfect blend of nostalgic charm and continuous innovation. While the scream of the rollercoasters and the scent of the ocean are timeless, the park’s dedication to elevating its food game ensures that every visit offers a new taste of its 118-year legacy. For an unforgettable experience that engages all the senses, plan your visit and come hungry.

Must Know

What is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk known for?
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic seaside amusement park famous for its classic rides, arcade games, and stunning ocean views. It is equally renowned for its diverse and high-quality food offerings, ranging from classic corn dogs and churros to unique local specialties like the Sandae.

What are the new food items at the Boardwalk this year?
New culinary additions for the 118th season include a fresh crab sandwich made with local bakery bread, a smoked brisket sandwich with house-made beef, large hand-rolled pretzels, and hand-dipped chicken tenders, all created to expand the park’s food experience.

Why are the Boardwalk’s churros considered special?
The churros are considered a standout item because they are not frozen imports. They are cooked on-site using equipment and flour that are specially sourced, and the dough is hand-extruded, resulting in a fresher, crispier, and more flavorful churro than typically found at amusement parks.

What is a Boardwalk Sandae?
The Sandae is a historic Boardwalk frozen treat. It features graham crackers with a chocolate malt center, which is then dipped in chocolate and rolled in almonds. It is a unique dessert that has been a park signature for decades.

Is there an emphasis on fresh ingredients at the Boardwalk?
Yes, there is a strong commitment to freshness. Many items, including the lemonade, fried vegetables, and corn dogs, are made-to-order. The management emphasizes sourcing quality ingredients and preparing food on-site to ensure the best possible flavor for guests.