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Enjoy fun stories and helpful tips of the Boardwalk’s past, present, and future.

hand-dipped cone and the Whiting siblings
Jenny Whiting Gump

Whiting’s Foods – Celebrating 70 Years!

With our latest post we continue to honor our concessionaire families, this time commemorating Whiting’s Foods who are celebrating 70 years! To tell the story of this multi-generational family business we have a guest author, Jenny Whiting Gump. Jenny Whiting Gump is 5th generation working at Whiting’s Foods. As the Director of Marketing, she leads communication efforts to promote fun foods and job opportunities at Whiting’s Foods. Combining her love for ice cream and writing, she enjoys telling stories about her family’s legacy and we are happy to showcase her storytelling with this amazing history of the family business.

Celebrate with us and read on to learn about the 70-year history of Whiting’s Foods–You may have your own special Whiting’s Food memory to share as well…

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Hot Dog on a Stick and Charles Fitzsimmons

Twisselman Enterprises Celebrates 90 Years at the Boardwalk

This year a key Boardwalk family celebrates their 90th year at the amusement park. As we salute the legacy of Twisselman Enterprises we recall the decades long journey of their operations at the beach. The story begins in 1934 when current concession owner Matt Twisselman’s grandfather, Charles J. Fitzsimmons began operating games at the Boardwalk. Read on to discover the evolution of one of the longest operating Boardwalk concessionaires.

Jessica Alfaro

Employee Spotlight: Jessica Alfaro

Jessica Alfaro is Assistant General Manager and Director of Operations for the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, where she ensures that the Boardwalk is running smoothly and that guests have a safe, top-notch experience. A true Santa Cruz native, Jessica has several family members that have been employed at the Boardwalk, including her mom who once worked in Ticket Sales and Parking. Jessica has worn many hats at the Boardwalk over the years, since beginning her “summer job” 26 years ago, from Game Operator to Guest Services Manager.

Easter Egg Hunt

Get Ready, Get Set, Go…Remembering the Boardwalk’s Easter Egg Hunt

Spring Break marks the traditional start of the season for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Although the park has added many winter events over the years, with Spring Break the promotion of the Boardwalk begins in earnest. In the early 1980s Marq Lipton joined the Boardwalk to oversee promotions and events. Join him as he remembers one of his favorite, and most challenging, Spring Break promotions, the long-established Easter Egg Hunt. It may even stir up your own memories of this fun and exciting event!

Guests eating

Unique and Healthy Food Options That Just Might Surprise You

Since the beginning, food has been at the heart of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Many remember the savory and sweet aromas of turnover pies sold from 1917-1968, or have tried the beloved corndogs that have been enjoyed since opening day. Today, the Boardwalk’s culinary team makes it their mission to elevate the traditional theme park dining experience by serving a diverse variety of delectable treats that match anyone’s palette—fueling guests up so they are ready to enjoy a day of rides and fun. Check out my round-up of healthy and unique California-style dining options that you might not realize can be found at the ‘walk.

Charles and Laurence in office

A Leadership Legacy – Presidents of the Boardwalk

Occasionally on the blog we post employee profiles illuminating an individual’s role within the Santa Cruz Seaside Company and the contributions they make. Today we turn that focus to select group of prevalent characters from the past 107 years: the seven presidents of the Santa Cruz Seaside Company. Join me as a we take a quick stroll through the history of Boardwalk leadership and see how their influence shaped the park we know today.

Guide to Winter Wonderland at the Boardwalk

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there are few places more special to celebrate the holidays than the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The magic of the season paired with clear views of a sparkling Pacific Ocean, plus colorful holiday lights and decor (like a 3-story Christmas tree!) is enough to make you wish the holidays lasted all year long. With so much to do at the ‘Walk this winter, I’ve rounded up my list of must-dos for the season.

Midget Motorboats

From a Dance Pavilion to a Motorboat Ride – the Architecture Never Changed

The midget motorboats have been gone since 1953. I have a very vague, 5-year-old’s memory of attempting to steer one of those self-powered wooden wonders with my dad at my side. The attraction existed at the far end of the Boardwalk near the San Lorenzo River. The boats were the real thing – plywood crafts, powered by gasoline engines that could be steered in a circular tank, wide enough for three to travel side-by-side. I’m not talking about the kiddie Speed Boats we still have today.  (I rode those, too, as a young child.)

Undertow Rollercoaster

5 Boardwalk Pro Tips to Maximize Your Visit

Every year families travel from near and far to create picturesque memories at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Return visitors typically have a handful of favorite rides and snacks they simply can’t miss—like the Giant Dipper or our famous funnel cake —while first-timers are eager to explore anything and

Loof Carousel

A Boardwalk Balancing Act: Nostalgia vs. Innovation

As California’s oldest surviving amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a part of the West Coast’s culture and history since 1907. While many other major seaside parks along the Pacific Coast have disappeared over the last century, the Boardwalk has persevered—celebrating over 115 years of laughter and memories. Today, the Boardwalk is home to more than 40 rides and attractions, 26 midway games, 31 food outlets, 2 arcades, a mini-golf course, a laser tag arena, and a bowling center.

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