Long known for its iconic rides, ocean views, and classic treats, the Boardwalk is experiencing a meaningful evolution—one that’s centered around something every Guest experiences: the food!
I know there are many new and long-standing menu items I’ll be treating myself to this season. You might just catch me out on the Boardwalk with one of my favorites: a Smash Burger, Crab Sandwich, or Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
Behind that evolution is a deliberate effort led by Boardwalk leadership including Director of Food & Beverage, James Lehman and Executive Chef James Squassoni, who have been focused on elevating both the quality and variety of food available throughout the park. The goal isn’t just to add new menu items—it’s to elevate what dining at the Boardwalk can be.
A More Intentional Approach to Food
The Boardwalk has taken significant steps to refine its culinary offerings. That means expanded Chef created food offerings that are made onsite, not frozen or premade, new concepts, and ensuring that each food location delivers a satisfying, memorable experience.
“With the addition of our new Seaside Company Culinary Team of Professional Chefs, we are focused on elevating and refining our food offerings across the Boardwalk,” said James Lehman. ”Our goal is to deliver high quality, consistent food experiences at every location we operate.
The journey is already underway, and guests can see and taste the improvements throughout many of our restaurants. Some enhancements are subtle, such as the introduction of new signature sauces on our hamburgers and chicken sandwiches, while others are more significant like the complete menu transformation of our Beachside BBQ location. There, we now season and smoke our brisket and ribs in-house every day, bringing a high level of freshness and quality to the guest experience.”
From chef-driven items to reimagined Boardwalk classics, the focus has been clear: give Guests more reasons to explore, taste, and come back for something new.
This approach reflects a broader understanding of today’s Guest expectations. Food is no longer an afterthought—it’s part of the destination.
From Amusement Park Fare to Food Destination
The results of that focus are starting to show.
Across the park, Guests can now find craveable, trend-forward offerings like smash burgers, slow-smoked BBQ, dirty sodas, beignets, and a wider range of fresh, high-quality options that go beyond traditional amusement park fare. These aren’t just convenient meals between rides—they’re experiences in their own right.
And importantly, people are starting to notice.
Media and Influencers Are Taking Note
Local media and food influencers have begun to highlight the changes underway at the Boardwalk, signaling a shift in perception.
Recent coverage from Lookout Santa Cruz points to the growing momentum around the Boardwalk’s evolving food scene. In a June 2026 feature, food writer Lily Belli described the park’s offerings as “highlighting the Boardwalk’s expanding culinary options,” while also noting standout items like smash burgers and house-smoked brisket.
That sentiment is reinforced with even stronger praise when it comes to execution. After trying the Boardwalk’s smash burger, Belli wrote, “It’s delightfully messy and satisfying. In fact, I would return to the Boardwalk just for this burger.” [lookout.co]
On social media, local food influencers are echoing that enthusiasm and amplifying it to new audiences.
Creator EatWithTanika, for example, shared multiple posts exploring the breadth of food options across the park—spotlighting the variety of experiences available and encouraging followers to make time for food as part of their visit.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Similarly, Double Meat Please has highlighted specific offerings like smash burgers and beachside BBQ, calling attention to the quality, flavor, and visual appeal of the Boardwalk’s evolving menu. Their content reflects a growing trend: Guests seeking out specific food destinations within the park.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Together, these voices reinforce what Guests are beginning to experience firsthand: the food at the Boardwalk is not only improved—it’s worth talking about.
A Better Guest Experience—From Start to Finish
At its core, this transformation is about enhancing the overall Guest experience.
Whether it’s families looking for something everyone can enjoy, locals stopping by for a quick meal, or visitors seeking out “must-try” food moments, the Boardwalk is delivering more choice, better quality, and a more engaging culinary experience than ever before.
And with continued focus from leadership and the culinary team, this is just the beginning.
The Momentum is Building
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will always be rooted in its history and traditions—but it’s also evolving in ways that matter to today’s Guests.
Better food. More variety. A renewed focus on quality.
It’s a change you can taste—and one that’s quickly gaining attention.
Be sure to follow us on socials so you don’t miss the upcoming video series on the Boardwalk’s Food Renaissance!
