Artists find inspiration all around them—but few places spark creativity quite like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Boardwalk offers a vibrant blend of history, color, and emotion that speaks to artists across all mediums. From drawing and painting to photography and mixed media, it has long served as a muse for creative minds.
Whether you’re strolling the Boardwalk or exploring shops and galleries around Santa Cruz, you’ll quickly notice how often the Boardwalk appears in local artwork. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk holds a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Artists frequently feature it in their work, allowing Boardwalk lovers to take home a piece of its magic—a reminder of its significance in their lives and the generations before them. From prints and paintings to handcrafted souvenirs, the Boardwalk continues to inspire artists and connect visitors to cherished memories.
The Looff Carousel: A Living Work of Art
Everywhere you look, there’s something to capture: the bright colors and lights of games, the joyful energy of families, and the nostalgic charm of vintage rides. One of the most iconic artistic subjects is the 114-year-old Looff Carousel. With its hand-carved horses, cherubic figures, ornate mirrors, glowing lights, and the melodic hum of its band organ, the carousel is truly an artwork in motion.
In early 2025, a group of local artists gathered at the carousel to sketch and paint this beloved ride. Among them was Jeri Anderson, along with a few of her initial sketches—soon to be turned into paintings—Jeri shared:
“As a painter of local scenes, my goal is to portray places with history and cultural meaning. I want the paintings to be visually appealing and transport viewers to a joyful place of memories with family and friends. I’m excited to help preserve, in paint, the special place the Boardwalk holds in our hearts.”
The Giant Dipper: A Ride Worth Remembering
The Boardwalk’s artistic legacy doesn’t stop there. For the Giant Dipper’s 95th and 100th anniversaries, we hosted art contests that drew dozens of submissions from artists of all ages. The entries were stunning—each one a unique interpretation of the ride, infused with personal memories and artistic flair. We were blown away by the creativity and emotion expressed in these pieces.
Art as Preservation
Renowned watercolor artist Rollin Pickford memorialized the legendary Boardwalk roller coaster, Wild Mouse, in one of his signature paintings. Those who had the chance to ride it have vivid memories of this unique coaster. Even though it was removed in 1970, it lives on in peoples’ memories and the art it inspired. In 2008, Pickford’s daughter, Melissa, delivered the painting to then Santa Cruz Seaside Company President Charles Canfield, and it now hangs in the hall of the employee offices. Works of art like this are a unique way to preserve the history of the park as it evolves—capturing the essence of beloved attractions to ensure their legacy continues for future generations.
Murals That Tell a Story
Art at the Boardwalk isn’t limited to sketchbooks and canvases—it’s also painted directly onto the walls. Throughout the park, you’ll find vibrant murals that celebrate the Boardwalk’s history, culture, and community. These large-scale works are created by local and visiting artists, each bringing their own style and perspective to the space.
A 40-foot mural of the Boardwalk in 1973 can be found along the back wall of Bay Brews. Painted by Boardwalk artist John McCullough, it has been preserved even as the space around it has evolved.
On the streetside exterior of the carousel building, you’ll find a mural commissioned for the carousel’s centennial in 2011. Created by renowned trompe l’oeil artist John Pugh, it blends archival images of the Boardwalk with his signature 3D style. Be sure to snap a photo next time you visit to experience the full effect.
Inside Wipeout, guests are immersed in a vibrant ocean-themed mural by Brazilian-born artist Hilton Alves, commissioned to enhance the ride’s atmosphere and create an unforgettable experience.
The most recent addition is the Giant Dipper 100th mural by Santa Cruz-based artist Slogan (Shaun Logan). Completed in 2024, this dynamic piece captures the energy and excitement of the Boardwalk’s most iconic ride.
From whimsical depictions of seaside fun to detailed scenes of the Boardwalk’s early days, these murals serve as both decoration and storytelling. They invite guests to pause, reflect, and appreciate the artistic spirit that thrives in Santa Cruz. For many artists, contributing to a mural here is a way to leave a lasting mark on a place that has inspired generations.
In-House Boardwalk Artists: Creativity Behind the Scenes
Over the decades, the Boardwalk has employed numerous artists on staff to shape the visual experience of the park. Their work ensures that guests aren’t just visiting an amusement park—they’re stepping into a living work of art.
Our own Boardwalk art department finds daily inspiration in the place they work. From designing posters and merchandise to creating signage and promotional materials, their creations reflect the spirit and energy of the Boardwalk itself. Boardwalk Creative Manager, Lynette Davis, shares:
“There are many things that inspire my art — being born and raised in Santa Cruz, working in the very building my father helped build in 1980 — but most of all, my inspiration comes from the people who visit the Boardwalk. The smiles on families’ faces, the laughter in the air, the smell of the ocean mixed with the sounds of rides and flavors of amazing food. The Boardwalk fuels me with energy and excitement, and I pour that into everything I create. Art is emotional, and I design with emotion first. Every piece I create is a reflection of who I am, and sharing that is the most fulfilling part of my work. I have as much fun designing here as our guests do spending the day here.”
Whether it’s the thrill of the rides, the charm of the architecture, or the joy of shared experiences, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk continues to inspire artists to create, reflect, and celebrate. It’s more than a destination—it’s a living canvas, painted with the memories and imaginations of generations.
What Boardwalk element(s) bring you creative inspiration?
‘Til next time,
Jessie
