Boardwalks and beaches are part of summertime fun, particularly on the West and East Coasts of the U.S. As paths for pedestrians, boardwalks are great for walking alongside or to the water’s edge. In many places, they also provide a full day of amusement fun.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which opened in 1907, is the oldest amusement park in California and home to two national historic landmarks, the Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper roller coaster.

If you are staying at a nearby vacation rental home, it’s easy for the whole family to enjoy a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. There are rides for big kids, such as the Logger’s Revenge, the Giant Dipper and the Hurricane. There are rides for little kids, including flying airplanes, electric cars, boat rides, and more. For the whole family, there is miniature golf and an aerial gondola ride that provides a view from above of the entire boardwalk. There are also plenty of arcade games and carnival foods!

When you get tired of riding and playing, the beach is just steps away with plenty of its own water and sand activities. Make a sandcastle, bury a friend, run into the waves, or just relax under an umbrella. Santa Cruz is an ideal spot for it.

On the other side of the country, New Jersey and New York boast some additional famous boardwalks. There’s Atlantic City, Ocean City, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Beach and Wildwood in New Jersey, as well as Coney Island and South Beach on Staten Island in New York.

If you aren’t sure where to vacation yet this summer, check out a local boardwalk!