Far out: Gael beachgoers pose for a quick photo while waiting in line to ride the Sea Swings at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Sunday, Sept. 15. / Photo courtesy Hector Garcia ’28
Retro Rides and Cotton Candy on the California Coast
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk serves up a groovy afternoon on the California Coast for these first-year Gaels.
Ninety first-year students ventured to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Sunday, Sept. 15, and enjoyed the rides, attractions, and sun-drenched beach along sparkling Monterey Bay. The bustling Boardwalk lays claim to being the premier seaside amusement park in the United States.
The park has also been operating for over a century, and among the attractions are a pair of rides are designated as National Historic Landmarks: the gorgeous Loof Carousel, which features a ring toss that brings a unique challenge to riders, and the hair-raising Giant Dipper, a classic wooden roller-coaster that celebrated its 100th birthday this year. There are many more thrilling rides, a video arcade and games, plenty of opportunities to indulge in sweet and savory treats—alongside one of California's renowned beaches.
This trip was the first to be offered as a first-year only student adventure and designed to build on the friendships that have been newly established. Hector Garcia ’28 admits he didn’t realize this trip was for first-years only. “But it's great because it allows us to build new and stronger connections with our new friends/peers,” he said.
“It's great because it allows us to build new and stronger connections with our new friends/peers.”
—Hector Garcia ’28
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also home to iconic movies filmed on site, in particular the 1987 film of The Lost Boys. For Laura Johnson ’28, it was a day of new adventures. “My friends and I had a great time on the Santa Cruz trip. We had a lot of fun on rides and exploring since none of us are from the area.” Torie Rapidas ‘28 was also appreciative of the chance to go on the trip—and liked how it allowed her to get some fresh air and de-stress from a hectic week.
“My friends and I had a great time on the Santa Cruz trip. We had a lots of fun on rides and exploring since none of us are from the area.”
—Laura Johnson ’28
SMC Students are provided opportunities to wander and explore various locations in and around the college and through the enhancement fee funding, this particular trip focused on welcoming first years to Bay Area amenities.
