Last week we made our first visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk since 2009. It was kind of an "end of summer" quick trip to the Bay Area and SCBB was at the top of our list. Every time we visit this great park we always wonder why it took us so long to get back. A mistake we won't be making again. 
Since our last visit the park has added the amazing Haunted Castle and a new coaster, Undertow. We've also got some POV video's of the Giant Dipper, Cave Train Adventure and the Haunted Castle. So sit back and enjoy one of the best parks around!! 

It was an absolutely beautiful day to be on the boardwalk 

After getting our ride wristbands our first stop was the newest coaster Undertow. 

Since our last visit the park has started using MyBoardwalk Cards for arcades, games, and individual rides. They’ve replaced arcade tokens, cash, and paper tickets which makes it so easy to just enjoy your day at the park without having to carry tokens and tickets around all day. 

It doesn't spin as much as other spinning coasters but it was still a really fun ride. 

A look down at the boardwalk

The cars are a bit different than other spinning coasters, which is probably why they don't spin much. 

But it's a great addition to the park and everybody seemed to really enjoy it. 

The park was fairly busy for a Monday but due to the parks amazing operations we didn't wait more than 10-15 minutes for anything. 

The Haunted Castle was also new to us, the last time we were at the park was the last year for the old dark ride. We rode it on one of the last days it was open. 

Full ride POV of the Haunted Castle, be sure to watch in HD!! =)

No way we could ever come up to Santa Cruz and not take a ride on the Giant Dipper. Despite it's age it's still one of the best wooden coasters in CA (not like that's really saying much), but it's still REALLY good. 

Giant Dipper definitely has one of the more unique stations. The coaster was only running 1 train, but again the amazing operations insured a minimal wait all day. 

Not the best Giant Dipper POV you'll ever see, but it was such a perfect day we couldn't resist. 

Well deserved

Because it was so warm the longest wait of the day was the Log Ride. Which is funny because the beach is quite literally just behind me taking this picture. =)

Any park with a Rock-O-Plane is A-OK with us!! 

The park has an amazing collection of classic flat rides. 

Kiddie Coaster. We had the credit, but it's a fun one. 

No trip to Santa Cruz could ever be complete without a ride on the classic Cave Train Adventure. Be sure to check out our on-ride POV below. 

Ghost Blasters, always fun. 

The Skyglider also had a pretty long line. It was an amazing day for it. 

Oh yeah, fried stuff!!! 

Now that's a big donut ... 

Alright, that's gonna wrap it up for our look at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you'd like to learn more about the Boardwalk and their hours and events, you can click here. We can't wait to get back up north to visit again soon. 

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We've got a special treat for you today. Friend of the site Nick recently took a trip to the Great White North and sent us some pictures of Galaxyland to share along with some other absolutely beautiful pics of other destinations he journeyed to in Canada. 

For the most part we'll let the pics speak for themselves. 

Galaxyland, pretty much on the list of "must visits" for any coaster enthusiast. As far as I know only 1/2 of Park Journey has actually been here. 

Galaxy Orbiter

Indoor Space Shots are fun!!! 

Canada eh ... 

This waterpark looks awesome!! 

Oh, you came here looking for pictures of Mindbender ... well, here ya go. =)

German perfection ... 

Droooool ... 

Triple-Loop-Awesomesauce

As much as you could totally make a trip just to Galaxyland and a plethora of rides on Mindbender, there's actually much more to see in Canada. Nick also traveled to Calgary and a visit to Calaway Park. 

A view of Calgary. 

Calaway Park ... I've gotta be honest, until I saw these pics I'd never heard of this place. Looks like a nice park. 

Looks like they have a great blend of rides for everybody

Lastly, there's no way we could share pictures from Canada and not share some of the amazing natural beauty of Canada. Below, some pictures from Banff National Park. 

I mean, seriously. How amazing is this? I'd never want to leave. 

There's so much out there in the world to see ... GO SEE IT!!! 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up. A million thanks to Nick for sending us these amazing pics. We love seeing them. 

If you have any pics from your summer adventures that you'd like to share with us, feel free to send us an email or contact us on our social media pages. Full credit is ALWAYS given. 

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