Xperience History in Motion at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
For over 100 years, the Looff Carousel has been delighting children of all ages - with a bonus game as you ride
By Munch-Kin Feet
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a haven of joy and fun for all who enter. Steeped in history, there is something for everyone, from unique fair food (giant corndog, anyone?) to arcades, midway games, lovely beach views, and of course, classic fair rides. Amidst all this diversion, the thing that entranced me the most was the Boardwalk's oldest ride: the historic Looff Carousel.
Built in 1911 and verified as a National Historic Landmark, the carousel is huge, solidly constructed, and gorgeous. From the moment you enter the circular structure housing it, you realize that this is no ordinary merry-go-round. They simply "don't make 'em like they used to." The horses are truly works of art all by themselves with a variety of expressions and styles, and have been painstakingly cared for and restored over the carousel's long history. When individual horses simply had to be replaced, the owners went out of their way to use high-quality vintage horses from other historic Looff carousels.
At first, you are drawn in by the magical carnival atmosphere created by the vintage and unique organs. The carousel's original Ruth & Sohn organ is still pumping out tuneful dreams, supplemented by a rare vintage Wurlitzer 165 organ. To say that the sound is immense and intoxicating does not do it justice! Nothing like the piped-in, taped music you might hear at a regular carousel; this "live" music has depth, perfect clarity and "oompf". Not to mention that the vintage organs are gorgeously crafted works of art all by themselves, and worthy of closer inspection.
I was glad that the carousel was solidly crafted as I climbed astride an outside facing horse-more on that later-because I am no longer a child, in fact, a somewhat large adult. Despite my size I was comfortable on the solid horse and was confident that the carousel could support me and still go up and down! My husband chose to ride on the horse directly beside mine, in the 2nd row. I was surprised and please to see that we were far from the only "grown-ups" on the ride; along with many parents accompanying children were a happy group of teenagers and older adults. No one is too old for a carousel!
The moment I got on the horse I was transported back to childhood; swinging my legs, laughing, thrilled for the ride to start. It was an instant time machine. I was absolutely filled with childlike wonder and joy!
I chose an outside horse because I was particularly excited about a very special feature of this historic carousel - catching a ring! Only a few carousels in the world still offer this feature - as you stretch your arm out on the outside ring of horses, you can catch a metal ring from a special dispenser. I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to catch a ring without losing a finger! I was also wondering if I would get motion sickness from the ride. I needn't have been concerned. The carousel goes just fast enough to bring smiles without spinning you fast enough to make you dizzy or ill.
On our first rotation, I stretched my right arm out and -caught my first ring! I was ecstatic! I hadn't thought farther than that however; as we circled around, I started stacking rings on my left hand like I was J-Lo! After 5 rings, I still hadn't made the connection as to what I was supposed to do with them. I had heard that in the olden days of amusement parks catching a ring got you a free ride; however with all the eager hands outstretched, I knew that wasn't an option. At that point, my dear husband leaned over and shouted over the music, "I think you are supposed to throw them at the clown's mouth." I had wondered about the terrifying clown face on one wall of the carousel structure- now I realized its purpose. My husband had seen people flinging their rings at the clown, aiming for its mouth. Those who aim correctly are rewarded by flashing lights and bells. At this point, the ring dispenser was empty from so many greedy hands, so a new game emerged - chucking rings at the clown's open maw! I admit that I was a terrible shot, but I had a blast nonetheless. Throwing things is always fun! I enjoyed demonstrating my anti-clown sentiments by tossing rings directly at its painted face. Of course I could have waited till after the ride concluded to try to have a more accurate throw, but what fun is that?
Eventually, as with all good things, the ride came to an end. However, the smile stayed on my face for the rest of that day; and the smile returns to me now as I recall that treasured Xperience. The ride cost $6 (or 6 points on a wristband), but my memories are truly priceless.
Make your own treasured Xperiences at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! There is so much to do and explore.
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Which would you try first at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
The Looff Carousel
The Giant Dipper rollercoaster
Tasty Garlic fries
Cave Train dark ride
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