There’s no better cure for the modern ailments of internet overload, organic food comas, and tyrannical bosses than a deep fried twinkie and a spin on the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been delivering thrillrides and carny foods for over a hundred years.

First settled as a mineral springs back in the 1860’s, the Beach Boardwalk has matured into the “World’s best seaside amusement park,” according to industry insiders. Taking full advantage of its broad sandy beach and the glittering Pacific, the boardwalk’s setting is reason enough to kick back and relax. Add a whole host of historic rides, low-nutrition delicacies, and wide-ranging amusements, and there’s something for the kid in everyone.

Aside from riding the landmark Giant Dipper (with such movie cameos as “Dangerous Minds” and “The Lost Boys”) and the 1911 Looff Carousel, visitors can shoot a minigolf hole-in-one, rack up extra games in pinball, dodge light rays in laser tag, and roll a strike at the bowling alley. Admission is free to the boardwalk; all games and rides are pay-to-play.

Depending on the season, the ‘walk dishes out different attractions like a holiday lights train, summer concerts, pro-am beach soccer tournaments, and even an annual triathlon (perfect for burning through all those frozen custards and elephant ears).