by MacKenzie Geidt, Sunset assistant travel editor

A good boardwalk is a summer-time must.  And Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, now 100 years old, is definitely a classic--surely in the running for my favorite.  Now those of us who frequent boardwalks fall into two different camps when it comes to rides: those who want the big monster stomach-dropping adrenaline-rush thrills, and those who want a more gentle, tra-la-la, enjoy-the-view kind of ride.  This picture shows just the dichotomy I'm talking about: slow and steady ferris wheel versus upside-down cage-flipping modules.  So what type of ride-seeker are you?

I guess I fall somewhere in between the two....the ferris wheel is perhaps a tad TOO calm (can they kick up the speed a notch?), but the flipping cages are pretty much my worst nightmare.  Never.

So my new favorite ride that strikes a balance between the two?  The Logger's Revenge.  Check it out:

You gotta love a good water ride, and this one has my favorite features: an exciting ascent, great views of the Monterey Bay from the top, fun dips and splashes, no upside-downs, and one bigger plunge that's super fun in a won't-lose-your-lunch kind of way.  Love it!

But for those of you rush-chasers seeking heart palpitations, here's the bad boy for you...behold THE GIANT DIPPER.....Are you game?  I'll be honest, I couldn't handle it last weekend, but I might work up the nerve to go back and try it.  It was built in 1924 (I won't lie...that alone scares me!) and just for a little perspective, when it opened, a ride ticket cost .15 cents, now a ticket costs $4.50).  I dare you to try it! 

And if you're worn out by the end of your thrill-seeking (which for some of us were after just one ride), the beach is steps away.  I get as much of a thrill from warm sand... 

Got a ride you love?  A favorite way to seek summer thrills?  Dare you to share!