The focus here at About.com's Theme Parks site is often on the latest and greatest roller coaster, indoor water park, or other new addition to the world of amusements, but it's great to turn the spotlight on the classic parks that have been bringing us joy for years. Parks like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Located between Monterey and San Francisco in the California oceanfront town of Santa Cruz, the lovely park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season. Something of a throwback, and one of the nation's last remaining seaside parks, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk transports visitors to a simpler time and place. Admission is free (which is itself an anomaly these days), and the pay-as-you-go rides include the vintage 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and a carousel built by master carver Charles Looff in 1911. The carousel includes a real pip-organ calliope and still dispenses rings. Boardwalk treats include a Sandae, an ice cream sandwich made with chocolate chip cookies that's hand-dipped in chocolate and peanuts. Yum! Among the anniversary events planned by the park are a Centennial Gala, a fireworks celebration, and an outdoor showing of the 1987 film, "The Lost Boys" (featuring a young Kiefer Sutherland), one of many movies shot at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. With the future of Coney Island uncertain and other seaside parks nothing but memories, I encourage you to visit the venerable California landmark and pay tribute during its special anniversary.

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