1910-1930 the first generation electric trams that ran from Venice to Santa Monica, open-air vehicles called “electric trams,” “Venice trams,” “electric promenade trams,” or simply “boardwalk trams.” The Venice Electric Tram operated along the concrete walkway between Venice and Santa Monica.

When Abbot Kinney opened his Venice of America in 1905, he had a small steam train running around the canals. 

On the Venice Ocean Front there were wicker basket trams that were pushed from behind by people power.

By 1920 the trams were electric battery powered. They ran from Venice Pier, to the Ocean Park Pier, and then to the Santa Monica Pier, and back. 

In 1923, the Venice Tram Company was formed. By the 1930s, the trams had 4 cylinder, Ford model A engines and canopy tops. There were also similar 4 cylinder, Chevy engines. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/259877984030942/posts/7577249022293765 https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1347871653567356&set=a.181986760155857 https://www.erha.org/venicetram.htm

in 1908, Santa Cruz had some rich guy who went for a gravity rollercoaster of unexceptional design by todays standards, but it probably blew minds when Teddy Roosevelt's Great White Fleet went on a world tour. 

The ride’s 25-mph was fast compared to autos that traveled just 10-mph back then, speed and thrills were secondary to the overall ride experience.

https://blog.beachboardwalk.com/nadm-scenic-railway-roller-coaster/

In the 60s, on the East coast, in Ocean City MD, they did something similar but with a sperate engine unit 

https://www.oceancity.com/celebrating-60-years-of-the-tram-the-inside-scoop/

https://venicebeachhead.org/2014/08/01/all-aboard-the-tram/