places to visit between san francisco and santa cruz

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

San Francisco to Santa Cruz: A Mini Road Trip on Highway 1

last Updated: September 3, 2023 california davenport half moon bay highway 1 pacifica pescadero san francisco santa cruz

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Looking to take a drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz? Craving scenic strolls, fresh seafood, and kitschy amusement park rides? I’ve got all the best road trip stops listed below, whether you just wanna hit up a few or spend the whole morning/afternoon on a day trip to Santa Cruz.

I love a good road trip. There’s no denying that. Even if it’s just a quick day trip down the coast of California. 

The stretch of coastline from San Francisco to Santa Cruz doesn’t get much love, but after living on the peninsula for the past few years, we’ve explored the area quite a bit. And lemme tell you, there are a-plenty of stops to make on any San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip. From lighthouses and tide pools (complete with starfish, anemone, and sea urchins) to the best pie in the area and melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls, we always find a good time. 

This trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz can be done as a day trip (although you probably won’t be able to make alllll these stops), or on a much longer multi-day California coast road trip . I’ve put a star next to my favorite stops in case you’re short on time. 

How long does it take to get from San Francisco to Santa Cruz?

It takes less than 2 hours to get from the big city to the laid-back surfer town of Santa Cruz (with no traffic of course) on Highway 1, so you’ll be able to make a handful of stops in a short period of time. And thankfully, nothing is too far from each other!

However, of course you’ll plan to stop (as I’m guessing you came across this blog post to find some stops along the way), so while it’s not a lot of driving, the stops do of course add some time.

→ If you’re from SF and need to rent a car (the only way to do this mini Santa Cruz road trip), I typically find good deals here . 

Do note that if you wanna spend ample time in Santa Cruz (aka the majority of the day), maybe just pick 1-2 of these stops and save the rest for later. Also, it may be wise to skip Highway 1 altogether, and take the quicker route inland on US 101 and CA 17.

Santa Cruz deserves more than a fraction of a day, so if you wanna get to most of these stops from San Francisco to Santa Cruz AND do all the things in Santa Cruz itself, I highly recommend spending the night down there.

→ Lots more epic day trips from SF here and tons of awesome things to do in Santa Cruz here .

Weather along the Coast

The coast is known to be foggy, so be sure to bring a sweater/light jacket. However, the weather is super weird over here – as in one minute it could be super cloudy and windy, and the next, sunny and blue skies. Always come prepared with extra clothing in the car (I like to keep a jean jacket in the back seat just in case).

Expect a day full of mist, fog, sunshine, wind, overcast, warmth, and cold (haha, sorry, but that’s just the truth). The occasional clear, sunny day does happen, but that’s definitely not the norm. Late summer, early fall is your best bet for sunshine and clear skies.

So let’s get to it; all the best stops from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, coming right up (going north to south). 

BEST STOPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SANTA CRUZ

1. *mori point (pacifica).

Put on your hiking boots (actually, just sneakers are perfectly fine); we’re headed to the coastal bluffs! The first stop on this mini San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip is Mori Point, located in Pacifica . It’s just about 15 minutes from the southern part of the city, but you’ll feel a world away from all the hustle and bustle.

Mori Point is actually 110 acres of coastline, beaches, and bluffs, complete with ocean views and hiking trails, but I typically just walk the wooden plank to the beach.

Thankfully, you can make the walk as easy or difficult as you want. There’s plenty of rolling hills and cliffs to climb making for semi-moderate hikes, or you can simply walk the wooden planks to reach the coast (what we typically do). 

And yay, it’s super dog friendly, so you’re bound to see a whole slew of playful pups along the way! Look out for wildflowers in the spring, and if you’re lucky, you may even see some whales in the distance come winter.

Do note that the parking lot is pretty small (and fills up fast on the weekend), so be prepared to park on a nearby side street (not usually a problem).

Psst: bring a light jacket as it’s typically pretty windy, especially at the top if you’re climbing some hills. 

2. Pacifica State Beach and Taco Bell (Pacifica)

If you need a bit of beach time after your sweaty hike, drive a few minutes south to Pacifica State Beach (also known as Linda Mar Beach and Taco Bell Beach in case you’re doing additional research for your day trip to Santa Cruz).

Thankfully, the crescent-shaped beach is rather wide, as it’s Pacifica’s most well-loved and definitely most-populated (so don’t expect to find the beach all to yourselves). And yes, dogs are welcomed over here as well!

Any bird lovers in the house? Lookout for the endangered western snowy plovers in winter; although they camouflage into the sand as a primary defence mechanism, so they’re kinda hard to spot.

There is a daily fee to park in the lot ($7 for 4 hours or less), so keep in mind if you’re just planning on “seeing” it for a few minutes. 

And ha – why did I put Taco Bell on this list of stops from San Francisco to Santa Cruz? Well, my crunchwrap-supreme-loving friends, you’ll find your favorite grubs here at the fanciest Taco Bell over here in Pacifica. It’s been newly remodeled into a Taco Bell Cantina, all shiny and new, now selling wine, beer, and frozen drinks – all overlooking the beach!

If Taco Bell’s not calling your name and you’re in the mood for some fresh seafood instead, try Camelot Fish and Chips (a tiny little place we thoroughly enjoy).

3. JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Moss Beach) 

Time to get tide-pooling on the California coast! The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a protected area for the tons of diverse marine life found over here. Starfish, crabs, barnacles, mussels, sea urchins, algae, and more can be found along the rocky seashore in the intertidal (the area between low and high tide). 

Do note that JV Fitzgerald is a no-take area, meaning you’re not allowed to take anything from the reserve, including shells, sand, rocks, driftwood, animals (obviously), etc. It makes my heart happy to see initiatives in place that really help preserve and protect the delicate creatures here (unlike when we visited Glass Beach in Fort Bragg ).

Make sure you check the schedule for low tide and plan your visit around it– you won’t see anything (and I mean anything…) during high tide (the tide pools will be filled with water, making them completely inaccessible)! The best time to visit is during a zero or negative low tide (meaning the rocks are exposed), under 1 foot.

4. Half Moon Bay

I’m not gonna get into HMB too much since you can really spend an entire weekend there (and plus, I already have an entire post dedicated to the tiny town ).

It’s one of our favorite spots between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, so don’t worry, I’ll list some of my Half Moon Bay favorites below for anyone wanting to make a quick-ish stop. Do note the suggestions below will take up the better portion of the day, so maybe just pick 1-2.

• * Sam’s Chowder House : Do not miss this spot. I repeat. DO NOT MISS SAM’S CHOWDER HOUSE. Known for their naked lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder, of course, it’s the place we take ALL our visitors. The views are phenomenal, so be sure to plan some time here to kick back and relax with some drinks on their outdoor patio (doesn’t make sense to come here and sit inside, in my opinion). Our all time favorite restaurant on the coast, as long as it’s a clear, sunny day! 

• Half Moon Bay Jetty (right near Sam’s): Yeah, technically it’s just a fishing pier, but if you’re waiting for a table at Sam’s (there’s typically a long-ish wait), you may as well take a walk over here! Go to the back of the restaurant, walk down the steps, and voila – the stunning Pacific Ocean! The jetty itself isn’t the attraction, but the spectacular views along this stretch of coastline is! And plus, it’s less than a 10 minute walk; may as well spend your time waiting for lobster rolls with your feet in the sand!
• Farmers Market : If you’re visiting Half Moon Bay during the spring and summer months, be sure to check out the farmers market full of a wonderful selection of fresh and local produce. Think flowers, honey, homemade pies, skincare products, pottery, tamales (yes – tamales!), granola, and more. Kinda small, so makes for a quick stop (and plus, the samples!).

• Main Street for Shopping and Eating : Check out the numerous galleries, independently owned shops, and quaint little restaurants over on Main Street in Half Moon Bay. The street isn’t too long, but it’s a great place to stop for an hour to grab lunch on your way from San Francisco to Santa Cruz if you’re feeling a bit peckish. 
• Poplar Beach : There are numerous worthy beaches all along the coast in Half Moon Bay, but we love Poplar the most. We just do. Mavericks (where you can watch the surfers ride thrilling waves) and Miramar come a close second.

• * Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail : Soooo, since the entire coastal trail is actually 11.5 miles (one-way!), I have a slight suspicion you won’t be walking the entirety of it. We like parking at the Ritz Carlton (there’s a free section in the garage for those walking the coastal trail), and walking left on the path from there. You’ll come across a beautifully manicured golf course, lots of poppies (and puppies!), and tons of ocean views. One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon.
• * Ritz Carlton HMB : Ohhh, the Ritz. You better believe the fancy hotel chain is all that and more in Half Moon Bay. Visitors are encouraged to come for cocktails and to watch the sunset/indulge in late-night smores at the Ocean Terrace Bar. We had the opportunity to spend the night a few years back ( I gushed all about it over here ), and we’re STILL talking about our dinner at the on-site restaurant. Kinda pricey (c’mon, it is the Ritz), but great to check out even if you’re not planning on staying over.

5. Beaches along the Coastline

Yes, the entire drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is basically along the coastline, but hey, you can never have too much beach time (especially here in CA).

There are plenty of options between Half Moon Bay and the town of Pescadero (my next recommended stop), with some popular ones listed below:

• San Gregorio State Beach : A stunning, sandy beach on the mouth of a creek with driftwood and even caves and fossils to explore between the sandstone cliffs. There’s a big parking lot and a great spot for picnics on the bluffs above the beach, but do note that it costs $8 to park for the day. And yay, dogs are allowed! Be aware of a nearby clothing-optional beach (called San Gregorio Private Beach). There’s a separate privately-owned access point so you shouldn’t come across it unless you’re specifically looking for it.
• Bean Hollow State Beach : Significantly smaller than the others, but hey, dogs are allowed and it’s free, so you don’t get much better than that! Note that there are zero facilities here, so it’s not really the kinda place you stay all day (although fine if you’re just cruising by for a bit on your way from SF to Santa Cruz).

• Pescadero State Beach : Fishing, driftwood, sunbathing seals, large crabs, and a great place to just watch the world go by crashing on the rocks. And sandy coves to explore! Again, like other spots listed above, this is a great place for tide pooling if you happen to catch the beach at low tide. This is the beach I’d pick if we weren’t traveling with a puppy in stow. Yes, it’s – free (woo!), but no dogs are allowed. 

6. *Arcangeli Grocery Co. (Pescadero)

Please oh please do not pass by Pescadero without stopping at Arcangeli Grocery (also called Norms Market). The second you walk in, you’ll smell the locally-famous homemade artichoke garlic bread – grab a loaf or two ! The loaves are filled to the brim with huge chunks of artichoke hearts; and trust me, carbs have never tasted so good.

True story – we’ve driven all the way down to Pescadero just for a loaf (and promptly ate ½ in the car heading home). We’re obsessed and I’d go down every weekend if I could.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more nourishment, grab some salami and cheese for a DIY picnic, or simply order some freshly-prepared to-go sandwiches from the back.

7. Harley Farms Goat Dairy (Pescadero)

Baby goats and fresh cheese? Don’t mind if I do.

Not many dairy farms still make cheese from milk produced on their own farm (this was surprising to me too), but the folks over at Harley Farms absolutely do! The farm shop carries their farmstead cheeses, farm honey (the habanero nectar sounds perfect), chocolate truffles, jams and jellies, and goat-milk scented soaps and lotions. Try the lavender goat cheese, just do it. 

Visiting during the early spring (March-April)? Don’t miss the baby goats – they’re too adorable and oh so much fun to watch! And be sure to check out the llamas over in the barn! Join a guided tour to learn all about the goats and Harley Farms in general (their story is pretty interesting).

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a reservation at the occasional farm-to-fork lunch or dinner (although the meals do sell out months and months in advance). The meals are served in the rustic hayloft of the working goat dairy barn, and I’ve heard the tablescape is downright fantastic. Always and forever on my California bucket list, although kinda pricey at about $200 a head.

8. *Pigeon Point Lighthouse (Pescadero)

You wouldn’t wanna miss California’s most photographed lighthouse, now would you? Built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific Coast of California, it remains the tallest lighthouse on the west coast and is surely a sight to be seen.

Be sure to walk around the grounds of the lighthouse on the boardwalks and trails, as there are dramatic, picturesque views on all sides! You can sometimes see harbor seals resting/playing on the rocks behind the lighthouse, and definitely look out for whales in the distance in the winter.

Although the lighthouse is still active, do note repairs are starting in Spring/Summer 2020 (possibly later), which will most likely last a few years. Thankfully, you can still visit and see the Fresnel Lens (weighing a whopping 2,000 pounds) temporarily housed at ground level in a nearby building on the grounds (until the tower is repaired)! Just note you cannot go inside the lighthouse at this time.

There’s even a hostel located next door to the lighthouse (converted from the old lighthouse staff housing) in case you wanna stay the night (but be sure to book in advance as they fill up).

9. *Pie Ranch (Pescadero)

Riiiiight off the side of the highway, so you literally can’t miss it. Here you’ll find sustainable and locally grown produce, preserves, fair-trade coffee, local goods, and you guessed it, homemade pies and pastries (#yumm). 

The pie menu changes seasonally, and actually each and every day, as items highly depend on what’s being grown and picked at that time. And yup, everythings fresh over here, from their lemon buttermilk pie and strawberry tarts to the orange blossom galettes and honey nut oat pies.

Unfortunately, the mini pies usually run out around 1:30pm (or there’s super slim pickings), so get there earlier in the day if you really want your choice of pie. 

And get this – all profits from the Farmstand go directly into their non-profit educational farm programs. Love this and an even better reason to buy all the pies! 

10. *Ano Nuevo State Park (Pescadero)

Yes, Ano Nuevo is a huge state park, but many come simply to see and hear the loud barks of the peculiar-looking elephant seals. And it’s a sight to see – Ano Nuevo holds the second largest mainland breeding colony of the northern elephant seal in the world .

What’s an elephant seal, you ask? Don’t worry, I had never heard of them before moving to California either. Think huge, blubbery mammals with long noses resembling those of elephants, making tons of noise – grunts, snorts, gargles, belches, and squeaks. Don’t expect peace and quiet over here!

These ocean giants are massive in size, with males being 14-16 feet long and weighing in up to 2 ½ tons.

If you’re visiting the area from December – March, you’re in for a treat.  Every year during these months, a large colony of elephant seals assemble on the beach to molt and give birth.  If you’re lucky, you’ll see some pups! The park offers docent-guided walks, taking roughly 2 and a half hours and 3-4 miles on varied terrain. However, if you’re just taking a day trip to Santa Cruz and wanna see and do all the things, I’d probably choose to skip the seals as they take up a good portion of the day. Save it for another time when you’ve got more than a day to explore the area.

Other times of year, remember to pick up a free permit from the entrance station, as they are now required to hike to the breeding site in order to protect the animals. 

Do note that a state fee applies to enter Ano Nuevo, so just be prepared with a bit of cash. 🙂

11. Swanton Berry Farms (Davenport)

Come for the strawberries, stay for the baked goods and hummingbirds (no really, there’s tons of them here). Famous for its soups, locally-made jams, fair trade coffee, and hot apple cider, and by far the BEST strawberry shortcakes, olallieberry cobbler, and berry cheesecakes in the Bay. Buy a few things and have a picnic out front!

Not only do they sell all the above, but in the late spring/summer months, you can go out into the field and hand pick your own berries. We missed it last summer, but will definitely be going this year. 🙂

12. American Abalone Farms (Davenport)

So, full disclosure – I’ve actually never been here before. BUT if you’re a fan of fresh shellfish (especially oysters and abalone), this is the place for you. I mean, you do get to shuck your own oysters and then eat them, of course.

I’ve heard only but good things about the spot, with friends raving about the fresh fish and an interesting experience with abalone. Kinda bare bones and a tad pricey, but hey – when in Rome! 

Hot tip: bring your bottle of wine, as there’s a nice deck area to enjoy your food with views of the ocean. Or grab a dozen oysters and head to the beach next door. The epitome of a Californian experience.

13. *Shark Fin Cove (Davenport)

A beach with a rock shaped like a shark fin? Sign me up. That’s Shark Fin Cove in Davenport for ya!

Do note that if you want to get down to the beach, it’s pretty steep, so good footwear is recommended (I was wearing sandals at the time so decided not to go down – I’m a pretty clumsy hiker even on a good day). Once you’re down at the beach, there’s caves and tidepools to explore. However, do NOT attempt to go swimming here; not a safe place for that as rip currents are known over in these parts!

However, if all you do is take a look from the top, it’s still worth a quick stop in my opinion (being it’s on the way to Santa Cruz and absolutely brilliant). There’s a short trail up on the bluffs with views of the beach and the unique rock formation below. 

Trust me, you won’t realize you get here when you do. It’s quite unassuming from the tiny parking area on the side of the street, so be sure to put it in Google Maps. There’s no sign for it, so just stop when you see other cars. 🙂

14. Last stop: Santa Cruz!

Woo – you made it all the way from San Francisco to Santa Cruz! And it’s either taken you 3 hours or 3 days (with all there is to do along the way), haha.

I won’t go into tons of detail since I have an entire post dedicated solely to Santa Cruz , but here are my favorites in town:

• Penny Ice Creamery : Homemade artisanal ice cream made from scratch in-house. The flavors change with the seasons, and feature locally farmed and organic ingredients. Get the gingersnap ice cream (if it’s available), and always add the marshmallow fluff on top (what they’re famous for!)! Try both Marianne’s (listed below) and Penny’s, and compare (never enough ice cream in my opinion).

• Marianne’s Ice Cream: Kinda an institution over in these parts (don’t worry, the line moves fast). Don’t leave Santa Cruz without a few scoops from this old fashioned ice cream shop; not hard to do considering there’s over 105 flavors to choose from. Think pistachio cardamom, oatmeal raisin cookie dough, snickerdoodle cookie, and German chocolate. Samples are highly encouraged! Psst – 1. portions are large and 2. it’s cash only, so bring a few bucks.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Now this is what Santa Cruz is typically known for. I mean, a kitschy amusement park right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach? The tackiness just adds to the fun – trust me. It’s free to walk the boardwalk, but of course the rides and snacks cost a pretty penny. Don’t miss the famous Giant Dipper, the indoor arcade, the taffy, and of course a long stroll on the beach. You can’t forget some cotton candy and/or a corn dog, preferably once you’re done riding the coaster. One of our favorite spots to lounge around in the summer.

• Natural Bridges Monarch Trail: Interested in seeing the great migration of the monarch butterflies? Santa Cruz is an excellent spot! There are thousands and thousands of the orange and black beauties flying around and clustering together high up in the eucalyptus trees. Note that unless you’ve got a pretty heavy duty zoom lens, the butterflies are too far away to photograph, so put your phone down and take in this magical experience with your bare eyes. While butterflies are only seen from October to January (as they migrate south in the warmer months), the trail is open all year long and is beautiful in and of itself (butterflies or not). 

• Take a walk/drive on West Cliff Drive: If you’re looking to take a scenic stroll, West Cliff Drive’s your best bet. On my most recent day trip to Santa Cruz, this was quite possibly my favorite spot! Expect stunning views of the Monterey Bay, a surfer statue, Lighthouse Point, and tons of bike/walking paths. Be on the lookout for whales and dolphins as they’re frequently spotted off the shore. Although the entire path is a full 3 miles, you don’t have to walk the entire way – park and meader around for a bit.

Are you headed from San Francisco to Santa Cruz soon? What are you most excited about on your day trip to Santa Cruz?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

Did you know that …

When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same) ! Win-win! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Thanks for your support! 

• Book a hotel
• Best place to find tours
• Second favorite place for tours
• Favorite travel insurance
• Book a rental car
• My favorite packing items on Amazon
• Start your very own blog!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

April 20, 2020 at 3:56 pm

I love this post!! The entire thing you typed up was almost the exact day itinerary my group of friends and I had back in Feb! Btw, if you haven’t yet, I recommend walking down to Shark Fin Beach. It’s a little steep but not as scary as I thought it would be. Down there, you can come upon a little cave with the water breaking against the rocks! I would totally go back! 🙂 thanks for the Abalone Farm shoutout! 🙂

May 27, 2021 at 9:38 pm

This looks SO fun. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Santa Cruz and this was such a clutch list. The only nit I gotta pick is your misspelling of año. On a Mac, you can use Alt+n and then type N to add the tilde. It's important – Ano Nuevo means something… entirely different.

Thank you again for this amazing list!

May 28, 2021 at 8:28 pm

Thank you so much for the tilde tip! I've never known how to do it and obviously never spent the time to learn (although I should have!). Thanks for the help and correction! 🙂

July 7, 2021 at 8:06 am

HI there! My husband and I are wanting to do this trip down the coast for our 25th Anniversary! So our Anny is November 7th but I read that is not a good time to come… What month would you recommend for the Best Weather? This will be our 1st time to Cali! Also, do you have a list of Places to Stay the night along the way? I need all the help I can get! 🙂

March 2, 2022 at 1:06 pm

Really interesting post!

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

37 Best Stops Between Santa Cruz and San Francisco

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco?

The direct drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco is 72.7 mi (117 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 hr 20 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Santa Cruz to San Francisco, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with San Jose , Oakland , Half Moon Bay , Berkeley , Santa Clara , Sausalito , and Palo Alto , as well as top places to visit like Third St and Gilroy Premium Outlets, or the ever-popular Mission San Juan Bautista (1797).

Top cities between Santa Cruz and San Francisco

Santa Clara

Half Moon Bay

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Best stops along Santa Cruz to San Francisco drive

Mission san juan bautista (1797).

Gilroy Premium Outlets

Gilroy gardens family theme park, guglielmo winery, santa cruz wharf.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Natural bridges visitor center, coyote valley sporting clays, the mystery spot, roaring camp.

The Tech Interactive

Winchester Mystery House

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Santana Row

Rosicrucian egyptian museum.

• Things To Do
• Entertainment
• Food Travel

Travel Tips

• Travel News

San Francisco To Santa Cruz Road Trip: 15 Best Stops On Highway 1

Introduction.

Embarking on a road trip along the stunning coastal route from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is a bucket list item for many travelers seeking breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers a scenic drive that winds along the California coastline, showcasing rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, charming towns, and mesmerizing vistas.

Spanning approximately 100 miles, this road trip presents a plethora of opportunities to explore and discover some of the most enchanting spots in Northern California. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing coastal getaway, this road trip will fulfill your every desire.

As you leave behind the bustling streets of San Francisco and venture southbound, you’ll encounter numerous stops along the way that offer a diverse range of attractions. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this road trip is a feast for the senses, with something to captivate every traveler’s interest.

In this article, we’ll guide you through 15 must-visit stops on the San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip. Each destination is unique and offers its own charm and allure. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and be prepared to be amazed as we embark on this unforgettable journey along Highway 1.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, serves as the perfect starting point for your road trip to Santa Cruz. As you make your way across this awe-inspiring suspension bridge, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city skyline, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

Spanning 1.7 miles, the bridge offers several vantage points where you can take in the breathtaking scenery. Stop at one of the many designated viewpoints, such as the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center or Battery Spencer, to capture memorable photos and soak up the grandeur of this engineering marvel.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike and cycling across the bridge. Pedaling across its vibrant orange expanse allows you to appreciate the bridge’s intricate architecture up close while feeling the fresh ocean breeze on your face.

Additionally, the Golden Gate Bridge is surrounded by picturesque parks and trails. Crissy Field, located on the San Francisco side of the bridge, offers a scenic waterfront area ideal for picnicking, walking, or flying a kite. For a more challenging hike, head to the Marin Headlands, where you can explore various trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the bridge from different angles.

The Golden Gate Bridge inevitably leaves a lasting impression, marking the beginning of your memorable road trip down Highway 1. As you continue southward, be prepared for more awe-inspiring stops and breathtaking scenery along the California coastline.

Muir Woods National Monument

A short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument is an enchanting destination that transports you into a serene world of towering redwood trees and tranquil forest trails. This pristine old-growth coastal redwood forest, named after naturalist John Muir, offers a peaceful respite and an opportunity to connect with nature.

As you wander through the ancient groves, you’ll be mesmerized by the towering giants that have stood tall for centuries. Some of these magnificent trees reach heights of over 250 feet, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere with their majestic presence.

The main attraction at Muir Woods is the Cathedral Grove, a designated quiet zone where visitors can stroll along meandering paths and listen to the gentle sounds of nature. The filtered sunlight through the canopy creates a magical ambience, and the scent of the damp forest floor adds to the sensory experience.

For a more immersive journey, consider joining a guided tour or participating in one of the interpretive programs offered by the park. Knowledgeable rangers and naturalists will provide insights into the rich flora and fauna of the redwood forest, as well as the cultural and historical significance of the area.

It’s important to note that Muir Woods is a popular destination, and reservations are required for entry. To ensure a seamless visit, make your reservation in advance and plan to arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot.

Muir Woods is a place of tranquility and natural beauty, offering a rejuvenating experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll or embark on a more challenging hike, this national monument is a true gem tucked away in the heart of Northern California.

Stinson Beach

Located just a short drive from Muir Woods National Monument, Stinson Beach is a charming coastal town that offers a delightful mix of sun, sand, and surf. This idyllic beach destination is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the California coastal vibe.

Stretching for three miles along the Pacific Ocean, Stinson Beach boasts beautiful golden sand, rolling dunes, and stunning views of the coastline. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, build sandcastles, or simply bask in the sun, this beach has something to offer for everyone.

Aside from its natural beauty, Stinson Beach is home to a vibrant community with local shops and restaurants. Explore the quaint town center, where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the seaside eateries, offering fresh seafood and iconic coastal dishes.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Stinson Beach provides ample opportunities. Take a hike along the nearby trails, such as the Dipsea Trail or the Steep Ravine Trail, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal scenery. These trails offer a chance to explore the surrounding hillsides, encounter diverse wildlife, and capture stunning views from elevated vantage points.

Stinson Beach is also known as a popular destination for water activities. Surfing enthusiasts can catch a wave at the designated surf area, while swimmers can dip their toes into the refreshing ocean waters. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, pack a picnic and enjoy a beach day surrounded by the soothing sound of crashing waves.

As you relax on the shores of Stinson Beach, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility that this coastal gem has to offer. The combination of scenic landscapes, charming town vibes, and recreational activities makes this stop an absolute must on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip itinerary.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Continuing south on your road trip, the next stop on the itinerary is Point Reyes National Seashore, a coastal paradise filled with stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a rich natural heritage. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, Point Reyes offers a unique and unspoiled landscape.

As you explore Point Reyes, you’ll be captivated by the rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque coastal forests. The dramatic coastal scenery provides an ideal setting for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

One of the highlights of Point Reyes is the Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched on the westernmost point of the peninsula. Visiting this historic lighthouse allows you to marvel at the panoramic views of the ocean and witness the power of the crashing waves. Keep in mind that the lighthouse is accessed via a steep staircase, so come prepared for a short but rewarding climb.

The seashore is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. Look out for the elusive tule elk, which graze in the grasslands, or keep an eye to the water for the playful seals and sea lions. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of avian species that call Point Reyes their home, including migratory shorebirds and majestic raptors.

With over 150 miles of trails, Point Reyes National Seashore offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Hike along the Coastal Trail, which affords spectacular views of the rugged coastline and access to secluded beaches. Alternatively, explore the park’s inland trails, such as the Bear Valley Trail, which leads to forests, meadows, and serene lakes.

Before leaving Point Reyes, make sure to visit the charming town of Point Reyes Station, located just outside the park. This quaint town is renowned for its local farms, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table restaurants. Treat yourself to a taste of the local flavors by stopping at one of the farmers’ markets or eateries.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, unique wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Discover the wonders of this coastal haven and create lasting memories as you continue your journey down Highway 1.

Nestled along the rugged Sonoma Coast, the picturesque town of Bodega Bay is a must-visit stop on your road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, charming harbor, and abundance of outdoor activities, Bodega Bay offers a quintessential California coastal experience.

As you arrive in Bodega Bay, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the town’s bustling marina. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, where you can watch fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and spot seabirds swooping down to catch their next meal.

Bodega Bay is renowned for its fresh seafood, and no visit is complete without indulging in a meal of locally caught Dungeness crab or succulent oysters. Many restaurants in town offer delectable dishes featuring the region’s bountiful harvest from the sea.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by the recreational opportunities available in Bodega Bay. Explore the sandy beaches, perfect for beachcombing, picnicking, or flying colorful kites in the sea breeze. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard and venturing out onto the calm waters of the bay.

For nature lovers, Bodega Bay is surrounded by natural beauty. The nearby Bodega Head is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities to spot migratory seabirds and whales during certain times of the year.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic town of Bodega, located just a few miles inland from Bodega Bay. This quaint village retains its old-world charm and is known for its association with the classic Alfred Hitchcock film, “The Birds.” Stroll through the town’s streets lined with preserved historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era.

Bodega Bay’s natural beauty, charming harbor, and outdoor activities make it a captivating stop along your road trip. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days exploring this coastal gem, you’ll be enchanted by the laid-back charm and coastal allure of Bodega Bay.

Nestled at the confluence of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean, the small coastal town of Jenner is a hidden gem along the San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip. With its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and tranquil river estuary, Jenner offers a unique and tranquil experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and serenity.

One of the main attractions in Jenner is the Jenner Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area’s natural history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The center provides valuable information about the Russian River estuary and the various activities available, such as birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking.

Speaking of kayaking, Jenner is a prime destination for this water activity. Paddle along the tranquil Russian River estuary, where you’ll have the chance to observe a diverse array of birds, including herons, ospreys, and pelicans. The calm waters also offer an ideal environment for beginners to try their hand at kayaking.

If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, explore the nearby trails that wind through stunning coastal landscapes. The Jenner Headlands Preserve features miles of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the ocean. Take in the panoramic vistas, watch for marine life, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the rugged coastline.

Jenner is also an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts. Cast a line into the Russian River or head out into the ocean, where you can try your luck catching salmon, steelhead trout, or even surfperch.

For a memorable dining experience, visit one of the local restaurants in Jenner that provide stunning views of the river or the ocean. Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty that surrounds you.

Jenner may be a small town, but its natural wonders and peaceful ambiance make it a worthwhile stop on your road trip. Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the picturesque river estuary, explore the trails, and connect with nature in this hidden coastal gem.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Journeying further along Highway 1, you’ll come across Fort Ross State Historic Park, a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into California’s rich history. This park is home to a meticulously preserved Russian settlement and fort, providing a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about the region’s early European settlers.

Fort Ross was established in 1812 as a Russian outpost and served as a hub for fur trading and agricultural activities. Today, the park showcases the reconstructed buildings and structures that were once part of this thriving settlement. Explore the fort’s grounds, and visit the historic buildings, including the Rotchev House, the Commander’s House, and the Russian Orthodox Chapel.

As you wander through the park, take in the picturesque coastal setting, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The rugged cliffs and scenic vistas create a picturesque backdrop for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the surrounding trails.

Fort Ross State Historic Park also hosts various events and demonstrations that bring the history of the settlement to life. From traditional Russian music performances to historical reenactments, these engaging activities offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of early Russian settlers in California.

History buffs will appreciate the park’s museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits that highlight the daily life and cultural contributions of the Russian colonists. Gain insights into the unique blend of Russian, Native Alaskan, and Native Californian cultures that once thrived in this remote corner of the state.

It’s worth noting that Fort Ross State Historic Park also serves as a gateway to Sonoma Coast State Park, where you can further explore the natural beauty of the area. Hike along the bluff trails, spot wildlife, or simply relax on the sandy beaches that dot the coastline.

Visiting Fort Ross State Historic Park is a journey back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and heritage of California’s early settlers. Discover the unique story of the Russian-American Company and their impact on this part of the coast while savoring the beauty of the coastal surroundings.

Salt Point State Park

Located along the rugged Sonoma Coast, Salt Point State Park offers a mesmerizing coastal landscape with its rocky shorelines, scenic trails, and unique geological formations. This natural wonderland is a must-visit stop on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

One of the main highlights of Salt Point State Park is its stunning tide pools. As the tide recedes, a vibrant underwater world is revealed, brimming with colorful sea anemones, starfish, and other fascinating marine life. Explore the tide pools, but remember to tread lightly and avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

The park’s coastal trails invite hikers to venture amid the coastal chaparral, with scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along the cliffs or embark on a longer hike to explore the diverse landscapes and flora that characterize the area.

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of inspiration within Salt Point State Park. The combination of dramatic rock formations, crashing waves, and sweeping coastal views create a photographer’s paradise. Capture the beauty of the coastline and its unique geologic features, such as the tafoni formations and the famed Salt Point sea stack.

For those interested in camping, the park offers several campgrounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and spend a night under the starry sky. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of the ocean waves and wake up to the crisp coastal air.

Salt Point State Park is also popular among divers and snorkelers. The park’s underwater reserve showcases a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and vibrant kelp forests. If you’re a certified scuba diver, consider exploring the underwater wonders that lie beneath the surface.

Before leaving Salt Point State Park, make sure to stop by the Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, a protected area where fishing and collecting marine life is prohibited. This reserve provides an opportunity to observe the beauty and resilience of the underwater ecosystem.

With its captivating landscapes and unique marine environment, Salt Point State Park offers a true coastal adventure. From hiking and photography to tide pool exploration and camping, this park promises unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Gualala Point Regional Park

Nestled along the scenic Gualala River, Gualala Point Regional Park is a hidden gem on the San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip route. This tranquil park is a perfect stop for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a beautiful blend of river, beach, and forest landscapes.

At Gualala Point Regional Park, you’ll find a meandering network of trails that guide you through diverse ecosystems, including marshlands, meadows, and towering redwood forests. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside trail, where you can spot a variety of bird species and perhaps catch a glimpse of river otters or deer.

The park’s scenic coastal bluffs provide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for picnicking or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery. On a clear day, you might even witness migrating whales breaching in the distance.

Gualala Point Regional Park is also a haven for beachcombers and sunseekers. Stroll along the wide sandy beach, collect seashells, or simply relax while listening to the soothing sound of the crashing waves. The beach is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companions along for a coastal adventure.

If you’re interested in water activities, the Gualala River offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Launch your vessel from the designated areas and enjoy a peaceful paddle along the calm river, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the park.

Camping enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s campground, which provides a serene place to set up a tent or park an RV. Spend the night under the starry sky and wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature.

For those interested in local history and culture, the nearby town of Gualala offers art galleries, shops, and restaurants with a vibrant artistic community. Explore the local arts scene, indulge in the area’s culinary delights, or peruse the unique boutiques that showcase local craftsmanship.

Gualala Point Regional Park is a hidden gem that invites you to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Whether you’re seeking scenic views, outdoor activities, or a peaceful escape, this park has something for everyone to enjoy along their coastal road trip.

Nestled on the rugged Northern California coastline, the charming town of Mendocino is a destination that effortlessly combines natural beauty with artistic flair. This picturesque coastal town is a must-visit stop on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip, offering a perfect blend of stunning scenery, historic architecture, and a thriving arts community.

Mendocino’s mesmerizing beauty has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, thanks to its dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches, and lush forests. Take a leisurely stroll along the headlands, where you can soak in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and watch waves crash against the rugged shoreline.

The town itself captivates visitors with its well-preserved Victorian buildings and charming cottages that house art galleries, boutiques, and delightful eateries. Explore the unique shops, showcasing local artwork, handmade crafts, and artisanal products.

Mendocino boasts a lively arts scene, with galleries featuring works by local artists and periodic art festivals that showcase the talents of the community. Immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere by visiting the numerous art studios and attending exhibits.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of outdoor activities in and around Mendocino. Hike through the lush forests of nearby Russian Gulch State Park or Van Damme State Park, where you can discover hidden waterfalls, picnic spots, and miles of well-maintained trails.

The region is also known for its pristine coastline and secluded beaches. Spend a day exploring the breathtaking beaches, such as Big River Beach or Glass Beach, where sea glass glistens along the shore. These tranquil stretches of sand invite visitors to relax, take long walks, or even try their hand at tide pooling.

For a taste of local flavors, indulge in Mendocino’s farm-to-table dining experiences. Many restaurants in the area pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a delectable culinary journey with a Pacific Ocean view.

Before leaving Mendocino, make sure to visit the Point Cabrillo Light Station, a historic lighthouse that has guided ships along the treacherous coastline since 1909. Take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating maritime history.

Mendocino’s natural beauty, artistic ambiance, and small-town charm make it a captivating stop on your coastal road trip. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, explore the arts scene, and indulge in the local culture and cuisine.

Point Arena Lighthouse

Absorb the maritime history and marvel at the stunning coastal views by visiting the iconic Point Arena Lighthouse, a historic landmark that has guided ships along the rugged California coast since 1870. Located in Point Arena, this lighthouse is a captivating stop on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip, offering a unique opportunity to delve into maritime heritage and enjoy breathtaking vistas.

As you approach the Point Arena Lighthouse, you’ll be captivated by its striking architecture and picturesque setting. Climb the tower’s spiral staircase, adorned with historical photographs and artifacts, to reach the top and experience panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Standing at 115 feet tall, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. From the lantern room, you can relish sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, a designated national monument that boasts stunning coastal beauty and wildlife.

Explore the lighthouse’s museum, which provides insight into the area’s maritime history and the challenges faced by lighthouse keepers. Discover fascinating exhibits that showcase the vital role of the lighthouse in safeguarding vessels along this treacherous stretch of coastline.

After visiting the lighthouse, take a stroll through the adjoining grounds, which include a beautifully manicured garden and picnic area. Enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing at the Pacific Ocean, or explore the nearby trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded beaches.

While in Point Arena, explore the charming coastal town and its unique shops, galleries, and eateries. Indulge in fresh seafood, browse local art and crafts, or simply immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal ambiance that defines the community.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Garcia River Forest is highly recommended. This pristine forested area offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature.

Point Arena Lighthouse is not only a beacon of maritime history but also a gateway to the stunning beauty of the Mendocino Coast. Take the time to appreciate its architectural grandeur, learn about its significance, and soak up the panoramic coastal views that make this stop truly unforgettable.

Manchester State Park

For a peaceful and secluded coastal experience, make your way to Manchester State Park, nestled along the Mendocino Coast. This hidden gem offers a serene and unspoiled natural environment, making it an ideal stop on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip.

Manchester State Park features a pristine, sandy beach stretching for miles along the rugged coastline. This untouched shoreline provides ample opportunity for beachcombing, picnicking, and leisurely walks. Immerse yourself in the tranquility as you listen to the soothing sound of the waves and feel the soft sand under your feet.

The park is encompassed by diverse ecosystems, including sand dunes, coastal prairies, and forests. Explore the various hiking trails that wind through these landscapes, offering glimpses of the region’s flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildflowers, shorebirds, and even the occasional glimpse of a grazing deer.

Camping enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s campground, which provides a peaceful place to spend the night surrounded by nature. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to the refreshing coastal breeze as you embark on another day of exploration.

Fishing enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities along the Mendocino Coast. Cast your line from the beach or venture out to sea for a chance to catch salmon, rockfish, or lingcod. The park’s coastal waters offer a rich fishing experience that will please both novice and seasoned anglers alike.

Photography enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the striking landscapes and breathtaking vistas that Manchester State Park has to offer. Capture the vibrant sunsets over the ocean, the towering sand dunes, or the majestic cliffs that frame the shoreline.

As you wander through Manchester State Park, take a moment to appreciate its remote beauty and the sense of solitude it provides. With its untouched coastline, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere, this park offers a true coastal sanctuary away from the crowds.

Gualala Arts Center

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts community of Gualala by visiting the Gualala Arts Center, a cultural hub that showcases the talents of local artists and fosters a deep appreciation for the arts. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to experience the creative spirit of the region, a visit to the Gualala Arts Center is a must on your San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip.

The Gualala Arts Center hosts a wide range of artistic exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year. The center is home to art galleries that feature rotating exhibits, showcasing the works of local and regional artists in various mediums, such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Immerse yourself in the creativity of the community as you explore these visually captivating displays.

In addition to visual arts, the center also offers a variety of performing arts experiences. Attend a theater production, concert, or dance performance in the center’s intimate performance space. From local theater groups to renowned musicians and dancers, the Gualala Arts Center invites a diverse range of talents to the stage, providing entertainment for all tastes.

The Arts Center also plays a pivotal role in the community by offering educational programs and workshops. Participate in art classes, music lessons, or writing workshops, where you can nurture your own creative skills or learn new ones. These educational offerings provide a unique chance to engage with the local arts scene and tap into your own artistic potential.

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of the many festivals and events hosted by the Arts Center, such as the Art in the Redwoods Festival, where the natural beauty of the region converges with artistic expression. These events bring the community together in celebration of creativity, providing a memorable and immersive experience for visitors.

The Gualala Arts Center is more than just a venue; it’s a place where art comes to life, where creativity flourishes, and where the community gathers to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. Experience the artistic pulse of Gualala and be inspired by the exceptional talent showcased at this vibrant arts center.

Anchor Bay Beach

Escape the crowds and discover the tranquility of Anchor Bay Beach, a hidden coastal gem along the San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip route. Tucked away between towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, this secluded beach offers a serene and unspoiled coastal experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Anchor Bay Beach is known for its pristine sandy shores, gentle waves, and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore and let the warm sand massage your feet as you listen to the soothing rhythm of the surf. The peaceful atmosphere and the absence of crowds create the perfect environment for a quiet beach day.

If you’re an avid beachcomber, you’ll be delighted by the abundance of seashells and colorful pebbles that grace the shoreline. Spend some time searching for unique treasures washed ashore by the tide, or simply embrace the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the solitude.

The beach is backed by rugged cliffs adorned with coastal vegetation, adding to the picturesque beauty of the area. Take a moment to admire the dramatic coastal scenery and revel in the serenity of your surroundings.

Anchor Bay Beach is not only a place of natural beauty but also offers recreational opportunities. Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the picnic tables nestled among the trees, or set up a blanket on the sand to have a beachfront picnic. The calm waters and gentle waves make this beach an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply splashing around in the shallows.

Keep in mind that the beach is not lifeguarded, so exercise caution and be aware of the ocean conditions. It’s always recommended to check local signage and follow safety guidelines when enjoying any coastal activities.

Anchor Bay Beach is a true hidden gem, offering solitude and natural beauty along the Northern California coastline. Whether you want to relax on the sandy shore, explore the tide pools, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, this tranquil beach provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Arriving at your final destination on the San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant and eclectic city of Santa Cruz. Known for its laid-back surf culture, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere, Santa Cruz offers an abundance of activities and attractions that make it a favorite coastal destination.

One of the main draws of Santa Cruz is its stunning beaches. Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun, catch some waves, or take a leisurely seaside stroll, Santa Cruz has a beach for every preference. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers amusement park rides, games, and a lively carnival atmosphere that delights visitors of all ages.

Santa Cruz is also renowned for its world-class surf spots, attracting surfers from around the globe. If you’re a novice or simply want to soak up the surf culture, you can take a surf lesson or watch locals showcase their skills at iconic breaks such as Steamer Lane.

For a break from the ocean, explore the unique downtown area of Santa Cruz. Wander along Pacific Avenue, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and an array of dining options. Experience the vibrant energy of the city as street performers entertain passersby and local artisans showcase their crafts.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the coastal redwood forests is a must. Just a short drive from downtown, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a serene escape into towering ancient trees, with hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

The Santa Cruz mountains are also home to numerous vineyards and wineries, showcasing the region’s world-class wines. Embark on a wine tasting tour, sample local varietals, and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying the scenic beauty of the vineyard-covered hills.

No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a visit to the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf. Stroll down the historic pier, take in the view of the coastline, and indulge in fresh seafood at the various waterfront restaurants.

As the day turns into night, Santa Cruz comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From live music venues to cozy bars and trendy breweries, there’s something to suit every taste. Catch a local band, sip on craft cocktails, and immerse yourself in the energetic ambiance of the city.

Santa Cruz offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and coastal charm. Whether you’re seeking thrilling surf, natural beauty, or a lively downtown atmosphere, Santa Cruz promises a memorable end to your road trip.

Embarking on a road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz along Highway 1 is a journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, charming coastal towns, and unforgettable experiences. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, this route showcases the diverse beauty of the Northern California coastline.

Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and a rich tapestry of art and culture. The stops on this road trip offer something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing coastal getaway.

From the towering redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument to the dramatic cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore, each destination along this route offers a unique and captivating experience. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the region’s fascinating history, and explore the vibrant arts scenes in towns like Mendocino and Gualala.

Whether you’re wandering through the art galleries of Gualala, kayaking along the Gualala River, or experiencing the thrill of surfing in Santa Cruz, this road trip is a journey of discovery, adventure, and relaxation. Take your time to explore each stop, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

The San Francisco to Santa Cruz road trip showcases the beauty and diversity of the Northern California coastline, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your camera, hit the road, and get ready to create your own unforgettable journey down Highway 1.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The Best Things To Do On The North Shore Of Oahu

A Doors-Off Helicopter Ride Over Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands

Experiencing Culture In The Dominican Republic

12 BEST Topless Beach In U.S. For You To Be Wild...

The Ultimate Guide: First Time Nude Beach Dos And Don’ts

15 BEST Clothing Optional Resorts Around The World

10 Goblin KDrama Filming Locations You Should Visit

More stories.

• Privacy Policy
• Advertising
• Affiliate Disclosure

Things To Do | 13 awesome things to do along Highway 1 from…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

Things To Do

• Food & Drink
• Celebrities
• Pets & Animals
• Event Calendar

Breaking News

Things to do | stanford names new president to replace former leader who resigned under cloud, subscriber only, things to do | 13 awesome things to do along highway 1 from san francisco to santa cruz, from artichoke bread to elephant seals to wyatt earp’s grave, it might be the best drive in california..

Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to San Francisco isn’t just one of the world’s prettiest drives, it’s also packed with attractions and side adventures to delight people of any age. Here are some of the best things to do on that quintessentially Californian stretch of road, from shopping and dining to enjoying nature along the rugged, seal-dotted Pacific coastline.

1 Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Seymour is a charming aquarium you can do in an hour for cheap and still feel rewarded with a great marine-wildlife experience. There are touch pools where you can examine starfish and pet swell sharks, as well as all kinds of animals from Monterey Bay from jellyfish to eels to octopus. On display outside is the immense skeleton of “Ms. Blue,” who in better days was a live blue whale, and many walking paths to explore along the ocean beach.

Details: Seymour Marine Discovery Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 100 McAllister Way in Santa Cruz. Tickets are $8-$11; seymourcenter.ucsc.edu.

2 Venus Spirits

It’s probably not the best idea to start off a road trip with a strong cocktail, so this one’s best for your passengers. But Venus Spirits, named after founder Sean Venus, serves award-winning small-batch creations including delicately balanced gins and aquavits and “El Ladron Yolo,” an agave-based tipple made using traditional pit roasting. Enjoy them in tasting flights or in cocktails at the accompanying restaurant, where they’re often canopied with fresh fruit and herbs.

Details: The Venus Spirits tasting room opens at 3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday-Sunday. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 200 High Road, Santa Cruz; venusspirits.com

3 Beauregard Vineyards

In the hamlet of Bonny Doon is one of the best wine experiences you can hope for in California. Beauregard’s 65 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains include a historic tasting room, a shady redwood grove and a burbling stream populated with chirping frogs. Sipping a cab or pinot noir here makes you feel privy to a mystical and hidden experience, even though Highway 1 is less than 10 minutes away.

Details: Beauregard Vineyards is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 10 Pine Flat Road in Santa Cruz; beauregardvineyards.com.

4 American Abalone Farms

Ever been to an abalone farm? Here’s a great one that raises these delicacies on kelp and sells them wholesale, as well as at its retail shop on weekends. Prices are reasonable, and there’s an outdoor picnic area, too. Chomp on raw abalone and farm-raised oysters – you have to shuck them yourself, knives are available to rent – while staring at the ocean and contemplating where it all came from.

Details: Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends at 245 Davenport Landing Road in Davenport;  americanabalone.com.

5 Año Nuevo State Park

This park is home to perhaps the Bay Area’s most sublime seal watching. Gigantic elephant seals are routinely laid out on the beach, going through their seasonal activities of molting, hauling out and breeding. The breeding part can be a little bit gruesome as it involves force and biting, but hey, that’s nature for you. Right now visitors can only see the seals on guided tours; head to the website for seasonal visitor information.

Details: Año Nuevo State Park is open Thursday-Monday until 5 p.m. at 1 New Years Creek Road in Pescadero; find reservation information at parks.ca.gov .

6 Pie Ranch

If a name like “Pie Ranch” doesn’t make you swerve off the highway, there’s something wrong with you. The folks behind this operation are dedicated to creating an equitable “seed-to-table” food system and offer the quality results of their labor at a farmstand selling flour and grains, homemade preserves and shrubs, and unique condiments like poblano vinegar and smoked shishito-pepper jelly. Oh right — and pies, which come in flavors such as peach, chocolate and lemon-buttermilk olallieberry.

Details: Pie Ranch is open from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays (closed Tuesdays) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at 2080 Highway 1 in Pescadero; pieranch.org.

7 Arcangeli Grocery

Some people drive all the way from San Francisco to Pescadero just to lay their hands on Arcangeli’s artichoke bread. (The grocery even ships it all over the country via Goldbelly .) The local institution has baked veggie-and-herb bread for almost a century, using ingredients sourced from local farms. It’s soft yet crusty, sweet yet savory, warm from the oven, if you time it right, and totally worth a detour even if you’re watching your carbs. The grocery also has a small menu of large sandwiches, like the Godfather with three kinds of Italian cured meats.

Details: Arcangeli Grocery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays) at 287 Stage Road in  Pescadero; normsmarket.com.

8 Downtown Local

This is your place to go for a cup of strong, toasty coffee and something that’s equally eye-opening: a bake shop seemingly pulled through a wormhole from decades back. The walls are papered with pages from old Life magazines, furniture is bound with cut-off jeans, and classic motorcycle and automotive artifacts abound (peep the Beatles-themed Porsche out front). Buy yourself a vintage trinket to take home for a friend and, in the warm weather, a lovely soft-serve with espresso.

Details: Downtown Local is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday-Sunday at 213 Stage Road in Pescadero; facebook.com/downtownlocal.

9 Harley Farms Goat Dairy

Have an inexplicable desire to be surrounded by bleating baby goats? Harley Farms can accommodate with guided tours of their dairy, which features young goats in the spring as well as Anatolian shepherds, donkeys and an alpaca named “Gentleman Jim.” There are peacocks roaming a picturesque orchard, and at the farm shop, everything possibly related to goat milk from soap and body lotions to chevre and cheesecake. Grab some tasty treats and enjoy them at picnic benches near the pond.

Details: Harley Farms Goat Dairy is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 205 North St. in Pescadero; harleyfarms.com.

10 Dad’s Luncheonette

It’s not often a chef at a three-starred Michelin restaurant quits to run a sandwich shop in a train caboose, but that’s what Scott Clark did with this Half Moon Bay luncheonette. Formerly of Saison, Clark now hangs with his family and makes killer burgers and mushroom sandwiches for vacationers and hungry surfers alike. Rotating soups and desserts have featured coconut-corn chowder and pistachio-and-lime cookies, and people say the homemade chips are the best in the land. There are also cans of kombucha and wine to enjoy outdoors in the coastal sun.

Details: Dad’s Luncheonette is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday at 225 Cabrillo Highway South in Half Moon Bay; dadsluncheonette.com.

11 337 Mirada ART

Located right on the beach in a quintessential beach town, this gallery pulls off the difficult feat of actually being good and not a tourist trap. It features a regular rotation of artwork and handicrafts from local makers, some of them quite skilled at designing jewelry and glassware. There are also paintings and clothing and occasionally the artists themselves, who are glad to guide you around and chat about the Half Moon Bay arts scene.

Details: 337 Mirada ART is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 337 Mirada Road in Half Moon Bay; 337miradaart.com.

12 Wyatt Earp’s grave

The famous lawman and gambler claims a Jewish cemetery south of San Francisco as his eternal resting place. He wasn’t actually Jewish, but his wife had a plot there, and they wanted to be together, as their tombstone avers: “That nothing’s so sacred as honor, and nothing so loyal as love!” It’s quite a scene, with Old West aficionados paying homage with offerings of marshal badges, whiskey, playing cards and even live rounds. Walk a minute, and you’ll see another bit of long-gone history – the Tomb of Levi Strauss, of denim-jeans fame.

Details: Hills of Eternity Memorial Park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed Saturdays and on Jewish and secular holidays) at 1301 El Camino Real in Colma; jcemsf.org/wyatt-earp-gravesite.

13 Sutro Baths

There’s no more scenic place to wind down (or start off) a trip along Highway 1 than a short hike to the old Sutro Baths, a 19th-century recreation complex that could hold 10,000 people inches from the Pacific Ocean. It burned down in the 1960s and is now a visage of extraordinary urban ruin and natural beauty, with crumbling concrete structures, shipwrecks visible off the coast and a seaside cave that’s reputedly haunted: Bring a candle in, and an invisible presence will always blow it out. Bonus points if you get there for the sunset.

Details: Sutro Baths is open daily at 1004 Point Lobos Ave. in San Francisco;  nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/cliff-house-sutro-baths.htm.

The Bay Area boasts near-endless options for outdoor adventures, tasty bites and unexpected day trips. So we created the Bay Area Bucket List , a project that asks our readers to help us find the best activities.

Send us your ideas below. Then we’ll post a sampling so readers can vote and help us pick what cool activities to explore. Be sure to include your contact info, so we can ping you if we select your idea to investigate. [hearken id=”bang/8571″] Wondering about those reader votes? Check below for our latest voting round. [hearken id=”bang/9204″]

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Things To Do

Home and Garden | Home decor: Use a color wheel to choose paint and upholstery colors with confidence

Entertainment | See early Disneyland ride concepts that never got built

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Oracle Park food: SF Giants adding Augie’s Montreal Deli ‘smoke meat’ sandwiches

Things To Do | ‘Girls State’: Filmmakers suddenly had a Roe v Wade story on their hands

Home » California » Day Trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco (everything you need to know!)

Day Trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco (everything you need to know!)

Trying to plan the perfect day trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco or anywhere else in the Bay Area? I’ve got you covered! This Santa Cruz itinerary will show you the best way to spend a day in Santa Cruz.

I’ll be your local guide to Santa Cruz and share the hidden gems you absolutely must see on your Santa Cruz adventure, no matter what time of year you’re visiting! 

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I’ll get a commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase through my link. Please see my Disclosure page for more information.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse 

Año nuevo state park , davenport, ca, shark fin cove beach , beauregard winery , wilder ranch , cafe brasil , walnut ave cafe , santa cruz diner , where to stop along the way , other places to grab lunch: , boardwalk events worth going to: , explore downtown santa cruz , mission hill, penny ice creamery , marianne’s , end of the day / dinner in santa cruz , leaving santa cruz for san francisco, what to wear in santa cruz, ready to plan a trip to santa cruz, california, best things to do in santa cruz if you have more than a day, pin this for later.

• California Travel Posts You'll Love

How to Get to Santa Cruz from San Francisco 

Santa Cruz is about 75 miles from the San Francisco area, making for a drive that’ll take you anywhere from an hour and fifteen minutes to two hours, depending on what route you take. 

The two main ways to get to Santa Cruz from the Bay Area are by taking Highway 17 across the Santa Cruz mountains, or by taking the coastal route down Highway 1. 

Both ways of getting to Santa Cruz are beautiful in their own right, but I strongly recommend taking Highway 1 there when you’re going on a Santa Cruz day trip.

Not only is Highway 1 the “long” way to get to Santa Cruz, but it’ll also allow you to see some of the most beautiful, uninterrupted coastal cliffside views.

I suggest you take Highway 17 when you’re returning home, as it tends to be the quicker route. 

Note : If you’re not familiar with the area, Highway 17 is a pretty winding road that cuts through the mountains. You gain and lose significant elevation pretty quickly. 

Because this is the main way locals travel between Santa Cruz and San Jose, we tend to drive faster than the tourists. Take those the turns carefully, this is not a highway to be speeding on!  

Highway 1 Stops on the Way to Santa Cruz 

There’s a ton of beaches and pulls outs along Highway 1 on your way to Santa Cruz (which makes for a perfect roadtrip or Santa Cruz weekend trip on their own.)

While all of them are beautiful in their own right, I recommend your first stop on the way down be at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. 

Related reading: check out this California packing list (and free printable!) to learn what to pack for a California trip to Santa Cruz.

Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060

There will be a sign alerting you to the pullout for the lighthouse, as well as parking at the lighthouse itself. You can get out of the car and take some beautiful photos of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs behind the lighthouse. 

Little known fact: there’s a hostel in the same grounds as the lighthouse! 

1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060

About 10 minutes south of Pigeon Point Lighthouse, you’ll find Año Nuevo State Park. Visiting Año Nuevo can be a whole half a day in and of itself, but it’s a good place to stop to see elephant seals if you have the time. 

• The park opens at 8:30am and has a $10/car admission fee.
• It’s about a 3-4 mile walk to see the elephant seals, but there’s other shorter hikes you can do with beach access as well. 
• To see the elephant seals from December through March, you need to book a guided walk in advance.
• From April through November, you need a visitor permit (obtained inside the park) to do a self guided walk to the seals.

Local tip: one of my favorite places in the world, the Pie Ranch, is located almost directly across the highway from Año Nuevo. 

The Pie Ranch sells homemade pies, desserts, vegetables, eggs, and souvenirs – all organic and local. Trust me when I say it’s AMAZING.  It’s usually open around 10am and it is 100% worth stopping here. 

9812 Cabrillo Hwy, Davenport, CA 95017

About 15 minutes down the road from Año Nuevo, you’ll find the small town of Davenport, California. If you haven’t stopped so far during your drive, Davenport is a good place to get out and stretch your legs. 

You’ll see a pretty big parking lot directly across the street from the main buildings on Highway 1 that make up Davenport. You can park there and go down to the beach, or check out the old abandoned Davenport Pier. 

Davenport, CA 95017

Just a minute or two down from Davenport you’ll find the iconic Shark Fin Cove Beach. Even though it’s gained a lot of popularity in recent years, it’s still one of many beautiful (and super cool) spots in Santa Cruz that always makes my heart sing. 

Tip: make sure you bring a cute beach blanket like this colorful Mexican inspired one to sit and enjoy the beach. And don’t forget to wear some eco-friendly sunscreen!

To get to the beach itself, you’ll park in the dirt pullout off Highway 1, and walk down a steep little path to the beach. It’s not a super well worn path, so wear appropriate shoes. 

My favorite way of seeing Shark Fin Cove Beach, however, is not to go down to the beach directly, but to see it from the cliffs above. 

You’ll see a big field next to the entrance to the beach, on the right. Follow the path (it loops around), for some breathtaking ocean views. This is one of my favorite places in the Santa Cruz area, and is where I’d go whenever I had a bad day. The salty sea spray always made even my worst days better. 

Don’t forget to bring a good lightweight camera to capture your adventures!

10 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Right after you leave Shark Fin Cove, you’ll see a sign for a winery and Bonny Doon Rd to your left. Take Bonny Doon Rd for about 7 minutes until you reach Beauregard Winery. 

Spend an hour or two wine tasting, and grab a seat anywhere outside to see the vineyards. Listen closely and you’ll hear a babbling brook. This is one of those perfect things to do in Santa Cruz in the winter. 

1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Wilder Ranch is one of the best places to visit in Santa Cruz. Located about 10 minutes down the Highway from Shark Fin Cove, it’s a spot that’s super popular with the locals (and not one of those insane Santa Cruz tourist attractions yet). 

Stop to do a short hike (if you can find parking – did I mention how popular this spot is with the locals?) The views from Wilder Ranch are some of the best in Santa Cruz. 

Wilder Ranch also serves as the landmark to tell you that you’ve made it to Santa Cruz! 

Where to Get Breakfast in Santa Cruz 

Whether you’ve stopped along the drive to Santa Cruz, once you’re in town start heading to a breakfast joint! 

Breakfast and brunch are a BIG DEAL in Santa Cruz, so you can’t go wrong with most places. I’m sharing some of our favorite places to eat in Santa Cruz. These are the local spots that you’d find us at on any given weekend! 

1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

If you’re in the mood for an acai bowl, or a big hearty brazilian breakfast, Cafe Brasil is the place for you! Located on Mission Rd (which is what Highway 1 turns into when you hit town), Cafe Brazil ALWAYS has a line. 

What to get: try the feijoada, it’s a complete, filling, radiitonal Brazilian meal that won’t disappoint! 

The food here is incredible, and is absolutely worth waiting for. 

Tips from a local: the Cafe Brasil parking lot is TINY. Honestly, it’s not even worth trying to find parking in it. Instead, park on one of the residential streets off Mission and walk to the restaurant. Please be respectful of locals, and don’t block any driveways. 

106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

My favorite breakfast place in Santa Cruz is hands down Walnut Avenue Cafe. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, Walnut usually has a pretty long line as well. 

The earlier you can get there, the better. Parking in downtown Santa Cruz is pretty easy, with metered street parking and parking structures nearby. 

My favorite thing to get : try the huevos rancheros, or the shrimp tostadas (if it’s after 11am). And don’t forget to ask for plenty of salsa on the side! 

Put your name down on the waiting list, and go check out the super hip Stripe shop across the street for a few minutes. 

909 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

If you’re a Guy Fieri fan, you might be familiar with the Santa Cruz diner (it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for those who don’t know). 

It’s a super retro diner, with plenty of booths and countertop seating. The food options here are plenty, the portions are big, and pretty delicious. Do keep in mind that it’s a pretty popular spot, but snagging a table isn’t usually too difficult. 

What to get: I don’t know why, but their pho is one of my favorite things on the menu! Give it a try, especially on a foggier Santa Cruz morning. And don’t forget to treat yo’ self to a yummy milkshake! 

Things To Do in Santa Cruz After Breakfast 

After breakfast, head over to the water to burn off your meal by walking or biking up iconic West Cliff Drive (just West Cliff to the locals). West Cliff is a long stretch of coast with beautiful views of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay. 

On a clear sunny day, you can see all the way across the bay to Monterey. It’s the perfect place to smell the salty ocean air, and one of the best free things to do in Santa Cruz! 

West Cliff 

Start the walk here or here

West Cliff is where we’ll usually head to after breakfast in order to take in the beautiful Santa Cruz scenery. 

If it’s your first time in Santa Cruz, I strongly recommend you rent a bike or walk at least part of the way. There’s so many little hidden spots along West Cliff, it’s easier to explore them if you’re on foot or on bike. 

Local tip: wear good walking sneakers! This pair is super cute and well reviewed.

Parking along West Cliff isn’t too bad in the mornings, but during the summer those spots can quickly disappear. Ditch your car in one of the early pulls outs along Westcliff, right around here if you can snag a spot.

The whole walk is about two (2) miles long one way, and you’ll find something new each way. 

• Surfers memorial : you can’t miss it, and is a good reminder of Santa Cruz’s strong surfing roots. 
• Surfing museum: yep, surfing is one of the top things to do in Santa Cruz. The surf museum is a super cute red brick building, but the real gem is seeing the surfers navigate the waves that are crashing into the cliffs below!
• Dog beach: whether or not  you’re bringing your dog on your Santa Cruz vacation, the dog beach is one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. It’s located right next to the surf museum, look for the stairs.

After West Cliff, head on over to the Santa Cruz wharf to check out the sea lions. Pop into the cute little shops along the wharf, take in the views and snap some photos, or grab a drink at Olita’s.

Where to get Lunch in Santa Cruz 

After spending some time at West Cliff and the Wharf, it’s time to grab some lunch! From the wharf, walk on down to Ideal Bar and Grill. 

Ideal is one of the few places in town with some good outdoor seating. Enjoy the views of the Santa Cruz beach from Ideal, and make sure you try their clam chowder while you’re there! 

• Zoccoli’s : located downtown, Zoccoli’s has really good deli sandwiches and snacks. 
• Yan Flower : super cheap local chinese place. Popular with the students due to the low prices and big portions. 

Things to Do After Lunch 

There’s plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz after lunch, but few things beat the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk (and the beach immediately behind it!) for some good old fashioned summer fun!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a trip to the famous Santa Cruz boardwalk! There’s definitely a reason the Boardwalk pops up on all of those “What to Do in Santa Cruz, CA” lists. 

To get there from Ideal, walk past the volleyball nets and through the arcade to access the boardwalk area. 

Ride the SkyGlider for a faster way to get across, and don’t forget to get a myBoardwalk card to pay for the rides. 

What to do : I’m not a huge fan of rollercoasters but the Giant Dipper (the red wooden one) is pretty iconic. I’ve ridden it with my friends before, and it was a pretty exhilarating ride with beautiful beach views. 

For something easier on your heart rate, ride the sea swings. You’ll get incredible views of the beach from them. 

Get a snack: get a funnel cake or a churro – they’re super fluffy and delicious!

If you’re going to Santa Cruz in February, make sure you check out the clam chowder cook-off.  It’s a super popular clam chowder competition that takes place at the boardwalk every February and is absolutely worth going to.

Visiting Santa Cruz in the summer? Plan an overnight trip and go see a movie at the beach, or check out one of the beach concerts. 

During the winter months: rides are limited at the boardwalk. Check out Neptune’s Kingdom instead for mini golf, or air hockey. Spend some time at the arcade, or go bowling at Santa Cruz bowl. 

You can easily spend a whole day at the Santa Cruz boardwalk, and you should absolutely feel free to do so! If you need a break from the craziness that can be the boardwalk during summer months, enjoy the sea breeze at the beach directly behind the rides. 

If you need a break from the boardwalk, head to downtown Santa Cruz and get your exploring on! There’s plenty of shops worth exploring in downtown Santa Cruz, but these are my favorites:

• Bookshop Santa Cruz: this is a classic, independent bookstore and a local favorite. 
• Homeless Garden Project: find some small gifts and souvenirs here while supporting a local nonprofit. 
• Paper Vision: Super cute paper and gift store. It’s a pretty small place, but it’s packed full of surprises! 
• The MAH (Santa Cruz Museum of Art): this is a small art museum, with beautiful, bright architecture. Check out the permanent exhibit of native Santa Cruz history. 
• Stripe: super hip, expensive-ish clothes and gift store. Everything from Stripe is amazing, but I particularly love their soft linen baby clothes and stuffed animals. 
• Sockshop : this is THE place in Santa Cruz to get some fun socks. They make for thoughtful, cheap souvenirs! 
• Streetlight Records: browse new and used records at Streetlight. Prices are reasonable, and they have a huge variety. You can easily spend hours at this record store. 
• Artisans: check out some local, vibrant art at Artisans. This is on my list of places to pop into everytime I’m downtown, and daydream of buying all the beautiful art pieces once day.  
• Botanic & Lux: This is tucked away in between the shops downtown, but is worth the trouble of finding. They make amazing bath salts and other organic beauty products.
• Berdels: You can probably find that infamous Santa Cruz hoodie at Berdels. The clothes here are the epitome of California cool, and you’ll find plenty of trendy, but approachable locals shopping here. 

Ice Cream Shops Worth Visiting 

I’m totally a fan of eating my dessert before dinner, and Santa Cruz has some great ice cream options. 

1101 Pacific Ave B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

My favorite ice cream shop downtown. They have classic and creative flavors. It’s made using all locally sourced ingredients, and is an overall amazing little ice cream shop. Lines can form, but it’s usually not as crowded as the Penny. 

913 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

The Penny, as locals know it, is on many a list of things to do in Santa Cruz. The ice cream here is GOOD, but they tend to have less classic ice cream flavors than other shops. Check it out if you’re in the mood for something new. 

1020 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Ok, so Marianne’s isn’t downtown, but it’s pretty close AND it’s one of the best places for ice cream in Santa Cruz. I’ve spent many a night heading to Marianne’s for my favorite ice cream (2 junior scoops of strawberry sorbet and german chocolate on a waffle cone, in case you’re wondering!) It’s absolutely worth it. 

1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Since you’re already downtown, if you’re sticking around for dinner I recommend you grab a bite at El Palomar, a classic Santa Cruz Mexican restaurant downtown. 

El Palomar is divided into 3 parts: the main restaurant, restaurant bar and ‘patio’ seating, and a hole in the wall looking taqueria.

To save some money, I recommend you find a table at the hole in the wall part. Tacos, burritos and drinks are all cheaper on this side of El Palomar, and the food is just as amazing. 

You should know that during the summer months, traffic out of Santa Cruz at the end of the day can be pretty ridiculous. If you’re able to, leave earlier or later than prime rush hour out of the city (between 4pm-8pm)

Otherwise, traffic on Highway 17 moves pretty slowly between Scott’s Valley and San Jose. It usually adds about 30 minutes to the drive back. 

As always when visiting the the central coast, make sure you dress in layers. Here’s a cute go to outfit to dress like a local:

• Cute t-shirt
• Rain Jacket (for foggier winter days)

There are just so many fun things to do in Santa Cruz, CA, a day is never enough to see it all. If you’re able to spend more than a day in Santa Cruz, you absolutely should! Keep reading below for some of my recommendations on other activities to do in Santa Cruz if you have more time. 

• Walk along Seymour Discovery Center;
• Go for a hike at UCSC;
• Check out the UCSC Arboretum;
• Do as the locals and have a bonfire at Seabright Beach;
• During the summer months, go see a play outdoors with Santa Cruz Shakespeare at the park;
• Go for a hike along the redwoods at Big Basin;
• Go kayaking with Sea Otters in Moss Landing;
• Have a fancy dinner at Shadowbrook;
• Go explore Capitola, for a smaller, more luxe Santa Cruz experience ;
• Take a surfing lesson .

I hope by now you know what to see in Santa Cruz during your next visit. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Santa Cruz in November, or visiting during the peak summer season, there’s just so many things to do in this sleepy beach town that you’ll want to keep coming back over and over again. 

California Travel Posts You’ll Love

9 thoughts on “day trip to santa cruz from san francisco (everything you need to know)”.

Oh my gosh! That ice cream looks so delicious. What a fun time Santa Cruz would be!

Definitely the place for an all-American summer day!

I did a day trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco last summer! Along the way we stopped at a field with gorgeous wildflowers. That was such a fun trip!

YES! This was one of my favorite things to do – except for when the bees come out!

I absolutely want to check out the clam chowder cook off!

Oh it’s a must! Never missed it all the years I lived there!

This was the best and most informative posting! Thank you I am now planning my trip based off of this!

That’s so sweet, thank you – glad I could help 🙂

Thanks for the great tips! We are new to the area and had an issue with our plumbing we needed to call an emergency plumber and get out of the house. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Ale

San Francisco to Santa Cruz: Ultimate CA Road Trip

If you’re planning a road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, you’re in for a treat because there’s nothing quite like taking a road trip down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

The infamous PCH covers 656 miles of California’s pristine wild coastline. The portion of the route stretching from San Francisco to Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, charming small towns, and even an opportunity to see the native wildlife ( whales , elephant seals, and seabirds!) up close.

It is an ideal  day trip  from the bustling city to a  vacation rental  in a laid-back beach town!

Here is our guide to all the best stops to take, when to go, and how much time to set aside. Buckle up, and get ready for a trip you’ll never forget!

Driving Time from San Francisco to Santa Cruz

There are essentially two routes from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, with different scenery and driving times. Both offer their own benefits depending on your preferred day trip.

The Mountainous Route

If you take the CA-17S, the drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz will only take about  one hour and fifteen minutes , assuming you don’t make any stops or hit any traffic. This route will take you along the San Francisco Bay and through a redwood-lined path inland until eventually turning towards the coast. There are many amazing stops amongst the  Santa Cruz Mountains  on this route.

The Coastal Route

The drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz via the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) has a travel time of around two hours, assuming you don’t make any stops or hit any traffic. All this to say that a round trip day adventure is very possible.

Even if you’re in a rush, we recommend taking the Pacific Coast Highway. Without stops, the drive isn’t too much longer, and the incredible scenic views more than warrant the extra driving time. Driving south, this route is particularly amazing because that vantage point gives you the best views of the Pacific.

If you want to make the most of your road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. In that case, we recommend getting an early start leaving San Francisco so you can take your time exploring this stunning stretch of coastline and have time to enjoy a  sunset  on the  Santa Cruz Beach Boar dwalk  before heading back.

This article will focus on the Pacific Coast Highway route, what to see, and where to stop!

The Best Sites Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz

From remarkable beaches to quaint coastal towns, these are the best places to stop on a road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.

Pacifica State Beach

Crescent-shaped Pacifica State Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the bay area, and it’s the perfect first place for your first road trip stop.

If you want to grab a coffee or a quick breakfast to enjoy on the road, you can make a stop at  Soul Grind Coffee Roasters . They’re located right next to the beach and have delicious lattes and grab n’ go breakfast and lunch options.

If you want to kick the road trip off with a short hike, you can hike out to  Pedro’s Point , where you’ll have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and all the way up the coast. To hike to Pedro’s Point, you’ll park at the  Devil’s Slide North Parking Lot  and take the  Pedro Point Headlands Trail . The full loop is 2.3 miles long and a great place to spot birds and wildflowers.

JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Next up is the  JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve , around 30 minutes into your road trip. This 3-mile stretch of coastline is very famous for its thriving marine life and intertidal pools.

The intertidal pools are home to sea urchins, hermit crabs, starfish, sea anemones, mussels, barnacles, algae, and more! While you explore the tide pools, you’re also likely to spot sea otters, birds, and harbor seals at this marine reserve.

The best time to visit the tide pools at the JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is during or close to low tide, as that is when the tide pools are exposed. If you’re planning on exploring the tide pools, be sure to wear shoes with good grip, as the footing near the tide pools can be quite slippery.

Pillar Point Bluff

If you’re making this drive between late September and April, the behemoth wave  Mavericks  might be working. There are many  big wave surfing spots outside of Santa Cruz , but Mavericks is the biggest wave in the United States, with waves here in the winter maxing out at anywhere from 25-60 feet high!

If you’re intrigued, the Pillar Point Bluffs are the perfect place to stop and catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Half Moon Bay

Located about halfway between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay is another of the best stops to take during your road trip. Here are some of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay.

Explore the Beaches

Half Moon Bay is full of amazing beaches, but  Poplar Beach  is one of the best for sunbathing. It is also dog friendly and has plenty of soft white sand to lay out on. If you want to surf or watch surfers,  Surfers Beach  (El Granada) is a great beach to check out.

For fewer crowds, go to  Venice Beach , which has a nice seating area with benches and picnic tables.

Walk the Coastal Trail

The  Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail  is a lovely trail that meanders along the bluffs overlooking the beaches.

The trail is an easy 3.7-mile walk each way. Even if you don’t have time to do the whole walk during your road trip, it’s worth at least doing a small portion of it, as the views are amazing. If you want to bike the trail, you can rent bikes from  Half Moon Bay Kayak Company .

Explore Downtown Half Moon Bay

Downtown Half Moon Bay is full of historic buildings, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. Take a quick walk down Main Street to see the best of downtown Half Moon Bay.

About 25 minutes south of Half Moon Bay, you’ll find the charming town of Pescadero. The town itself is tiny, but it does have a few cool places to visit during your road trip down to Santa Cruz.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy

Harley Farms  in Pescadero is a working farm that sells incredible goat cheese, jams, fresh honey, and other delicious homemade goods. In addition to their goats, they also have several cats, chickens, and alpacas at the farm. If you visit the farm between February and May, you can book a tour and snuggle with their baby goats!

Pescadero Alliance Gas Station

A gas station? Yes! This one is notable for its authentic snacking options. Inside the Alliance Gas Station, you’ll find some of the best Mexican street tacos at the  Mercado and Taqueria de Amigos . If you’re hankering for some tacos, this is the place to stop.

Arcangeli Grocery Co.

Arcangeli Grocery Co . opened in 1929 and, to this day, has some of the best fresh baked bread, sandwiches, and deli cuts around. Even if you’ve already fueled up on tacos, you’ll want to take home a loaf (or two!) of their famous artichoke garlic herb bread.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse  is one of the most photographed lighthouses in California and well worth a stop during your road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.

At 115 feet tall, this iconic structure is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. Pigeon Point Lighthouse first started operating in 1872, and it is still used today to help the Coast Guard navigate the coastline.

While you can no longer go inside the lighthouse, you can still tour the surrounding grounds and buildings and learn all about the park’s history from the various exhibits.

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park  in California will greet you around an hour and fifteen minutes into your road to Santa Cruz from San Francisco.

This dynamic state park is home to the world’s largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals. Every year, over 10,000 elephant seals come to the park to breed, give birth, and molt.

It’s a truly wild sight to behold. To see the elephant seals, you’ll hike a total of 4 miles while enjoying incredible ocean views and crossing a few sand dunes.

The elephant seal breeding season takes place from December 15th to March 31st. This is the best time to see the most elephant seals, although you will need to book a ranger-guided tour to visit at this time. The rest of the year, you can walk the trail independently to the elephant seals.

Año Nuevo State Park is not just a place to come and view the elephant seals, but it is also an important research and education site. Scientists come from all around the world to study the seals and to learn more about their habits, behavior, and lifestyle. The park’s staff also provides educational programs to help visitors learn more about the park and the animals that inhabit it.

With its breathtaking views, picturesque beaches, and unique wildlife, Año Nuevo State Park is the perfect place to experience the beauty of nature during your road trip.

Swanton Berry Farms

Swanton Berry Farms  is another excellent stop to make during your road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Situated just off PCH in the picturesque coastal town of  Davenport , the family-run Swanton Berry Farms is a local favorite.

Here you can sample delicious organic fruits, purchase seasonal baked goods, and even enjoy a hot cup of coffee or strawberry apple cider.

However, the best part of a visit to Swanton Berry Farms is their U-Pick produce! Depending on the season, you can pick your own basket of either strawberries, kiwis, or olallieberries. Currently, the U-Pick is only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Shark Fin Cove

Just 15 minutes from Ano Nuevo State Park, you’ll find  Shark Fin Cove  in  Davenport.  It is an ideal place to take in the stunning beach features jagged cliffs and a rocky shoreline, perfect for exploring and taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

However, the most impressive feature of Shark Fin Cove is the massive, shark fin-shaped rock jutting out of the water.

The shark fin shape of the rock is much more prominent when looking from above, so it’s best to take it all in and snap a photo before heading down to the beach below.

The cove itself is a lovely secluded beach with wonderful views of the ocean and surrounding rocky cliffs. There is even a sea cave on the beach that you can check out; just be wary of the tide and water rushing into the cave.

The Best Season to Road Trip

Thanks to the mild California climate, there is never a bad time to road trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. However, each season offers a little something different, so you might want to keep the seasons in mind when planning your trip. Here’s what to expect each season.

If you’re looking for warm, sunny days and very few crowds, the best time to road-trip down to Santa Cruz is in the fall. The weather in September, October, and even early November is still very warm and pleasant in this part of California. You don’t get hit by the foggy marine layer that is common during the summer months.

Winter is the least crowded season for road-tripping down the PCH, making it the best time to make this trip if you want to avoid crowds.

Additionally, winter is when the northern elephant breeding seal takes place and is the best time to go if you want to see the elephant seal rookery in Año Nuevo State Park.

Spring is the greenest season in Northern California and the best time to road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway if you want to enjoy the sights of wildflowers blooming, rolling fields of green grass, and the baby goats at Harley Farms!

Spring in Santa Cruz  also brings a lot of potential for fun activities!

The summer is the most popular time to road-trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. You’ll experience very few rainy days, and the weather will be very sunny, except for the occasional fog layer.

Don’t worry too much about the fog, though, as it usually does burn off by the early afternoon. Overall, summer is the best time to road-trip down Highway 1 if you want to experience the warmest beach and ocean temperatures.

Enjoy this Iconic California Road Trip

Between the breathtaking coastline, vibrant marine life, and memorable seaside towns; there are plenty of amazing stops to take along the way from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.

From the Bay to  Downtown Santa Cruz , roll the windows down and cruise down the Pacific Coast like you have all the time in the world! Enjoy this stunning little slice of California on your way down to a luxurious  vacation rental  in Santa Cruz.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Top 10 Things To Do In Santa Cruz, California

Last updated: June 2, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

From San Francisco, an easy day trip is to pop across to the gorgeous town of Santa Cruz, famed for its boardwalk, laid back vibe and surfing opportunities galore. We’ve visited a number of times, and based on our experiences, have come up with a guide to all our favourite things to do in Santa Cruz.

This guide to visiting Santa Cruz would serve well for visiting Santa Cruz for anything from a few hours (perhaps as part of a California road trip ?) to a few days. As well as a guide to what to do in Santa Cruz, we’ve also included some extra ideas, resources and links to prepare you for your visit to this lovely spot – however long it may be!

Things to do in Santa Cruz

1. the wharf.

Certainly one of the most popular activities to do in Santa Cruz is to take a walk out on the west coast’s longest pier. It’s just celebrated its centenary, and offers gorgeous coastal views, not to mention sea lion spotting opportunities.

It’s also offers up a good variety of places to eat, many of which specialise in seafood of course. The takeaway fish and chips is a popular option, just watch out for hungry gulls…

2. Amusement park and Beach boardwalk

Back on dry land and just next to the wharf is another classic attraction, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is California’s oldest amusement park and is free to enter, with payment on a per ride basis.

Sure, you won’t get the white knuckle thrill rides of some of the larger parks in California, but there is a wooden roller coaster and numerous more classic fairground attractions to keep you entertained.

3. Surfing museum on West Cliff Drive

All of West Cliff Drive is worth visiting, as it offers excellent views of the pier and city, not to mention giving you the chance to watch the surfers playing in the waves of “Steamer Lane” down below.

If you want to learn a bit more about the history of surfing though, you should take a moment to drop in at the Santa Cruz surfing museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial lighthouse, found on Lighthouse Point.

This is around a 15 – 20 minute walk from the pier, and features all kinds of information on the history of surfing, from its origins in Hawaii as well as the 100 years or so of surfing history in Santa Cruz itself.

No guide to what to do in Santa Cruz would be complete without mentioning one of the cities most famous activities – surfing! If a surfing museum sounds a bit dry for your tastes, then just hop into the water below, at the aforementioned Steamer Lane surfing hotspot, which is just below the lighthouse.

Access is easy to this well known spot, and it’s believed that the modern day surfing wetsuit and leash were developed here by Jack O’Neill, who had his shop just nearby.

Beyond Steamer Lane, there are 10 more locations you can surf at in Santa Cruz, including the legendary Pleasure Point, so you certainly aren’t going to be bored, whatever your level.

5. Natural Bridges State Beach

Ok, so this was my favourite thing to do in Santa Cruz. Because I like sunsets, natural beauty, and taking pictures of both of those things.

If you continue along the West Cliff Drive Road for a couple of miles, you’ll come to the Natural Bridges State Beach National Park. This is a 65 acre national park, with the highlight being that natural bridge out in the water, which is coated in birdlife, including pelicans and cormorants.

There’s an excellent view of the sunset from the vantage point carpark above the beach, but my favourite spot was down on the beach itself looking at the arch, with the sun setting off frame. Bring a neutral density filter for some great long exposure opportunities!

6. More Museums

If you’re interested in visiting a museum whilst in Santa Cruz beyond the surfing museum, the city has plenty of options for you to consider.

These include the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History , The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History , the Seymour Marine Discovery Center , Santa Cruz’s Children’s Museum of Discovery , Capitola Historical Museum and the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Museum .

As you can see, whatever your interests may be, we are sure you will find a museum you will enjoy in Santa Cruz.

7. The Mystery Spot

Now for a few locations outside of Santa Cruz, starting with the Mystery Spot . This is a very popular and fun attraction just outside the city, where you can appear to witness the laws of gravity bending before your very eyes!

The Mystery Spot has been a popular attraction since the 1940s, and is today listed on the California Registry of historical places. The attraction features a house built upon a specific location, where you can see all sorts of odd things happening, like balls appearing to roll uphill.

The attraction is a lot of fun, especially if you are visiting Santa Cruz as a family. Visits are by guided tour only, with tours leaving multiple times an hour (tour regularity depends on time of year).

You will need a car to visit – in fact, the attraction first launched to cater specifically to new automobile owners looking for things to do in the Santa Cruz area.

There’s parking on site, with a per vehicle fee charged. If you have a larger vehicle like an RV you will want to reserve a parking spot in advance as parking for larger vehicles is limited.

I would also add that the Mystery Spot is very popular, especially in the summer months. There is a maximum capacity per tour, and tours can sell out hours in advance. For this reason, we strongly suggest booking your tour timeslot in advance on the official website here .

Once your tour is booked, leave plenty of time to get to the Mystery Spot. You will want to arrive around 30 minutes in advance of your tour time to give you time to get up the narrow road to the parking lot, pay for parking and pick up your tickets.

While you are in the area, which is found within the beautiful redwood forest, you might also want to check out the 30 minute hiking trail which is also found on site.

8. Roaring Camp

If you love steam trains and giant redwoods, then you’ll definitely want to ensure a visit to Roaring Camp is on your to-do list when you visit Santa Cruz.

Roaring Camp is primarily popular for the historic train rides it offers. There are two main routes – you can take the train to and from Santa Cruz, or you can take a steam train ride through the Redwood Forest.

The latter is definitely a must-do experience, as the train winds its way up through the stunning redwood trees to the top of nearby Bear Mountain.

If you want to ride the steam train, which is definitely a recommend experience, then we suggest booking your tickets for the ride in advance to secure a spot. You can do that online in advance here .

There is more to see and do at the Roaring Camp depot as well. There are usually live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, as well as a number of historical themed properties you can tour.

To get to Roaring Camp you can either take the train up from Santa Cruz, or you can drive and park on site. There’s a fee for parking. If you do visit by car, then you should also visit the next attraction on our list, which you can do directly from Roaring Camp without needing to move your car (and pay for parking again!).

9. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Whenever we’re in California, we always make sure we find some time to visit at least one of the redwood forests in the state. Walking among these massive trees is a wonderful experience.

The good news it that there are a number of locations near Santa Cruz where you can redwoods. One of our favourite locations to see the redwoods near Santa Cruz is the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park . This is right next to Roaring Camp.

Here, you’ll find a number of trails through the state park, with the most popular of these being those which take you through the 40 acre grove of old-growth redwood trees. The oldest tree in the park is over 1500 years old and 277 feet tall!

There are also wildlife spotting opportunities, places to camp, as well as extensive hiking, horseback riding and swimming options. We can also recommend stopping by the visitor centre where you can learn all about the environment you are experiencing.

Visiting the park itself is free, but there is a day-use car parking fee. As mentioned above, if you want to visit Roaring Camp as well, you can walk between the two attractions, to save having to pay for parking twice.

10. And more!

There is of course a lot more to do in Santa Cruz beyond the above. There’s the Big Basin Redwoods State Park , hiking, kayaking and cycling opportunities, not to mention the busy downtown area to name but a few options.

You might in fact decide that you want to visit Santa Cruz for more than just a few hours. If so, check below for our hotel recommendations for Santa Cruz.

How to get to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is easy to reach by car from San Francisco, either as a day trip or as part of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip down the coast to Los Angeles. If you want to rent a car for your trip, take a look at Rentalcars.com for the best deals.

You can also reach Santa Cruz by public bus from San Jose – the Highway 17 express, and there are a number of Greyhound options as well.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has plenty of lodging options, from motels through to bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, resorts. Pretty much something for everyone. A number of properties have gorgeous sea views, and we’re sure you won’t struggle to find the right property for you.

To help you with your planning, here are some options to consider across a range of budget options.

• The Islander Motel – Found around 0.7 miles from the Santa Cruz boardwalk, this is a well reviewed budget motel which offers air conditioned en-suite rooms with microwaves and fridges as well as free parking
• Harbor Inn – a well reviewed budget 2* inn found 10 minutes drive from the Santa Cruz boardwalk. Most rooms come with en-suite facilities, and free parking is available on site with a reservation
• Rio Vista Inn and Suites Santa Cruz – five minutes walk from the Santa Cruz boardwalk, this refurbished historic mansion offers lovely en-suite rooms with free parking available on site
• Ocean Pacific Lodge – just three blocks from the boardwalk, this 2* hotel offers quiet en-suite rooms in a great location with free parking available
• Seaway Inn – just moments from the beach and wharf, this is a well reviewed 2* inn. Rooms are en-suite, breakfast is included, and there’s free parking on site
• Cliff Crest Inn – just a few minutes walk from the boardwalk and wharf, this is a well reviewed 2 star hotel offering a number of individually decorated rooms, most with en-suite facilities. Breakfast and parking are included.
• West Cliff Inn – part of the four sisters brand, this is a beautiful bed and breakfast found in a Victorian home. En-suite rooms come with breakfast, and some offer stunning sea views. There’s free parking, as well as complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvre in the afternoon.
• Beach Street Inn and Suites – just across from the main beach, with many rooms offering beach and sea views, this is a well rated  inn. En-suite rooms include free parking.
• Edgewater Beach Inn and Suites – Just across from the beach and boardwalk in Santa Cruz, this is a well rated property with en-suite rooms and free parking

If you’re looking for more options, our advice would be to check out the Santa Cruz listings on booking.com , we find they tend to have the most options when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, and the best prices too.

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has no shortage of dining options – whether you’re looking for laid back road-trip fare like burgers, or more upscale fine dining options.

Some of the best options include Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe, the Chill Out Cafe, Dharma’s (for vegetarians and vegans), the Taqueria Vallarta (for Mexican) and Oswal’s (for fine dining). We don’t think you’ll struggle to find somewhere good though, plus there are a number of options along the wharf which offer lovely views as you eat.

When to Visit Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is good to visit year round. The Californian climate means that even in the winter months the temperatures are pleasant (and there are less tourists in town). But we think you’ll enjoy visiting Santa Cruz at any time of year.

Further Reading for your Visit To Santa Cruz

We’ve written a number of guides and articles to visiting the USA that you might find useful for your trip to Santa Cruz. These are:

• A guide to  how much it costs to travel in the USA
• Tips for Driving in the USA
• A detailed California road trip itinerary, which includes Santa Cruz
• A guide to driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway
• A photography location guide to nearby San Francisco
• A guide to nearby Los Osos , California
• Also on the California coast a little further south, a guide to visiting Cambria

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 8 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

16th October 2023 at 9:35 pm

These are great tips! We are visiting friends in the area who recently moved here and we have been looking for things to do! Thank you for the suggestions!

Laurence Norah says

17th October 2023 at 1:01 pm

Thanks very much Ruth!

Monique says

3rd June 2022 at 4:09 pm

Please notice that most hotels listed are 2* hotels. There is a lot of drug use in these hotels and surrounding areas. I personally would not stay in 90% of those hotels. Oh and at Natural bridges…..which is lovely, the bridge has fallen, yet a walk along West Cliff drive alone is worth the day trip. Traffic is killer after 330pm….so plan to arrive before or after rush hour. Capitola, just a few minutes away is a wonderful village with many things to do. Enjoy our beautiful beaches and parks. Pack your trash out please.

3rd June 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Monique,

Thanks for your tips on the West Cliff drive walk and traffic in the area. As you note, the bridges in the park collapsed in 1905 and 1980. We also very much agree on your point about packing trash out!

For the hotels, I think it’s made clear in the descriptions which properties are budget / 2* and which are not. We like to provide people with a choice but always encourage anyone booking to check recent reviews as of course hotels can go up and down in quality. We list ten properties across a range of budgets. I’d definitely be interested to hear which one of the ten you’d recommend. Additionally, if there are others in the area you would suggest instead, I’d be happy to consider them for inclusion.

Thanks again, have a great weekend,

jane cardona says

1st April 2021 at 9:01 am

Please add me to your newsletter thank you

1st April 2021 at 10:40 am

Sure thing Jane, I’ve done that for you 🙂

Lance King says

27th July 2018 at 6:11 am

Visit Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. Take Highway 9 from downtown Santa Cruz.

28th July 2018 at 4:09 pm

Great tip, thanks Lance!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

The Pacific Coast Highway is unarguably California’s most famous scenic drive . It’s got a dramatic coastline, tons of marine mammals, wine tasting, foodie destinations, hiking and glamping.

So load up the car and pack your camera because this Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles along America’s most scenic coastal route. Get ideas for a five night itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway drive with scenic stops, favorite spots and great places to stay.

I live in California and have done sections of this itinerary many times, most recently on a chick trip with some dear friends. And I live not far from Monterey and Carmel and visit that section of this drive quite frequently.

On one of our epic chick road trips, we cruised the best bits of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, hitting up Monterey Bay, Carmel, Big Sur, Paso Robles the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara.

There is a lot of information in this itinerary, so read straight through or use the table of contents to skip around.

Designing Your Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary What and Where is the Pacific Coast Highway? When is the Best Time to Take a California Coast Road Trip Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials Explore More of California

Designing Your Best Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Taking Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles is 479 miles and will require about ten hours if you are in a hurry. But please, don’t hurry. The whole purpose of a road trip is to take it slow and the PCH will give you plenty of reasons to stop along the way. I’ve done sections of this trip many times, most recently with my husband and pup. So, I know first hand that there are many different ways that you can put together this trip.

This particular Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary suggests taking five nights/six days to do the drive. By averaging about 100 miles per day, you can evenly space your stops with plenty of time ogle the coastline, eat, hike and go wine tasting.

You can do this drive in either direction, but I recommend doing it from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The southward direction means that you will be on the ocean side of the road with better views and easier access to pull-outs.

What and Where is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Google “Pacific Coast Highway route” and you’ll get quite a variety of conflicting answers as to it’s length and location.  California has officially designated three sections of coastal Highway 1 which runs from Mendocino (north of SF) south to Dana Point (near San Diego). From Mendocino to Marin it’s called the “Coast Highway”, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, it’s called the “Cabrillo Highway” and from Santa Barbara to Dana Point, it’s called the “Pacific Coast Highway”, or “PCH”.

However, most people think of the Pacific Coast Highway drive as the scenic section between San Francisco and Los Angeles. So for the purpose of this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, I’m going to focus on that stretch of road.

Work on Highway 1 started in 1912 but really got rolling in the 1920’s. Depression-era public works projects in the 1930’s funded the extensive construction of roads and bridges, like the graceful Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, which is one of the most tricky sections of the route. By the 1950’s, America’s interstate highway system and the PCH were complete, fueling California’s mid-century love affair with road tripping.

I encourage you to think about this history during your California coastal road trip. As you drive the road, through the artfully engineered tunnels, bridges and tight stretches of road, you’ll feel gratitude for the engineering and vision that has made this stretch of coastline so accessible to travelers.

When is the Best Time to Take a California Coast Road Trip?

We have great weather in California and you can do this drive any time of the year. The sweet spot for avoiding both the wet weather and the crowds is to travel in April/May or September/October. California’s rainy season is November to March, although even the wettest sections of this drive only sees rain for eight days a month.

As for temperature, the summer fog layer means that coastal parts of the drive will be warmer in September/October and the inland sections of the drive are hottest in August.

All of the locations along this route are popular weekend getaway destinations so if your itinerary includes weekends, you’ll want to book those nights in advance, especially in Big Sur where the limited lodging options book up.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

If you are doing your research, you are going to get a lot of ideas for the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. Regardless of whether you take my suggestions as a complete itinerary or you cobble together your own, here are three things that you absolutely must do on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip:

• Brake for Marine Life . There is so much marine mammal activity on this coastline. You can stop at Año Nuevo state park (elephant seals), Elkhorn Slough (sea birds and otters) or take a Monterey Bay whale watch .
• Don’t Rush Through Big Sur . It’s so worth visiting Big Sur , so take the time to hike the coast, stop at viewpoints and explore Big Sur’s quirky spots.
• Have a Picnic on the Beach– More than Once . Grab some central coast wine, a hunk of delicious cheese and make time to hang out on the beach. Then do this again the next day. And the next.

Read More : If you want to add time to the trip with an extra stay in SF, check out this guide for cool things to do in the city and these suggestions for where to stay .

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Take highway 380 over Skyline drive over to Pacifica and head south on Highway 1. Download the song “ Cabrillo ” (by my musician husband)–it was specifically written to chronicle the charming drive from San Francisco down to Half Moon Bay.

3 Things to Do Between SF and Santa Cruz

• Stop for wildlife . If you are on the road between mid December and March, reserve yourself a spot on a guided walk at Año Nuevo state park . The park is a nesting ground for huge elephant seals. Alternatively, you can seek out the resident sea lions at Bean Hollow State Park. Use the north parking lot for the park and take the coastal trail just a short way south. There are usually sea lions hanging about on the rocks below.
• Have a picnic at Half Moon Bay State Beach Park or Natural Bridges State Beach Park . This beautiful beaches both have nice wide sand, perfect for a picnic. The Half Moon Bay State Beach Park is just a few blocks from downtown HMB and right off Highway One. The Natural Bridges State Beach Park just north of Santa Cruz has cool geology and is a mellow place to chill on the beach. It’s also awesome at sunset.
• Ride the Roller Coaster . The Santa Cruz beach boardwalk is a fun oldey timey theme park. They sell single ride passes so you can do a quick visit and ride the roller coaster or, my favorite, the carousel.

Read More : Get more info with this weekend getaway guide for more  fun things to do in Santa Cruz .

Where to Eat and Drink

• Moonside Bakery : Because sometimes you need to fortify yourself with home made baked goods. Moonside is in downtown HMB and they bake up yummy cakes, tarts and cookies.
• Half Moon Bay Brewing, Princeton Harbor : In addition to a rotating tap of local brews, this fun spot has an outdoor patio, fire pits and killer nachos.
• Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room : This is a fun place for steaks, seafood, rum drinks and a whole lotta kitsch.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

• Beachside basic : Beach Street Inn & Suites offers nice but not fancy rooms and suites that are located just across the street from the beach. They have a pool area, picnic area and coffee shop. Check reviews and book at  Booking.com .
• Cute B&B : The Rio Vista Suites is a sweet little inn with cozy rooms, breakfast, a great outdoor deck and fireplaces. Get reviews and book at  Booking.com .
• Check out this list of amazing tree house rentals in Santa Cruz .

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel

The drive from Santa Cruz to Carmel is only an hour and a half, which gives you plenty of time for stops along the way. When leaving Santa Cruz, you drive inland for a while before hitting the coast again at Moss Landing. The gem on this section of the PCH drive features the wide Monterey Bay. The bay is a national marine sanctuary which houses an astonishing variety of marine diversity including; humpback, Orca and blue whales, sea otters, great white sharks, harbor seals, sea lions and three kinds of dolphins.

3 Things to Do Between Santa Cruz and Carmel

• Take an otter safari . This road trip begs for a dose of the adorable and otters will gladly provide it. Reserve a tour with Elkhorn Slough Safaris and they’ll take you up the river estuary to see otters, seals, sea lions and sea birds.
• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium . Visiting this world class aquarium is like a master class in marine biology. My favorite exhibit is the jellyfish with their trippy, dreamy quality. They fill up so get your tickets in advance .
• Go gallery hopping in Carmel . Carmel has a very cute downtown well-stocked with boutiques and galleries. Do Carmel in a day using our guide.

• Walnut Ave Cafe, Santa Cruz : This place has huge breakfast scrambles that will fuel you for a full day.
• Haute Enchilada Cafe, Moss Landing : Good Mexican food and cute decor, conveniently located near the Elkhorn Safari.
• La Balena : Authentic Italian in Carmel with amazing short ribs, risotto, and gnocchi.

Where to Stay in Monterey or Carmel

Carmel is only fifteen minutes south of Monterey so you can stay in either. You’ll find more budget accommodations in Monterey or Pacific Grove and better views in Carmel.

• Dog-Friendly Budget : Try the Green Lantern Inn, which is budget friendly (and dog friendly too!). It’s within walking distance to amazing restaurants, wine tasting rooms and the beach. Check reviews and book with Booking.com .
• Luxury Views : Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a 5-star hotel with 6-star views of the ocean. The rooms have kitchenettes, a luxurious bathroom and the dining room and bar have amazing sunset views. Read reviews or book at Booking.com .

Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur

This stretch of rugged coastline is the reason why people want to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The winding road gives up one jaw dropping surprise after another and it’s the main reason to visit Big Sur .

Big Sur isn’t very far south of Carmel but I’m recommending that you spend the extra day here so that you can take the time to explore the landscape.

Use our full day trip guide for Big Sur get plan how to get the most of your day. But here are some top highlights:

3 Things to Do in Big Sur

• Do the 17 Mile Drive : This popular drive follows the coastal route between Pacific Grove and Carmel. It skirts the famous Pebble Beach golf course and has a lot of spots to pull off and go tide pooling. However, this rich enclave has made the greedy decision to charge $10.25 per vehicle to enter the drive. If this annoys you as much as it did me, you can skip it and spend more time exploring the beaches further south in Big Sur.
• Hike in Point Lobos Natural Reserve : The reserve has miles of looping trails with killer cliff-side views and resident sea lions. Go early or late because they have very small parking lots. Alternatively, you can park out on the main road and walk in, thereby avoiding the state park fees.
• Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge : This bridge is one of those engineering marvels that helped to connect the PCH drive through Big Sur. The graceful arches belie its humble beginnings as a Depression-era work project.

There is so much to see in Big Sur that three things isn’t quite enough. So here are three more  things to do in Big Sur.

• Henry Miller Library : This quirky spot is a both a bookstore and a library where Miller used to hang out. The guy who runs it will give you the scoop on local culture and hidden spots. Check their schedule because they often have events in the evenings and on the weekends.
• Pfeiffer Beach : This quiet spot is part of the Los Padres National Forest. There is a sandy beach flanked by huge arched boulders and the incoming tide crashes through the arches in a dramatic display. The beach is hard to find– turn right onto Sycamore road before the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, if you get to the Big Sur Bakery, you’ve gone too far.
• McWay Falls : The picturesque falls are part of Julia Pfeiffer State Park (and not located in the same spot as Pfeiffer Beach). The eighty foot falls drop from the cliffs right into the ocean. If you are only doing the falls and not otherwise hiking in the park, then I don’t recommend that you pay the day use fee. Just park on the main highway road and walk down to the viewing spot for the falls.

• From Scratch Restaurant, Carmel : Breakfast spot known for their corned beef and biscuits, and french toast.
• Rocky Point Restaurant, Big Sur : The salads, burgers and cheese bread are good but what makes the restaurant special is it’s location on a rocky promontory that has coastal views in both directions. Even if you don’t want to eat there, stop in for a drink and hang out in one of their Adirondack chairs.
• Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill : They offer Mexican basics, burgers and a good beer selection in a casual setting. They have a nice back deck and have music on the weekends.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Most of the lodging in Big Sur books up way in advance and you’ll usually need to contact them directly for rates and dates.

• Funky Cabins and Glamping : Fernwood Inn and Resort has a range of lodging options from camping, glamping, cabins and motel rooms. Check reviews and book with Booking.com .
• Modern luxury : Post Ranch Inn has a clean architecture with views for days. Check reviews on Trip Advisor .

Read More : Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map).

Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria/Cayucos

From here, you have two choices, you can choose wine and olive oil tasting via Paso Robles or you can choose Hearst Castle and extended coastal views via Cambria and Cayucos. If you get up very early, you may be able to do both in one day but you probably wouldn’t do justice to either.

If you choose to go to Paso Robles, head over the mountain on the Nacimiento-Fergusson road, then turn right on Jolon road. You’ll end up on Highway 101 north of Paso Robles. The drive itself is very pretty and you get a eagle eye’s view of the coastline as you drive up. If you choose to go to Cambria or Cayucos, then just keep truckin’ down the PCH along the coast road. But check before committing to this route as the road is sometimes closed.

If there is a section of Highway 1 in Big Sur that’s closed (which happens frequently after storms), then you’ll need to back up and go to Paso anyway

3 Things to do in Paso Robles

If you decide to go this way, we have a whole article featuring cool things to do in Paso Robles .

• Go Wine Tasting : Paso’s wine growing region is known for its Zinfindel, Cabernet and Rhone blends. There are over 200 wineries in the area. We had fun doing the wine and cheese pairing menu at Broken Earth, where they also have music on the weekends. We also tried some delicious Zins at the nearby Ebberly winery. Alternatively, you can do a lovely winery drive along the tree lined canyons between Adelaide Road, Peachy Canyon Road and Vineyard Drive west of town.
• Go Olive Oil Tasting : They also make some excellent olive oil in Paso. I came home with a pantry full of oils from Pasolivo. They have a downtown tasting room but you can also taste on site at their grove on Vineyard Road.
• Go Beer Tasting : There are six breweries in or near Paso Robles. Some are just brew houses and others also serve food, which you are going to need if you do all three of the things on this list.

Where to Eat & Drink in Paso Robles

• Big Sur Bakery : On your way out of Big Sur, stop into the bakery to pick up some buttery home-baked goodness.
• Barrel House Brewing Company : Since you are already drinking, you may as well get some food. This brewery makes a wide selection of beers and they always have a delicious food truck on site serving grub. They have a huge outdoor seating area and are dog-friendly.
• Brother’s Cafe 3:16 : Carb up for the road ahead at this popular breakfast spot in Paso. Try the biscuits and gravy or the green chili omelet.

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

• Downtown Convenience : The Paso Robles Inn is a comfortable large hotel located right on the town square. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .
• Bed, Breakfast and Wine : The Wild Coyote is offers lodging along with their winery and distillery. It’s located on a quiet stretch of Adelaide Road. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .

3 Things to Do in Cambria & Cayucos

• Hearst Castle, San Simeon : Hearst’s “country estate” is festooned with suggestive statuary, ornately carved ceilings and all manner of gilded gee gaws. They have several different tours, which you can reserve in advance. They do sell out during very busy times, but if you are planning to visit on a weekday, just keep an eye on their tour schedule . If it seems that they aren’t filling up, then don’t purchase in advance. This will give you maximum flexibility. Check before you go because it has been closed for road repairs.
• Cambria Historical Museum, Cambria : This beautifully restored little Victorian house has an oddball assortment of historical items from the founding of Cambria, presided over by an enthusiastic band of volunteers.
• Estero Bluffs State Park: This lovely state park between Cambria and Cayucos has fantastic ocean views and a dog-friendly trail. It’s part of our list of the best things to do in Cayucos (which you should check out if you are planning to spend the night in the area.)

• Sandy’s Deli : Pick up a sandwich to take to either Hearst Castle or down to Morro Bay. Sandy’s is known for their BLTs, French Dip and tuna sandwiches.
• Ruddell’s Barbeque : This lunch spot in Cayucos serves smoked meat and fish with unusual dressings. It’s great for takeaway and a picnic on the beach.
• Harmony Cellars : This small winery is located in quirky Harmony and they have nice reds for a reasonable price paired with a fantastic deck.

Where to Stay in Cambria or Cayucos

• On the Beach : The Cambria Beach Lodge is a well appointed, pet-friendly spot located right on Moonstone beach with complimentary breakfast and bike rentals. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .
• Bed, breakfast and a hot tub : The On the Beach Bed & Breakfast has a lot going for it. You are just steps away from City Beach, they offer a full breakfast and their hot tub has pretty sweet views. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .

Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley

This section of the Pacific Coast Highway drive travels inland to the Santa Ynez Valley. The valley sits in a triangle bordered by the towns of Buellton, Los Olivos and Solvang. Like Paso Robles, it’s also a prime wine growing region with just the right amount of cute and kitsch.

If you have time on the way down to Solvang, try to stop and spend some time in Pismo Beach. It’s got a one of the best beaches in California and there are lots of fun things to do there . They’ve also got many easy to access wineries near Pismo .

3 Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley

• Go Wine Tasting : Hopefully you didn’t drink too much wine in Paso because there is more of it in the Santa Ynez Valley. The valley is known for their cabernet, pinot noir and merlot. I also tasted some delicious crisp rose while there. Louise and I were kindly hosted by both the Demetria and Andrew Murray Vineyards. Demetria’s rose and pinot noir really kill it and their outdoor patio is a relaxing spot for a chill pill and a slow tasting session. Andrew Murray is just up the road and they specialize in Syrah blends. They have a very modern, friendly tasting room with a summer concert series.
• Mendenhall’s Museum of Gas Pumps Petrolanalia : I do love offbeat museums and Mendenhall’s is right up there, because this family is passionate about petrol. The museum is a one acre plot that includes their home, event space and collections of: classic cars, gas pumps, license plates, antique neon signs, race cars and racing memorabilia. The Mendenhall museum is the perfect stop if your want a strong dose of retro. They don’t have regular hours, so you’ll need to email them to arrange a tour.
• Drive Slowly Between Solvang and Los Olivos, Then Wander Around : Talk about retro…Solvang is absolute kitsch. They have totally embraced their Danish ancestry, filling the town with windmills and Danish pastries. Be sure to stop into the Book Loft, which is a good indy bookstore with a Hans Christian Anderson museum upstairs. Los Olivos is an adorable one horse town with tasting rooms and home goods shops. The Alamo Pintado road is the main thoroughfare between the two and it takes about seven minutes to drive it. However, I recommend taking the back way on Ballard Canyon Road so that you can enjoy the scenery.

• Mortensen’s Danish Bakery : If you are going to visit America’s Denmark, then you need to eat the pastry. There are many bakeries in town but Mortensen’s smells the most buttery.
• Copenhaven Sausage Garden : Keep the Danish thing going with this beer garden and sausage joint. Beer, brats and outdoor seating for a casual dinner.
• Leonardos Restaurante : An unassuming but excellent Italian place. Try the piccata, chiopino or the pizza.

Where to Stay in Santa Ynez Valley

• Retro Glamping : We stayed at the Flying Flags resort and loved it. They are an RV park that also rents cabins and glamping tents. We had the surf cabin and it was so retro-chic. The back bedroom has a porch which faced grass and trees. The front porch faced the neighbors and the kitchen was designed with an enormous folding window that, when open, felt like you were completely outside. In the interest of full disclosure, Flying Flags gave us a discount for our stay (blogger privilege), but I’d be raving even at full price because it was so fun to stay there. Check reviews and book at Booking.com .
• Downtown Solvang : I used Hotels Tonight to score a screaming deal at the Hotel Corque. It’s a full service hotel and my room was very modern and comfortable. There is a fair amount of hotel inventory in Solvang but it will fill up on the weekends so book ahead if you need a Friday or Saturday stay. Check reviews or book at Booking.com .

Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles

LA is a whole other itinerary, but there are a few fun stops that you can make between Solvang and Los Angeles before ending your Pacific Coast Highway drive.

3 Things to Do on the Way to LA

• Santa Barbara Mission : The Santa Barbara Mission is not only beautiful, but it’s also one of the best preserved missions in California. They have an extensive museum which does a good job of explaining the establishment of the missions and the history of the Spaniards and Mexicans in the founding of California. There are also well preserved missions in Carmel and San Luis Obisbo. In Santa Barbara, however, their museum does a poor job of acknowledging the devastating affect that colonization had on California’s native population. These missions held Native American slaves and they don’t even admit it!
• Carpinteria Beach : Hit one more cute little beach town by stopping in Carpinteria. They have good parking there and a nice long beach.
• Take an Electric Bike Tour : This 2.5 hour electric bike tour  covers the historic downtown Santa Barbara and includes beach views.

PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials

Preparing your car.

If you need to rent a car, all of the major companies are located at SFO, Oakland and San Jose airports You can use our guide to find the best and most convenient airport for Monterey County . Prices  from Budget  for a six day one-way rental from SF to LA run ~$470 for the cheapest car and $500+ for a convertible. If you are willing to drive back up to SF to return the car, then the prices drop to ~$180. Get your best rental car deal by comparing prices with Rentalcars.com .

If you are driving your own car, don’t forget to check your oil and tire pressure before you leave and you should also invest in roadside assistance. It comes with a AAA membership, most new car purchases or a credit card like the American Express Rewards Gold Card. You should also purchase a roadside safely kit which includes things like a warning triangle, jumper cables, glass breaker, multi tool, cable ties and small first aid kit. These kits also make a thoughtful, if tragically practical Christmas or birthday gift.

Be sure to stock your car with a cooler , drinks and snacks, which will keep you well supplied for beach picnics.

Other Packing Essentials

Here are a few other essentials that you’ll want to be sure to bring on your road trip.

Wine Opener | Sun Screen | California Road & Recreation Atlas | On the Road , by Jack Kerouac | Teva Sport Sandals | Road Trip Play List

“Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?” –Jack Kerouac

Take your shiny car on a classic California coast road trip and goest through the best scenery this side of the Mississippi. Have fun and happy trails.

Head North on the PCH

If you want to head north as well as south, then check out these additional ideas to add to your itinerary.

• Head north for a weekend getaway in Guerneville .
• Get epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge .
• Find more coastal views with these cozy beach towns in Northern California .
• Take a 5 day Northern California redwoods road trip .

Share this Pacific Coast Highway itinerary with your friends by pinning it!

Share with your friends

2 thoughts on “The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary”

Hello ! Très bon post, même si il y faudrait rajouter quelques petits points à rajouter, celui-ci reste vraiment intéressant.

This Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Pacific Coast Highway: Where to Stop on Your Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway is easily one of the best drives in the entire world. With tons of beautiful coastal views, two of the most famous cities in the country, some of the best seafood you have ever had and plenty to see along the way, it is a drive you have to experience once in your life. I have driven the entirety of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California three times and many individual sections countless times. One of the questions I am most often asked is, “What is the best place to stop along Pacific Coast Highway?” This question is difficult to answer as PCH is different every time I drive it and depending on how much time you have, you can stop at 20 places or 200 along the way. This post was designed to help you plan and get excited for your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip. I have included a guide for taking a seven-day journey on PCH, a detailed history of the highway, and my recommendations for food and hotels below. Plus, I did the drive again in 2022 with my dad and made a 2 hour video on the entire route which you can watch as well. Hopefully, this helps when you plan your trip, and don’t forget to let me know what places I have missed in the comments.

Pacific Coast Highway 7 Day Road Trip Video

In June of 2022, I set out to drive all of Pacific Coast Highway with my dad over 7 days. I documented all of the stops along the way in a 2 hour video I made for my YouTube Channel. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway.

24 Best Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

Here are my twenty five favorite stops on PCH from south to north. Click on the image to learn more about the stop.

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach has the famous pirates tower of Laguna Beach, which is was built to allow the resident down from their home to beach below. It is no longer used but it is a awesome spot to see.

Venice Beach

One of my favorite spots for people watching, this boardwalk and beach is a crazy area to explore for a few hours.

One of the most beautiful places in all of Southern California, the small hike up to Point Dume is not something you will quickly forget.

Point Mugu State Park

This state park has a lot of nice hiking, especially for a Southern California. Check out the Sycamore Canyon trail for amazing views.

McConnell’s Ice Cream

While all of State St is fun, especially for shoppers, McConnell’s ice cream is a spot I stop at on pretty much every road trip through the area.

La Purisima Mission State Park

This is a fantastic example of California’s mission history. The mission here is wonderfully recreated and it gives you a great taste of early California life.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

When the butterflies are actually here (Nov – Jan) this spot can’t be beat. There are literally tens of thousands of butterflies in this small grove.

Pismo Beach / Splash Cafe

The boardwalk and beach here are beautiful. Add to that the surfer culture and the amazing clam chowder at Splash Cafe and you have an easy recommendation.

Madonna Inn

This eclectic hotel is my favorite spot to stay on PCH. Every room is different and the men’s bathroom has a fountain urinal.

Morro Rock is overpowering and beautiful when you head up PCH near Morro Bay. This is a great spot to watch the sunset or to kayak in the bay.

Hearst Castle

Most people know what Hearst Castle is but it truly is a unique spot to visit and one that is easy to recommend. It will take at least a half day but you will be blown away by it all.

McWay Waterfall

California’s waterfall that falls directly onto the beach has been seen in photos all over the world, so you should make a point to stop at it.

Pfeiffer State Beach

This may be my favorite beach in all of California. It has a massive rock with an arch, purple sand when it rains and a small parking lot that always makes it feel secluded.

Bixby Bridge

One of the most photogenic spots on PCH, Bixby Bridge will take your breath away. It is a quick stop but one you will remember.

Monterey Aquarium

Probably the best aquarium in the entire United States, Monterey Aquarium has so much to look at you will be overwhelmed, in a good way

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

Right on the Santa Cruz boardwalk, this fantastic old wooden roller coaster from 1924 is something that you really should ride while driving up PCH.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz has a lot of great spots and great food places, but Natural Bridges State Park is one of my favorites by far. This beach has a beautiful rock arch about 20 feet out in the water and is a great spot for sunset.

Palace of Fine Arts

European architecture in the heart of San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts is one of my favorites spots for photography in the city.

Golden Gate Bridge

What do I really need to say about this bridge? Of course you have to visit it while on PCH as it is one of the most iconic spots in all of California.

Muir Beach Overlook

Another often skipped but yet beautiful quick stop, this overlook provides an awesome birds-eye view of the coastline.

Hog Island Oyster Company

If you like oysters then you don’t need any more information, if you don’t like them then you need to try them here, fresh out of the water and mind-blowing good.

Point Arena Lighthouse

This 60 foot tall lighthouse right out on the cliffs is a great spot for views and for learning more about the lighthouses that used to dot the California coastline.

Glass Beach

The beach where people threw trash and the ocean turned that trash into smooth pieces of glass. It is a crazy spot to see.

Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

Right where PCH ends is the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree in the town of Leggett. No trip down Highway 1 is complete without a photo of your car going through it.

Pacific Coast Highway FAQ

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Route 1, AKA Pacific Coast Highway, is 655 miles.

Where does it start and end?

The official start of Pacific Coast Highway is in Orange County in the city of Dana Point. The end is at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 101 in Leggett.

When is the best time to drive Pacific Coast Highway?

The best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in the spring or fall. If you’re traveling during summer, prepare for high temperatures and heavy traffic on the road.

How long should I plan for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

Since the drive is about 650 miles long and it takes most people 4-5 days to do it depending on how much sightseeing they do along the way. It’s not recommended to attempt it all at once because there are so many beautiful spots along the way that deserve more than a passing glance and you cannot drive fast on many of the narrow roads, so it takes longer than you would think. I recommend 7 days if you have it, but 4-5 days will allow you to see a lot as well.

How is the drive?

Driving along the PCH in certain sections like Big Sur is like driving on a roller coaster — there are lots of curves, narrow lanes and steep drop-offs. While most of this highway is two lane roads with limited shoulders and relatively straight, there are also few sections where it becomes four lane divided highways such as between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, which allows drivers who want faster speeds access to passing lanes if needed.

Is it easy to follow?

Outside of the Los Angeles portion, which can be a little tough to navigate, the route is pretty straightforward and easy to follow.

What are the best sections of Pacific Coast Highway?

For me, here are the best sections from South to North

• Laguna Beach: The region is known for its breathtaking beaches and some of the best Southern Califronia beaches can be found here.
• Santa Barbara: An amazing California coastal town with great food, shopping and activities.
• Big Sur: This is the quintessential PCH experience with some of the most stunning coastal views you will ever see.
• Point Reyes / Tomales Bay: If you have the time to visit Point Reyes Seashore, do it. It has one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the drive and miles a hiking trails.
• Mendocino: This small town has some of the best coastal views in the Northern California section.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Road Trip Day Guides

If you are interested in driving the 600+ miles that makes up Pacific Coast Highway, then check out how I broke down each of my 7 days below. These day itineraries are designed to give you an example of how you can do the drive but you may want to do less or more spots each day than I did.

–  Dana Point to Malibu

–  Malibu to San Luis Obispo

–  San Luis Obispo to Monterey

–  Monterey to San Francisco

–  San Francisco to Mendocino

–  Mendocino / Fort Bragg to Eureka

Continue the Journey (Oregon and Washington)

Interested in continuing up to the Oregon state line or even all the way up to Seattle? Check out these other posts I wrote to help make the most of your journey along the coast of both Oregon and Washington.

Eureka to Oregon

–  Eureka to the Oregon State Line

Oregon & Washington Coast Stops

–  Oregon and Washington 4 Day Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway eBook

I created this ebook after my 2022 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. In the ebook it has FAQ, some of my top spots, a suggested itinerary and a link to the map with all of my stops on it. If you are interested, you can purchase it below.

Map of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

The above ebook has a link to the map I created with all of the stops that I did on my last trip. It is a great resources for planning your trip along PCH since the stops are already added to the map for you.

Food on Pacific Coast Highway

Here are a few of my favorite places for food on Pacific Coast Highway.

• The Crab Cooker in Newport –  Fresh shrimp cocktails and seafood.  Review here
• Schooner or Later in Long Beach-  A great stop for breakfast, get there early as the wait can be long. Order “The Mess”.  Review here
• Neptune’s Net in Malibu –  Seafood sampler and tacos with optional frozen yogurt after.  Review here
• Spencer Makenzie’s in Ventura  – You must have the Ahi Pockets, you simple must.
• Johnny’s Tacos in Ventura –  Awesome deep fried crispy tacos at this tiny Mexican place.
• Tupelo Junction in Santa Barbara  – Amazing stop for breakfast, I recommend the Crab Cakes or Pumpkin Waffle.  Review here
• Santa Barbara Seafood Company in Santa Barbara – The onion rings are to die for, as are the oyster shots and great Cioppino, right on the pier.  Review here
• McConnell’s Ice Cream in Santa Barbara –  A must stop in Santa Barbara, try the Churros Con Chocolate and the Salted Carmel.
• Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo – Simply my favorite place for clam chowder, it is amazing. They have locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.  Review here
• Black Cat Bistro in Cambria-  Very high-end dinner spot, but amazing food if you are a foodie like me. Order anything with scallops.  Review here
• Linns Bakery in Cambria –  You must go here for the Olallieberry pie, it is fantastic and not a fruit you see often.
• Old Fish Grotto in Monterey – Great restaurant on the pier with fantastic clam chowder. Review here
• LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle in Monterey – Pancakes bigger than your plate. It’s an amazing breakfast spot. Review here
• The Little Chihuahua in San Francisco –  Try the fried plantain burrito for something totally unique. Open late.  Review here
• Brenda’s Soul Food in San Francisco –  One of my favorite places in all of California, try the shrimp and grits and the crawfish beignets.  Review here
• Mama’s in San Francisco  – Another amazing breakfast spot, but you have to get there early it is small and gets so packed. Get the Eggs Benedict.  Review here .
• Hog Island Oyster Company  – Fresh Oyster right out of the water, pretty much the only way to eat them.  Review here .

Where to Stay on Pacific Coast Highway

This is not a definitive list of where to stay but here are some of the great state parks you can camp in (arranged from South to North) and hotels at the end.

• Leo Carrillo State Park – Camping information
• McGrath State Beach – Camping information
• Emma Wood State Beach – Camping information
• Carpinteria State Beach – Camping information
• El Capitan State Beach – Camping information
• Refugio State Beach – Camping information
• Gaviota State Park – Camping information
• Oceano Dunes Recreation Area – Camping information
• Morro Bay State Park – Camping information
• Hearst San Simeon State Park – Camping information
• Limekiln State Park – Camping information
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Camping information
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Camping information
• Manresa State Beach – Camping information
• Half Moon Bay State Beach – Camping information
• Sonoma Coast State Park – Camping information
• Salt Point State Park – Camping information
• Manchester State Park – Camping information
• Van Damme State Park – Camping information
• Mackerricher State Park – Camping information
• Standish-Hickey State Reserve – Camping information
• Richardson Grove State Park – Camping information
• Benbow Lake State Reserve – Camping information
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Patrick’s Point State Park – Camping information
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Del Norte Redwoods State Park – Camping information

Here are my suggestions. I have either stayed at all of these myself or they have been recommended to me by people I trust. These links are affiliate links so if this post was helpful, consider booking a hotel through one of these links.

• It is hard to recommend a hotel here as the city is so big and there are so many great options.  Browse this list  and pick one that is in your budget and location.
• Canary  – Located super close to State St, it is a beautiful hotel with a great location. It can be more expensive though.
• Hotel Milo  – A cheaper option which is walking distance from the pier. Santa Barbara is just an expensive place to stay in general.
• SeaVenture Beach Hotel  – A fun little hotel right on the beach with a unique style and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Pismo Beach and the pier.
• Madonna Inn  – One of my favorite hotels on this entire drive, it’s super eclectic and fun.
• Sea Otter Inn  – Relaxing hotel with breakfast delivered in the morning and a great location next to the water.
• Big Sur River Inn  – Fun little hotel, and a cheaper option in Big Sur. Rooms are nothing to write home about but a super fun vibe and a great location.
• InterContinental  – Beautiful hotel that is right on Cannery Row and many rooms look out over the ocean.
• Cannery Row Inn  – Cheaper hotel with a good location at the end of Cannery Row.
• The Monterey Hotel – Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey
• Ocean Pacific Hotel  – A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well.
• The Ritz Carlton  – If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. It is one of the most famous hotels on the entire drive as it sits out on the bluffs looking over the bay, but of course, it is far out of my price range. If you are not staying here I would stay in Santa Cruz or push onto San Francisco.
• Like Los Angeles, there are so many hotels here and most are fantastic, I would just  browse this list  and see what is in your price range.
• Hill House Inn  – Beautiful old hotel that I stayed at and recommend. The hotel itself is historic and it is a 5 minute walk from the main downtown street.
• Carter House Inn  – If you are looking for a historic place to stay than the Victorian style of the Carter House Inn is a winner. However, it is a more expensive option.
• Eureka Town House  – This is another no-frills cheap hotel, but it has a fantastic location near the old town so it is a good spot to stay.

History of Pacific Coast Highway

Construction of the Pacific Coast Highway, California State Highway 1, started in the 1920’s as a planned 1,400-mile link between the Mexican and Canadian borders. The road now runs nearly continuously from San Juan Capistrano in Orange County in the south to United States Highway 101 near Leggett in Mendocino County in the north.

The highway might not exist today had a single determined Malibu landowner prevailed in her long struggle to enjoin Los Angeles County from starting it. Since at least the 1890s, a primitive carriage road had run the rocky coast north from Santa Monica only to end at a barrier at her property line. A formidable opponent, in 1906 she forced the Southern Pacific Railroad to run its tracks around rather than through Malibu to reach Santa Barbara.

In 1907 when the county proposed to extend the coastal road through Malibu, she challenged the county’s exercise of eminent domain and stalled it for years. The court in 1923 finally awarded title of the Malibu right of way to the government and $107,289 to the tenacious challenger as compensation.

Construction of California Highway 1 was piecemeal; the first part completed was the central segment that passes through Big Sur. This is probably the most famous for its scenery. Authorized in 1919 by a state bond measure and constructed over 18 years with some labor from San Quentin prison inmates (paid 35 cents per day), it opened in 1937. Although popular for its scenic beauty, the Big Sur segment can be hazardous. Landslides and erosion have caused several closures for repairs.

The rugged terrain of the 100-mile Big Sur segment of California Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon required construction of 32 bridges. The first, small timber structure over Salmon Creek about 19 miles north of San Simeon opened in 1928. The Bixby Bridge about 13 miles south of Carmel, completed in 1932, was the most difficult to build. Its deck, 356 feet long and 260 feet high, rests on two concrete abutments fastened to sheer cliff walls at a point 140 feet above the ground. The National Register of Historic Places lists seven concrete arch bridges between Point Sur and Carmel.

In 1925, construction began to extend Route 60 between San Juan Capistrano and Oxnard farther north to Ventura. At Point Mugu, the construction cut a path through the coastal mountains, creating Mugu Rock in the process. Then, in 1931, work on Route 56 progressed south from Cambria to San Luis Obispo.

A 1933 expansion of the state highway system extended Route 56 southward from Pismo Beach through Guadalupe and Lompoc to Las Cruces and northward along the coast from Carmel through Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Part of this segment between Pacifica and Daly City suffered major earthquake damage in March 1957 and unfortunately became unusable.

Several segments north of San Francisco completed the Pacific Coast Highway: one from the Golden Gate to Valley Ford in Sonoma County, a second from Jenner to Westport in Mendocino County, and a third from Westport northeast to Leggett, where California Highway 1 now joins United States Highway 101.

The Pacific Coast Highway and its segments have had numerous names and numbers. The Big Sur segment was initially the Carmel–San Simeon Highway or Route 56. The Highway 1 designation first appeared locally in 1939. After construction and joinder of all segments, the official designation of California Highway 1 followed in 1964.

Route 56 along Big Sur became California’s first state scenic highway in 1965. In 1966, Lady Bird Johnson led an official ceremony at Bixby Bridge as the federal government designated the California Highway 1 as an All-American Road.

Make sure to leave a comment with your favorite spot below .

Similar posts.

Last Stage West: BBQ Ribs and Music in Atascadero (Closed)

Ewoldsen Trail: Hiking in the Redwoods of Big Sur

Dapper Cadaver: Hollywood’s Favorite Horror Movie Prop Store

Colorful Painted Houses of Capitola Village

Best Bridges in CA: From the Golden Gate to Bixby, 15 of CA’s Best

Bonita Falls in Lytle Creek: 100 Foot Waterfall Near Rancho Cucamonga

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Santa Cruz

Written by Lisa Alexander and Lura Seavey Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This quintessential California beach town is synonymous with sun, sand, and summer fun. Most tourists head straight for the boardwalk and don't get much farther than the nearby sandy beaches and fishing pier. However, Santa Cruz has so much more to offer.

Spectacular seaside scenery, a historic mission church, and a charming downtown reward visitors who explore further. Just a short drive from Santa Cruz is the gorgeous Highway One route alongside Monterey Bay, with amazing ocean views. In this pristine marine environment, seals frolic in the deep blue waters and surfers ride the crashing waves of the Pacific.

Outdoor sport enthusiasts and nature lovers appreciate Santa Cruz for its serene beaches and unspoiled landscapes. Breathtaking coastal hiking trails are found at the rugged Wilder Ranch State Park, while lush Mediterranean flora and pink-throated hummingbirds thrive at the U.C. Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Santa Cruz also offers interesting cultural attractions. For an enchanting experience, tourists can attend a Shakespeare performance on a starry night in a magical redwood glen. There's also a Surfing Museum that gives visitors a taste of California surfing culture.

Whether you're planning a beach vacation or a day trip, find inspiration for your next visit to California's Central Coast with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Santa Cruz.

1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2. main beach & cowell beach, 3. santa cruz wharf, 4. west cliff drive & the surfing museum, 5. natural bridges state beach, 6. roaring camp railroads, 7. dolphin and whale watching cruises, 8. uc santa cruz arboretum & botanic garden, 9. santa cruz harbor, 10. mystery spot, 11. downtown santa cruz, 12. seymour marine discovery center, 13. santa cruz shakespeare, 14. santa cruz mission, 15. seaside town and beach of capitola, 16. wilder ranch state park, 17. santa cruz museum of art & history (mah), where to stay in santa cruz for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in santa cruz, santa cruz, ca - climate chart.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk delivers classic summertime fun, complete with amusement park rides, games, and tourist attractions. There is no charge to enter the expansive seaside amusement park, and you can decide between all-day unlimited-rides access, a Season Pass, or a pay-as-you-go MyBoardwalk Play Card (ideal for those who are not staying the whole day).

The park overlooks the Main Beach and has been delighting visitors since 1907. It's considered one of the best seaside amusement parks in the world because of its fantastic setting and historic roller coaster rides.

The Giant Dipper , a wooden roller coaster built in 1924, is classified as a National Historic Landmark . Other activities include thrill rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, with a good mix of classic and modern designs to suit every taste.

In addition to the rides, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers entertainment and dining options. Kids can play air hockey, Skee-Ball, pinball, and other traditional arcade games, as well as the latest video games.

The beachfront boardwalk is also full of food vendors, where you can treat yourself to goodies like corn dogs, deep-fried artichokes, chocolate-coated ice-cream, cotton candy, and salt water taffy.

Address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California

Official site: https://beachboardwalk.com

Besides the boardwalk, the main reason to visit Santa Cruz is the beach. The sunny Mediterranean weather, sandy shores, and safe waters make Santa Cruz one of the best beach destinations in California.

Visitors can choose from several excellent beaches; the two most popular are Main Beach, adjacent to the Boardwalk, and Cowell Beach, which is next to Main Beach on the other side of the wharf.

Popular for sunbathing and swimming, Main Beach is also great for kids. There's enough room for little ones to spread out and make sandcastles; and because the beach is in a sheltered cove, it is safe to wade in the waters. Beach volleyball players also flock here to take advantage of the sand volleyball courts.

In the same cove as Main Beach on the opposite side of the wharf, Cowell Beach is a famous surfers' spot. This stretch of sandy shoreline is also known for its coastal views and beautiful sunsets. The Dream Inn on Cowell Beach offers stylish seaside accommodations.

Lifeguards patrol Main Beach and Cowell Beach during the summer.

The Santa Cruz Wharf was built in 1914 to serve deep-water vessels, however today it is used as a fishing pier and sightseeing vantage point.

Tourists will find plenty of shops and things to do at the wharf, and it is one of the most popular places to sample the local seafood. One of the best restaurants on the pier, Stagnaro Bros. serves fresh seafood, including classic dishes like fish and chips, in a dining room with stunning bay views.

Bird-watching and sea lion viewing are other reasons the wharf is so popular with tourists. Sea lions make their home here year-round, and their splashing and barking is easily heard from the pier. A viewing area allows visitors a good look at the sea lions resting on the pier structure.

During specific seasons, whales, dolphins, and otters can also be seen in the waters. The wharf also has water sports shops that rent fishing gear, boats, and kayaks, so that you can get closer to the wildlife and enjoy the water.

Right by the wharf (at 35 Pacific Avenue) is the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center . The facility features interactive exhibits that educate visitors about how to responsibly enjoy the ocean and help protect the marine environment. Visitors can explore the marine environment through a Biodiversity Kelp Forest, an Intertidal Touchpool, and an Open-Ocean Mini-Theater.

A six-mile pathway on West Cliff Drive hugs the coastline and provides a scenic route for walking and cycling. Along the way, the views of the Pacific Ocean are truly breathtaking. The path is completely flat and wheelchair-accessible, making this sightseeing route appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.

Well-positioned benches invite passersby to sit back and soak up the panoramas of undulating deep blue seas as seagulls soar above and flocks of pelicans hover near the water.

Santa Cruz claims to be the original California surf town, and this picturesque section of the Monterey Bay is a favorite surfers' spot.

A bronze surfer statue is found along the path, as is the world's first surfing museum. The Surfing Museum is housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse (701 West Cliff Drive) on a bluff overlooking the crashing waves. The small exhibit shows memorabilia, such as vintage photos of surfers in the 1930s.

The remarkable sea arch that graces this beach was formed from the fractures in mudstone cliffs. With its iconic natural beauty, this small protected sandy beach is an excellent place to visit for relaxation and bird-watching.

The location is also ideal for viewing migrating whales from April through November. Sometimes seals and otters can be seen playing just offshore. Farther along, the beach has tide pools that are home to sea stars, small crabs, sea anemones, and other ocean creatures.

During springtime, the park near the beach is filled with vibrant wildflowers. From mid-October to mid-February, the park's Monarch Grove , declared a Natural Preserve, comes alive with monarch butterflies. The grove's fragrant eucalyptus trees blossom in winter, providing the butterflies with a source of food. November is the best time to observe the monarchs.

The beach has a picnic area with barbecue pits and restroom facilities, located in a shady grove of pine and eucalyptus trees.

Address: 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California

Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541

For a change of pace and to see the area from a unique perspective, hop onboard an old-fashioned train in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Roaring Camp Railroads takes passengers through the picturesque natural environment of Santa Cruz. These scenic train rides appeal to young and old alike.

Roaring Camp Railroads offers two different routes: one departing from Roaring Camp (in Felton, in the Santa Cruz Mountains) and traveling to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and another from Roaring Camp to Bear Mountain.

The Santa Cruz Beach Train departs from the Santa Cruz Mountains in Felton (Roaring Camp) and travels a spectacular route through the awe-inspiring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park into the San Lorenzo River Gorge, passing through a tunnel built in 1875. The trip ends at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and then embarks on its return trip.

Alternatively, passengers can hop aboard the train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk station and take a reverse round-trip; however, the last train at 4pm does not return to the Beach Boardwalk. Tickets may be purchased at Roaring Camp or from the conductor at the Boardwalk departure location.

The Redwood Forest Steam Train is a narrow-gauge steam locomotive (dating to the 19th century). This historic train takes passengers through soaring redwood groves, and winds through the mountains to the top of Bear Mountain . During the journey, the conductor shares information about the forest and the history of Roaring Camp Railroad since it was created in the 1880s to haul lumber out of the mountains.

The Redwood Forest Steam Train runs daily year-round, whereas the Santa Cruz Beach Train only runs on weekends from the spring through the fall.

Address: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California

Official site: www.roaringcamp.com

Santa Cruz is just a 45-minute drive from the historic waterfront town of Monterey and is situated alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary , one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States. This protected ocean environment extends for 276 miles along the coastline and provides habitat for 36 marine mammal species and 525 fish species.

This area, off the coast of Monterey, is one of the best places to visit in California to take whale watching and ocean wildlife sightseeing cruises. Cruises depart from the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. The Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour from Monterey gives passengers the chance to spot gray whales, humpback whales, and blue whales, depending on the season.

Each year, from April through November, humpback whales migrate through the region, and there is also a small population of humpbacks that stick around all summer.

Gray whales are also very common here, and a migration season of December through April gives winter tourists the opportunity to experience whale watching.

In late spring, tourists might catch a glimpse of migrating killer whales, and pods of the gigantic blue whale are seen in Monterey Bay with some regularity.

Overlooking Monterey Bay, the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden stands on an ancient marine terrace in the Santa Cruz Mountains . This exceptional site on the university campus is a vast outdoor classroom for scientific study, as well as a destination for gardeners and nature lovers. The 135-acre site provides the ideal microclimate and topography for Mediterranean plants to grow.

Different sections represent plants from Australia, California, New Zealand, and South Africa. Many of the plants are endangered in their native environments, and the Arboretum works to protect them from extinction.

Special features of the Arboretum include the Australian Garden ; a fragrant Eucalyptus Grove ; the small Butterfly Garden , planted with flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies; a research garden used to study the native flora of California; and " Hummingbird Hotspots ," which offer a chance to see pink-throated Anna's hummingbirds.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch in the picnic area with its stunning ocean views. The Arboretum offers free docent-led tours (on the first Saturday of the month) and art exhibits throughout the year.

A highlight of the Arboretum, Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop sells beautiful Mediterranean plants that are ideal for home gardens.

Address: 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California

Official site: https://arboretum.ucsc.edu

The Santa Cruz Harbor shelters two large marinas and provides boating access to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The harbor is a hub for sailing, kayaking, and other recreational water sports such as stand up paddleboarding. Visitors may rent kayaks and paddleboards.

Several companies at the harbor offer charter-boat fishing excursions , private sailboat trips, or yacht charters. The Sea Spirit Ocean Safari focuses on whale watching and ocean wildlife viewing.

Keeping watch of the coastline, the Walton Lighthouse stands on a jetty at the harbor. The lighthouse was constructed in 2002.

Tourists will appreciate the dining options at the harbor. The restaurants feature a lively ambience, gourmet cuisine, and waterfront views.

This surprising site needs to be seen to be believed. The Mystery Spot is located on a circular area of the redwood forest that is 46 meters in diameter, where the normal effects of gravity do not apply. Objects and people appear to be tilted even when attempting to stand up straight, and the gravitational anomaly makes visitors question the laws of physics.

The effect is utterly puzzling, and scientists have not been able to explain the phenomena at Mystery Spot since it was discovered in 1939. This has not stopped speculation, however, and both professionals and amateurs have come up with theories, from potential natural causes to the presence of extraterrestrial beings.

After taking a guided tour and pondering the scientific mysteries, visitors may go for a hike on the nearby trail, which winds through the redwood trees.

Address: 465 Mystery Spot Road, Santa Cruz, California

Official site: www.mysteryspot.com

Santa Cruz has a pleasant downtown area with lovely tree-shaded streets that are perfect for an afternoon stroll. The main drag, Pacific Avenue, is lined with restaurants, cafés, ice-cream shops, bakeries, and retail boutiques. Many of the restaurants and cafés have sidewalk tables for outdoor dining, allowing tourists to people-watch while soaking up the sunshine.

Downtown Santa Cruz is home to name-brand stores, as well as a wide variety of unique locally owned shops, several of which carry one-of-a-kind items created by local designers.

The city's music scene gives the downtown area a happening ambience. During the summer months, there are regular performances that are free and open to the public.

Downtown Santa Cruz hosts First Fridays, art exhibits by local artists, and a weekly Community Farmers' Market held on Wednesday afternoons year-round.

Official site: www.downtownsantacruz.com

Near Natural Bridges State Park, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center immerses visitors into the fascinating world of marine life. The education-focused facility is operated by UC Santa Cruz and stresses the importance of conservation.

The Exhibit Hall educates visitors about oceanic research and topics such as elephant seal behavior and the sea otters' ecosystem, and also hosts regularly changing exhibits.

The center is also home to an Aquarium , which gives visitors the opportunity to view a wide variety of both large and small aquatic life, including sharks. Kids will have fun discovering sea anemones, sea urchins, sea stars, and hermit crabs in the touch pool.

Address: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, California

Official site: https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Theater lovers can spend a magical evening in a redwood glen while being entertained by superb Shakespearean actors. The Santa Cruz Shakespeare company performs plays written by William Shakespeare, as well as other theater productions inspired by Shakespeare's works.

Performances are held at the Audrey Stanley Grove , which is located in the heart of Santa Cruz at DeLaveaga Park. This outdoor theater venue includes a picnic area on the ocean bluffs, which features marvelous views of the Monterey Bay.

The season runs from July through August, and advance purchase of tickets is recommended; ticket prices vary depending on the seating section.

Address: Audrey Stanley Grove, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Mission is part of a State Historic Park on Mission Hill within easy walking distance of downtown Santa Cruz. Founded by Franciscan Christian missionaries from Spain in 1791, the Misión la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz (Exaltation Mission of Santa Cruz) was the 12th mission established in California.

The mission was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake in 1857, and today only one small adobe building survives from the original mission.

The rest of the complex is a replica constructed in 1931 from adobe and wood, designed to look exactly like the original, including a one-third scale replica of the 1797 mission church. Original paintings, wooden crosses, and a tabernacle door are found in the church, recreating the historic ambience.

In the style of California missions, the austere white-painted adobe church features a wooden-beam ceiling and is minimally decorated. A lovely oil painting of the Virgen de Guadalupe adorns the side wall of the church.

The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park also features exhibits about the California Indians, the Ohlone, Costanoans, and Yokuts people, who resided here at the time the missionaries arrived.

Address: 144 School Street, Santa Cruz, California

With its sheltered sandy beach featuring gentle turquoise waves and pastel-painted waterfront houses, Capitola is reminiscent of a Mediterranean fishing village. This charming seaside village was California's first beach resort (dating back to 1874), and the picturesque setting has made it a tourist-favorite destination for over a century.

Several quaint streets wind through the small downtown area of Capitola, which overlooks the beach and gives the village a refreshing quality. Many of the town's cafés and restaurants have ocean views. Visitors enjoy strolling through the town to browse the boutiques, as well as taking walks along the bayside esplanade.

Right next to the downtown, Capitola Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Because the waters are calm, it's also a good place for boogie boarding and stand up paddleboarding.

Other things to do include fishing from the Capitola Wharf or taking a fishing excursion by boat in the bay. Boat rentals are available from Capitola Boat and Bait (a fishing license is required).

Foodies should be sure to make a stop at Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria , a short drive from the Capitola Beach and downtown area. Gayle's combines an authentic French bakery with an Italian deli and espresso bar. Here, you can savor the finest cappuccinos, croissants, and other freshly baked pastries, or pick up gourmet sandwiches for a picnic at the beach. Gayle's also serves hearty meals like beef bourguignon, rotisserie chicken, and lasagna.

Wilder Ranch State Park lies four miles north of downtown Santa Cruz, immediately west of Highway One and bordering the UC Santa Cruz campus. With 35 miles of trails on 7,000 acres, this unspoiled nature site is an inspiring place to go hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The scenic trails wind through valleys and coastal terraces with sensational ocean views.

Tourists can also learn about the lives of California's early ranchers by visiting the park's historic dairy ranch. Here, visitors can explore an 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse and an 1897 Victorian home, the ranch's barns and rodeo arena, and other historic structures.

The park charges a day-use parking fee. Guided tours are offered (free of charge) on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm; reservations are not required.

Address: 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History presents a wide variety of art exhibits and cultural events with a focus on topics related to California landscapes and local history. Exhibitions range from paintings of the Monterey Bay to biographies of 19th-century Santa Cruz County residents.

A highlight of the museum is the Mary and Harry Blanchard Sculpture Garden on the museum's rooftop. This sunny outdoor patio space displays interesting contemporary sculptures and features panoramic views of Santa Cruz.

Address: 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz

Official site: https://www.santacruzmah.org

Luxury Hotels:

• The three-star beachfront Dream Inn is in an ideal location next to Cowell Beach and just a short walk to the Santa Cruz Wharf. All of the guest rooms at this hotel have ocean views. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and concierge services.
• A small establishment with a lot to offer, the Sea & Sand Inn treats guests to complimentary cookies and refreshments every afternoon. Overlooking the beach, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the boardwalk and offers an ocean view from every room.
• Set back from the shore but within a short walk to the beach, the West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn is housed in a lovely Italianate-style Victorian mansion built in 1877. A perfect getaway for couples, the inn features a wraparound front porch with ocean views, fireplaces, and marble-accented bathrooms.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Beach Street Inn and Suites is tucked away behind the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, overlooking Main Beach and Cowell Beach. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and on-site beachwear shop. Guest rooms are decorated in "beach cottage" style, and feature refrigerators and microwaves. Some rooms have ocean views; suites have kitchenettes or full kitchens.
• The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz is a three-star hotel in the downtown area. A great option for families, the hotel offers complimentary breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and a fitness center.

Budget Hotels:

• A good budget option in the downtown area is the Quality Inn motel, located just off Highway One. Accommodations include breakfast and parking. Families will appreciate the outdoor swimming pool. The property is also pet-friendly.
• The Islander Motel provides clean, comfortable guest rooms at affordable rates. Each room is equipped with a mini refrigerator and hairdryer. An added bonus, the property includes an outdoor swimming pool and free parking.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Nearby Seaside Destinations: At the other side of Monterey Bay, the small but historically significant city of Monterey offers a variety of diversions, from Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to shopping and dining in the lively Cannery Row neighborhood. Neighboring Carmel-by-the-Sea is a top seaside destination for couples, known for its romantic ambience. Here, you will find an old-world atmosphere among the storybook cottages and Victorian homes that are intermingled with unique shops and upscale restaurants.

San Francisco Sightseeing: An 80-mile drive north along the oceanfront Highway One leads to California's top tourist destination , the sophisticated city of San Francisco . Best known for its impossibly hilly streets, cable cars, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is also an ideal destination for families, with plenty of things to do with kids , as well as interesting day trip destinations , such as the university town of Berkeley and the coastal town of Half Moon Bay with its sweeping sandy beaches.

More on California

Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Attractions

Things to do in santa cruz, explore popular experiences, tours in and around santa cruz.

Private Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Day Trip from San Francisco

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot

Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Guided E-Bike Ride & Most Fun Ebike Tour

Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max

Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz

Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience

Monterey Whale Watching Tour

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Santa Cruz

Other Top Attractions around Santa Cruz

Private & Custom Tours

What travelers are saying.

• West Cliff Drive
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• Natural Bridges State Beach
• Wilder Ranch State Park
• Roaring Camp Railroads
• Seymour Marine Discovery Center
• UCSC Arboretum
• Santa Cruz Main Beach
• Chardonnay Sailing Charters
• O’Neill Yacht Charters
• Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
• California Classic Sail
• Nomad Sailing

San Francisco to Carmel Road Trip: 40+ Fantastic Stops Along Highway 1

November 16, 2022 July 25, 2021 | Paroma

Last Updated on November 16, 2022 by Paroma

Are you dreaming of road tripping from San Francisco to Carmel along Highway 1 under the California sun with the sea breeze tousling your hair? If yes, then this is the perfect post for your to read. I have driven down this route many, many times and I am here to tell you all about the dozens of cool stops that along the way that will take this California road trip to simply another level! So without further ado, here is everything you need to know about driving down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Carmel.

Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. Thank you for supporting free content on this site!

Table of Contents

HOW TO PLAN A SAN FRANCISCO TO CARMEL ROAD TRIP ALONG HIGHWAY 1

Highway 1/Cabrillo Highway/Pacific Coast Highway is the scenic coastal route that connects San Francisco to Carmel in its 125 mile stretch that will take you about 3 hours to cover if traffic conditions are favorable and if you drive non-stop.

You could also take the shorter and faster inland route of 101S, but that is not as much fun as driving along the coast that offers spectacular views, sandy beaches and some of the best Northern California beach towns . So yeah, bottomline is that if it is your very first time driving to Carmel from San Francisco, do me a favor and stick to Highway 1.

Although a relatively short distance as far as road trips go in California (read my mammoth Northern California road trip covering 375 miles ), there are plenty of stops/attractions/things to do that are peppered along Highway 1 between San Francisco and Carmel.

So please do yourself a huge favor, read my recommendations and plan to make at least a few (or, many) stops along the way as you drive down Highway 1. Trust me, this is one of the most rewarding road trips from San Francisco that you won’t want to miss!

Coming to trip logistics (the most boring but necessary evil for any travel post): if you’re visiting out of town, then flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is your best bet. Keep in mind that the airport is not in San Francisco, but in Millbrae, which is about 30 minutes south of the city. Rent a car at the airport, get onto Highway 1 and start driving towards Carmel.

The other option is flying into San Jose International Airport (SJC) which is about 47 miles south of San Francisco, which can also be a starting point of your journey from where you drive down CA-17 into Santa Cruz and then take Highway 1 to Carmel. However, in that case you’ll be missing out on a section of Highway 1 starting from San Francisco to Santa Cruz which is incredibly scenic.

For the purpose of this post, I recommend that you start from San Francisco itself, because if this is your first time to my city or the road trip, you will maximize your experience by choosing San Francisco as your starting point. There are many places in San Francisco from where you can rent a car, so there is really no need to go to the airport for that purpose.

Given the year round mild weather conditions in Northern California, this San Francisco to Carmel road trip can be done anytime of the year really. But Spring has my vote cause of all the wildflowers springing up from and drenching the bluffs with color. Avoid Winter months (November-Feb) if you don’t want rain to play truant.

Dress in layers because the coast can get chilly, windy and foggy (I have a handy San Francisco packing list for you to take the guesswork out of what to wear for our crazy weather). Keep cash/change handy for parking at state parks/beaches along the way and that’s it-you’re all set to embark on a fabulous road trip down the central coast!

Check out my other California road trip posts here:

• Big Sur Road trip: 10 epic stops along Highway 1 that you must check out
• A Northern California trip to Remember: Driving through the Redwoods
• Two of the best dog friendly road trips in California to explore
• The best stops from San Francisco to Mendocino on Highway 1

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY BETWEEN SAN FRANCISCO AND CARMEL?

San Francisco to Carmel is a mere 2.5 hours drive, but there is quite a bit to see on this road trip and cramming everything in one day can get stressful. I recommend breaking the trip into two segments-San Francisco to Santa Cruz on day 1, with an overnight stay and half a day in Santa Cruz and then driving to Carmel on day 2. 

Santa Cruz is roughly midway between San Francisco and Monterey Peninsula and there is plenty to do in this beach town, which also has a lot of affordable hotel options. My hotel recommendations are: Pacific Blue Inn , Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages , Cliff Crest Inn , Beach Street Inn & Suites , Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West .

THE BEST STOPS ON HIGHWAY 1 BETWEEN SAN FRANCISCO AND CARMEL

Finally, here is the much awaited section of the post where I spill the beans on what I consider are the best stops between San Francisco and Carmel on and around Highway 1. Depending on how much time you have, pick and choose the ones that appeal to you most. If you want to see it all, then a good 3-4 days should cover everything. 

SAN FRANCISCO

If you’re visiting San Francisco, your starting point in this road trip, for the very first time ever, then I am tad jealous of you because you get to explore the city with a fresh pair of eyes struck with wonder and awe. Despite its many struggles and challenges, San Francisco continues to be one of the most unique and beautiful cities in USA where laid back California meets European charm. 

Steep, hilly roads punctuated with colorful Victorian homes, secret gardens, verdant parks, a crazy good food scene, sandy beaches offering gorgeous sunsets and the mighty beautiful Orange Bridge beckoning you-this is what San Francisco has to offer amongst a plethora of other attractions to feast your eyes on. It may be just 49 square miles, but its diverse neighborhoods , an even more diverse culinary scene , scenic viewpoints and hidden gems  (including two hidden beaches ), will keep you busy on your feet!

San Francisco packs quite a bit in its tiny size. Start with my essential guide to San Francisco here , check out the budget tips and tricks to have a good time on a dime , cheap eats in San Francisco ,  best photo spots in San Francisco , best views of the Golden Gate Bridge , best hikes in San Francisco , best beaches in San Francisco  and how to dress as a local in San Francisco .

San Francisco is also the perfect romantic getaway in Northern California if you’re visiting with your partner. You can read up on all the romantic things to do and some of the best date ideas in SF right here.

You can read all my San Francisco posts here for authentic, insider guides to my home.

SAN FRANCISCO TO PESCADERO

Distance along highway 1: approximately 50 miles.

Highway 1 bifurcates off CA Interstate 280 near Daly City, just south of San Francisco which will take you all the way down to Carmel, all the while hugging our rugged coastline dotted with tons of beaches and beach towns in San Mateo all the way up to Santa Cruz. Your very first major stop south of San Francisco on Highway 1 should be the beach town of Pacifica, famous for its scenic hikes and beaches.

Next in line is Montara, another small beach town followed by the more popular, busier town of Half Moon Bay -famous for its chowder and beaches thronged by surfers. After Half Moon Bay, the next major stop (if you’re not tempted to explore more of the beaches dotting the coast) should be Pescadero, home to Pigeon Point Lighthouse and some of the best tacos known to humankind! Here are my recommendations for stops:

1.Get a bite to eat at Mazzetti’s bakery or a “wellness latte” at Saltwater Bakery in Downtown Pacifica

2. Gawk at the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world on Highway 1

3. Taste local brews at the dog friendly Pedro Point Brewing

4. Pacifica has tons of amazing coastal hikes revealing dramatic views of the ocean. Since this is a road trip, you won’t have time to do them all. My personal favorite is the Mori Point Loop Trail for its ease and views (it is also one of the most scenic dog friendly hikes in the Bay Area ), but you can also get on the Devil’s Slide trail (paved trail which used to be a part of Highway 1) or the Pedro Point Headlands trail. See all the Pacifica hiking trails right here.

5. Pacifica is meant for some beach time and there are plenty of beaches to choose from- Esplanade beach, Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica Beach View Park, Rockaway Beach, San Pedro beach and Gray Whale Cove Beach (between Pacifica and Montara), to name a few. I highly recommend either Pacifica State Beach (say hi to the surfers and playful pups on the sand) or Gray Whale Cove Beach as your stops.

6. Montara state beach has always been our favorite. Stop by for dreamy coastal views from the bluffs. This is also a dog friendly beach in case you’re bringing your pup along.

HALF MOON BAY

7. Half Moon Bay boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in California . The world famous Mavericks beach (where surfers compete annually at the Big Wave competition) is here but it is a bit off route from Highway 1. Your best bet is to stick to beaches right off Highway 1, such as Redondo Beach, Pillar Point Beach, Poplar Beach, Mirada Surf Beach, Dunes beach, Roosevelt beach, Surfer’s Beach and Miramar Beach. My favorite? Pillar Point Beach – it is right next to the harbor and Sam’s Chowder House.

8. Get on the paved Half Moon Bay Coastal trail off Poplar Beach parking lot that runs all the way from HMB golf course in the south to Pillar Point Harbor in the north. This dog friendly trail snakes along the coast and is extremely scenic.

9. Don’t leave Half Moon Bay without tasting the yummy seafood or world famous chowder at one of these places-Sam’s Chowder House or Miramar Beach Restaurant

10. Half Moon Bay has a cute downtown which serves as a nice detour. I recommend San Benito House , Half Moon Bay Coffee Co. , It’s Italia ,  Café Capistrano and Pasta Moon for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner depending on when you’re stopping by.

11. More beaches coming your way via Pescadero state beach, Bean Hollow State Beach and Pistachio Beach, all easily accessible from Highway 1 (also known as Cabrillo Highway along this section of the coast). Further south, lie Gazos Creek State Beach, Año Nuevo State Park and Waddell Beach.

12. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is undoubtedly the main attraction of Pescadero and is open from Thursday-Monday, 10AM-4PM. You have to get on to Pigeon Point Road that shoots off Highway 1 to get here. The Lighthouse grounds has a hostel for overnight stay ( book here ). Although the lighthouse is currently closed for repair, you can still enter the grounds to view it. This is an excellent spot for whale watching during their winter migration (December-Feb). Dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

13. Whatever you do don’t miss the Tacos at Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos located unassumingly in a convenience store. They have a patio seating area to gorge on their delicious food. Trust me, the detour into Pescadero town (a very short one as well) for their heavenly tacos is worth it.

14. A very short detour from Highway 1 near Waddell Beach will take you to Rancho del Oso Nature and History center. If you’re curious about the natural  and cultural history of California’s central coast, the welcome center is a great place to start. Rancho del Oso has excellent hiking trails, offers guided backpacking tours to Big Basin Redwoods State park (will re-open in 2022) and also has campgrounds for overnight camping.

PESCADERO TO SANTA CRUZ

Distance along highway 1: approximately 33 miles.

San Mateo County gives way to Santa Cruz county as you drive past Pescadero on Highway 1. If you’re feeling peckish, you can stop by Highway 1 Brewing Company or head straight to the tiny town of Davenport, known yet again for its beaches. After Davenport, you’ll hit the next major stop along Highway 1 between San Francisco and Carmel which is Santa Cruz, the surfing capital of Northern California. There are a lot of things to cover in Santa Cruz, so I recommend staying overnight at the very least if this is your first visit. Here are my favorites:

15. Again, Davenport has quite a few beaches to keep you happy in the sand and sun. My favorite is the Greyhound Rock beach , because it is pretty secluded, dog friendly (cause we travel everywhere in California with our dog) and is a peaceful and relaxing experience (we spent an afternoon here during our stay in Bonny Doon).

Other notable beaches near the town of Davenport are these two- Davenport beach and Shark Fin Cove. Although Davenport beach is the easier one to get to (also dog friendly), Shark Fin Cove requires a pretty steep descent to get to the actual beach.

16. Enjoy Some yummy baked goods at Whale City Bakery and restaurant, the most popular eatery in Davenport and a stone’s throw from the beaches along Highway 1.

17. Marvel at the Scenic views at Davenport Cliffs

18. Stop by the Davenport Jail Museum-a two room county jailhouse turned museum which is free to enter for the public. It may be closed due to the ongoing health crisis, but the building is really nice to look at from outside

Santa Cruz is pretty much the half-way stop on this San Francisco to Carmel Highway 1 road trip and makes for an excellent day trip from San Francisco on its own. This de-facto surfing capital of Northern California has lots of golden beaches to woo you as well as hiking trails, sinfully good food (for all kinds of dietary preferences) and of course the uber popular boardwalk which gets crowded like crazy over the weekend.

Having witnessed the chaos of the boardwalk first hand, I recommend staying off it because there is nothing magical or life altering about it-it is just another noisy tourist attraction that does not do justice to the town which has so much more to offer. Here are my recommendations:

19. Santa Cruz has no dearth of beaches . However, I recommend going to either Its Beach (aka Lighthouse field state beach) below the bluff on which the Lighthouse is perched or Natural Bridges State Beach or Seabright State Beach with the Walton Lighthouse at the very end of the beach.

During winter (Nov-Feb), Monarch butterflies flock to the Eucalyptus grove next to Natural bridges State Beach for their wintering ritual. This spot, along with the Monarch butterfly sanctuary in Pacific grove and Pismo beach , are the three places to see these winged beauties along the central coast. The main beach of Santa Cruz is adjacent to the boardwalk and is always very crowded as is the Wharf.

20. Visit the only Surfing museum located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse on 701 West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point. The museum covers over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz via photos, records and artifacts

21. Visit the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park- this dog friendly Redwoods State Park has tranquil hiking trails leading through groves of coastal Redwoods. This is a bit of a detour from Highway 1 and recommended if you stay for at least one day in Santa Cruz.

22. Hop onto the Roaring Camp train for the time of your life! The train has two routes-one that takes you through the Henry Cowell Redwoods up to Bear mountain and the other being a coastal route from the Santa Cruz mountains to the beach boardwalk.

23. Hike along the enchanted trail starting from Delaveaga park or get on the Spring trail in Pogonip to hike all the way up to a beautiful vista point with sweeping views of Santa Cruz Valley

24. Do some mural watching in downtown Santa Cruz along Pacific Avenue as you explore its many stores and restaurants

25. Wondering where to eat in Santa Cruz? There are plenty of options to spoil you rotten. You can check out my guide to the best outdoor restaurants in Santa Cruz that are dog friendly . I highly recommend Laili serving Mediterranean cuisine in a cheerful backyard, Penny’s Ice Cream and Alderwood Santa Cruz

26. Santa Cruz mountains are famous for their wineries. Visit Wargin wines and Bargetto Winery (the oldest winery in Santa Cruz county) for some afternoon wine tasting

Stay in Santa Cruz county: Pacific Blue Inn in Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa cruz to carmel, distance along highway 1: approximately 46 miles.

After a few brief stops at a few charming towns beyond Santa Cruz, you will be driving down Highway 1 to your final destination Carmel, aka the insanely popular beach town in Monterey Peninsula. There are quite a few attractions along Highway that you can enjoy on this last leg including whale watching tours, vibrant mural watching and dipping your toes in the sand on some more sandy beaches. Here is what I consider some not to be missed activities:

27. This tiny beach town in Santa Cruz county lies just outside the city of Santa Cruz and is famous for the row of colorful homes, aptly titled “The Venetians” that line one end of Monterey Bay and form a pretty sight when viewed from the Capitola State Beach or the boardwalk. 

28. Capitola Wharf is a lively place with restaurants and stores showcasing local artists. I highly recommend checking two stores on Capitola Avenue:  Lumen art gallery featuring eclectic, local California art and home decor as well the Ethos Santa Cruz shop dedicated to helping people move towards a zero waste lifestyle and less plastic usage.

MOSS LANDING AND ELKHORN SLOUGH

29. These two spots in Monterey Bay are prime locations for year round whale watching along with other marine mammals. The 7 mile long tidal estuary of Elkhorn slough is the second largest of its kind in California and is an ecological preserve for many animals, birds and plants.

Moss Landing is located at the mouth of the slough on the Bay. I recommend the popular Monterey Bay Kayaks (they have kayaks for rent as well as guided tours of Elkhorn Slough) and the Blue Whale Ocean Watch whale watching trips that leave from the Moss Landing harbor for an experience of a lifetime (one of the best things to do in California in December )!

As Highway 1 curves around the Monterey Bay, you’ll be tempted to stop in the Monterey Peninsula, home to the popular destinations such as Monterey, Pacific Grove and of course, Carmel. There are two pit stops to make before you hit the peninsula. These are:

30. Fort Ord Dunes State Park: this park has a bluff platform for panoramic views of the Bay

31. Sand City: this blink and you’ll miss tiny industrial town has some gigantic, eye popping murals . There is also a Sand city arts mural festival that occurs in August. Start your self guided mural tour at Sweet Elena’s bakery and cafe and end it at Post no Bills Craft Beer House with a glass of local cider or beer.

This once upon a time canning port town is a huge favorite with Bay Area locals as a weekend getaway destination. Although it is definitely more on the touristy side of things, here are some ways to explore Monterey:

32. Visit the colorful Cannery Row (it gets really busy so come early to park)

33. Spend some time at the massive Monterey Bay Aquarium which works diligently to preserve marine habitats

34. Stroll by the Old Fisherman’s Wharf offering lots of  waterfront goodness, aka seafood restaurants and stores

35. Take your pick of Monterey beaches- be it Monterey state beach, Del Monte Beach or San Carlos Beach at Monterey harbor

36. Don’t forget to pick up some pastries from Parker-Lusseau, my favorite bakery in Monterey peninsula

PACIFIC GROVE 

The quieter cousin to Monterey, this beach town lies right next to it and is definitely worth checking out during your trip to Carmel from San Francisco on Highway 1. My recommendation, as I mentioned before, is to visit in late spring (aka April-May) when the coast gets covered by a purple blanket of blooming ice plant flowers. This sea of purple is a sight to behold as you walk along the coast. You can read details on my Pacific Grove post here . My other favorites are:

37.Take in the views as you walk down Ocean View Boulevard starting from Lover’s Point Park

38. Visit Point Pinos lighthouse , one of the few continually operated lighthouses in California

39. Visit Asilomar State Beach or hike along its coastal trail

40. Check out the Monarch butterfly sanctuary (best time to visit is Nov-Feb)

41. Stroll in downtown Pacific Grove to see the cute and colorful Victorians

42. Sit down for at least one meal at PassionFish

43. Visit the Natural history museum in downtown to learn more about the flora and fauna of the central coast.

Carmel-by-the sea is one of my top favorite destinations on the central coast and the last stop on this road trip down Highway 1. It is dog friendly to boot and has a fairy tale like feel to it, which makes it a California beach town like no other! Since fireworks are banned here, Carmel is the top dog friendly getaway for 4th of July for many dog parents!

Carmel has the cutest downtown with lots of flower laden alleyways revealing beautiful stores and restaurants, a hidden garden which is part of a bookstore and the dog friendly Carmel beach, which is a short walk down Ocean Avenue. You can read all about my Carmel adventures in this post filled with excruciating detail based off my 10+ visits as well as this post on dog friendly hotels for all budgets in Carmel .

Beside downtown Carmel and beach, the 17 mile scenic drive between Carmel and Monterey as well as the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (not dog friendly though) are two of the most amazing outdoor experiences that you can have on the central coast. Breathtaking views, beaches and snoozing sea lions as well as natural landmarks such as Lone Cypress will greet you on these journeys. 

Carmel is the gateway to Big Sur , the magical portion of California’s central coast that has been immortalized in prose and poetry. If you have time, please drive further down Highway 1 to Big Sur with my Big Sur post for all the best stops along the way. If you make the trip in Spring for a romantic Big Sur getaway , stop by the Calla Lily valley near Garrapata State Park and enjoy the wildflowers blooming on the roadside as you drive down.

Pro-tip: Carmel by the Sea is only 12 miles west of Carmel Valley, a great weekend getaway for wine tasting and dining. You can read all about my Carmel Valley wineries post for details to plan a girls weekend or something equally fun!

ROUTE MAP FOR SAN FRANCISCO TO CARMEL ROAD TRIP ON HIGHWAY 1

And, that brings me to the end of another California road trip post. I hope you enjoyed reading about all the best stops along Highway 1 on a San Francisco to Carmel road trip. Thanks a lot for stopping by and safe travels! 

Like this post? Pin it for later!

1 thought on “San Francisco to Carmel Road Trip: 40+ Fantastic Stops Along Highway 1”

Such a great blog we are going in April this year and will follow some of your suggestions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Year of the Monkey is the participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

@2020 YROFTHEMONKEY, INC. /

PRIVACY • TERMS • GDPR • DISCLOSURES

Designed by WPGeared

Privacy Overview

11 Bucket-List-Worthy Destinations For Families In Northern California

• Northern California offers a variety of family-friendly destinations, from the stunning Muir Woods National Monument to the beautiful city of San Francisco.
• Berkeley is a booming city with a downtown area filled with family-friendly attractions, such as the Bay Area Children's Theater and Berkeley Art Museum.
• Santa Cruz is a must-visit city with its famous boardwalk and beautiful stretches of sand, offering thrilling experiences for families, along with great shopping and dining options.

Northern California is one of the most beautiful places in the US for family getaways, thanks to having a stunning coastline, gorgeous nature, beautiful towns and cities, and some of the best family-friendly attractions. Every destination in this list offers something unique for everyone, and regardless of how many times one visits, they are always full of surprises.

Whether looking for a perfect day trip, weekend getaway, or planning to stick around for a longer period, this region never disappoints. Here are the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California.

UPDATE: 2023/08/25 13:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Northern California Is The Perfect Vacation Destination For Families!

This article has been updated with a new stop in Northern California, as well as additional insight on each previously added section. Whether families want to spend time outdoors, inside a museum, on the road, or camping under the stars: NorCal is the spot to be this fall and beyond. Have so much fun!

Related: 10 Amazing Weekend Trips To Take In The Fall In California

Muir Woods National Monument

• This is a National Monument outside of San Francisco.
• Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908.

Something to see with the family in Northern California is the Muir Woods National Monument. Here, people can witness a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. It's known for its historic redwood trees, scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational seminars, all of which are accessible to guests free of charge. Admission to the entire National Monument is only $15, making this incredibly affordable for families.

The Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails climb a hillside for views of the treetops, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Tamalpais in adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park, which may be perfect for those wanting a clear view of the area.

San Francisco

• San Francisco boasts countless museums, parks, and places for children.
• The city overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is full of iconic attractions for both kids and adults, making it one of the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California. One of the top spots to not miss is the Aquarium of the Bay, which is positioned right in the middle of Pier 39, where families can reach it from any place in the city.

Adults and kids will enjoy seeing different animals and even have a chance to touch starfish or a stingray. Exploratorium is another family hotspot that offers educational experiences for children of all ages. Other places to check include the California Academy of Sciences, USS Pampanito, and Cable Cars & Museum.

Related: Safety In San Francisco: Tips For First-Time Visitors

• Located north of San Francisco.
• There is a booming downtown area and many family-friendly attractions.

Located just north of San Francisco, Berkeley is one of the top spots to visit with kids in Northern California. In the downtown area, families can spend time at the Bay Area Children’s Theater, where families can enjoy live kid-friendly shows. The Berkely Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is another top spot to see in downtown Berkely.

The Tiden Botanical Garden is home to impressive waterfalls, bridges, and trails that a whole family would fall in love with. The Berkely University Campus is also brimming with family-friendly attractions, including the Campanile Bell Tower and the Lawrence Hall of Science.

• The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of the main draws to this city.
• There is great shopping, food, and lodging in this coastal city.

Famous for its gorgeous boardwalk, Santa Cruz is one of the most amazing cities to explore in Northern California. Its boardwalk alone entices over three million visitors, thanks to its vintage rollercoasters that guarantee thrilling experiences to families seeking such kinds of adventures.

The boardwalk also boasts delicious restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful shops that vacationers can experience. Founded by the Spanish in 1791, Santa Cruz is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand. Nature lovers can head to Yosemite National Park, which features unique rock formations.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• This National Park is a great way to educate young kids and even adults.
• There is a junior ranger program hosted at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is among the underrated national parks in the US but is among the best places one can explore with kids on the West Coast. There is nothing as fun as witnessing a geothermal activity and actually strolling on a real volcano. Families make use of the park's campsites as they take time to see the park's natural beauty. Children can take part in Lassen Volcanic National Park’s junior ranger program. If you are looking for a perfect hidden gem that guarantees unforgettable family adventures in Northern California, this is it.

Related: Here's Why Lassen Volcanic National Park Is Worth Visiting In The Winter

Angel Island

• Angel Island makes for a nice day trip while in Northern California.
• Ferry rides are constant here, giving guests a new perspective of the area.

Angel Island is one of the top spots in Northern California to visit with kids. It is an excellent option for a day trip or a weekend getaway for families, guaranteed a fun-filled adventure for everyone. It offers outdoor activities, an incredible food scene, fascinating history, a perfect beach vacation, and of course, stunning scenery. A ferry ride offers a memorable experience for kids on their way to Angel Island.

One can choose to board from either San Francisco or Tiburon – and it's important to arrive early to not miss parking. Angel Island is home to hiking, camping, and plenty of sightseeing . So, a visit to this beautiful California place is always worth it.

• San Jose is known to be charming and incredibly family-friendly.
• There are historic sites, museums, parks, and even a zoo.

San Jose is one of the most charming cities in Northern California and is an excellent spot to explore as a family. Whether visiting the city with a toddler, an infant, a kid, or a teenager, this city has something that would suit the interests of everyone. There are plenty of magnificent parks, incredible historic sites, and numerous outdoor adventures. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides and other beautiful kid-friendly attractions in the amusement parks. Some of the top spots to visit include Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Tech Interactive, and Winchester Mystery House.

• This is one of the more-visited Northern California cities and is the state capital.
• There is a zoo, countless parks, shopping, great food, and beautiful scenery.

Sacramento is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern California and a place no one would want to miss when visiting with kids. California’s capital is home to impressive museums, such as the California State Railroad Museum. Old Sacramento is another top spot to not miss in the city, thanks to having plenty of kid-friendly things to do, including strolling the wooden sidewalks, window-shopping at the candy and toy shops, and exploring the Gold Rush-era underground city. William Land Park, home to Sacramento Zoo, is also among the truly fun things to do in Sacramento with kids.

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Seeing Sacramento Like A Local

• Santa Rosa is well-regarded for its wineries and family-friendly attractions.
• There are children's museums, state parks, hiking trails, and endless scenery here.

Famous for its incredible wineries, Santa Rosa makes an excellent family getaway in Northern California. Families will enjoy the numerous exhibits that kids would enjoy, especially in museums like the Children's Museum of Sonoma County and the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Families with older kids who are interested in exploring the area's wine scene can stroll through the nature trails in Annadel State Park. Families can also enjoy picnicking in the park. There are numerous walking tours that families can take to explore the hiking trails or the wine country. Kids will also enjoy perusing the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall during their visit.

• Water sports are especially fun here.
• Hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking can all be at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in California , making it a popular spot for skiing in winter. There is plenty to enjoy around this place, including the beautiful scenery, perfect ski conditions, numerous kid-friendly activities, and delicious restaurants that serve some of the tastiest food in Northern California. Lake Tahoe is also located not far from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it one of the best day trips to not miss. Families can explore the scenery of Lake Tahoe through boating, swimming, or floating. Travelers can also explore Lake Tahoe hikes that will take them to the most scenic views .

Book a Lake Tahoe cruise to enjoy the area's scenery and some of the most beautiful sunsets while having a delicious dinner meal and listening to music.

Related: This Is What To Expect When Visiting Lake Tahoe In November (And Why You Should)

Yosemite Valley

• Yosemite is one of the nation's premier outdoor attractions.
• Children and families can learn about California's various ecosystems inside the park.

Yosemite Valley is one of the top spots in California to experience nature at its best. The valley features meadows, gorgeous cliffs, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. It's also one of the best places in Northern California for a family vacation; there are several family-friendly things to do in Yosemite (besides hiking) , including biking, climbing, wildlife watching, and floating.

The only drawback of visiting Yosemite Valley is crowded, especially during weekends. Whether taking kids to learn how to rock climb, chase the stunning falls, or watch impressive sunsets, Yosemite is one of the top US spring vacation destinations for nature lovers , but other seasons are also good to visit.

Beachside Bliss: Capitola Village

Nestled around Santa Cruz County are a variety of seaside towns to visit: filled with delicious eateries, handcrafted drinks, and spectacular scenery, each of these places embodies the unique flare of the community that calls that neighborhood home. Drifting downward from the cliffsides perched above Monterey Bay, soak in the seaside views as you make your way into the heart of Capitola-by-the-Sea. Colorful architecture and palm-lined roads greet you to California’s oldest seaside resort town. Today, the idyllic coastal haven evokes nostalgia while embracing fresh takes from buzzworthy local businesses. Brimming with small-town charm, appetizing eateries, whimsical shops, and community connection, all situated in a stunning seaside locale, Capitola Village is the perfect place to soak in the beachside bliss!

Discover paradise at Capitola Beach, the village’s namesake shoreline! Framed by towering cliffsides covered in pampas grass, the picturesque coastline looks out on the shimmering blue waters of Monterey Bay. Dip your toes in the sand, soak up the sunshine, and build a sandcastle with your family! Those seeking a coastal adventure can rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the beauty of the Bay, or consider a surf lesson, where you’ll learn to ride the waves like an (almost) pro. The allure of this seaside gem lies in its beachfront locale, so be sure to revel in some leisure time at Capitola Beach!

More fun can be found at the Mercantile Arcade, with old-school classics like air hockey and skee ball alongside more modern favorites like racing games. There’s fun to be had with the whole family! For a slower pace, head to the Capitola Historical Museum, which provides a unique glimpse into the past of this city by the seaside.

Sprinkled throughout the year, Capitola Village has a wide range of events and activities that celebrate its vibrant community spirit! Local wine flows at the Capitola Sip & Stroll (in the spring) and the Capitola Art & Wine Festival (in September). From marathons to classic cars and live music, there’s a beachside event to please everyone in Capitola !

The delightful, rainbow-hued cottages of the Capitola Venetian Hotel place you right on the sands of Capitola Beach for a true oceanfront experience! The iconic boutique hotel evokes the feel of an Italian vacation while situated as close as you can get to the California coast without actually being in the water. Make your way between the vibrantly-hued cottages to an ocean-view room, where you’ll discover creature comforts such as luxurious beds and in-cottage kitchens. Some cottages boast a fireplace to warm yourself when the coastal fog rolls in. The Capitola Venetian’s Mediterranean-style beachfront cottages are a swoon-worthy destination!

Immerse yourself in the heart of the action at the Capitola Hotel ! This boutique hotel is a cozy, tranquil oasis nestled right in the center of Capitola Village’s Esplanade. Spend a day in the sand and sunshine before popping in to indulge in a complimentary cookie, an afternoon staple here. Try out their signature blend of body wash and shower necessities to wash the sunscreen off before snuggling up for the night in the delightfully sumptuous linens. There’s Wifi, TV, and even HBO, so you can rest while catching up on all your favorite shows! Fuel up for more adventures with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, and venture out to enjoy another day of exploring all that Santa Cruz County has to offer.

Situated at the entrance to the village, each of the Capitola Beach Suites ’ terraced rooms provides spectacular ocean views during your stay. Every suite comes decked out with quaint coastal cottage decor, fully-equipped kitchens, spacious seating areas, and that spectacular ocean view. After spending the day exploring what Capitola Village has to offer, settle into the Capitola Beach Suites’ rooftop terrace, which is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the bay waters!

Soak in relaxation at the Inn at Depot Hill , a luxurious bed and breakfast perched up on the hillside, mere steps from the heart of Capitola Village. Originally built as a railway station, the inn has preserved its historic charm, with opulent decor that will transport you back in time. While its decor is reminiscent of the past, its amenities are of the modern variety: Wifi and concierge services go along well with the Inn’s outdoor jetted tubs and private patios!

Capitola Village is home to a vibrant culinary scene that will suit every palate and preference! A local favorite is Trestles Restaurant : tucked beneath the iconic Capitola Village wooden trestle is Chef Nick Sherman’s delectable passion project. Ponder over the mouthwatering menu with a glass of wine in hand while savoring the intimate atmosphere that Trestles supplies. The open kitchen provides a peek at the culinary experience to come, and your tastebuds will delight over the local and fresh seasonal fare. Reservations come highly recommended for this desired spot, especially if you’re hoping to warm up by the firepit under the twinkle lights on the outdoor patio overlooking Capitola Village. With its welcoming atmosphere and culinary charms, Trestles has earned its place as a community favorite for an evening out!

There is an astonishing selection of eateries tucked into Capitola Village’s 1.7 square miles. Stop in at Marea Café & Pizzeria for artisan sourdough bagels and pizza from local Chef Jayne Droese, served alongside Syllable Coffee. Head to Geisha Japanese Restaurant & Tea House for sustainably caught, hyper-fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine. Pop by Avenue Cafe for brunch and lunch in a cozy setting.

For dining with beachfront views, make your way to the patio at Zelda’s on the Beach , which is about as close as you can get to the shore without actually being in the water. They serve an assortment of seafood classics, from clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to cioppino and manila drunken clams. Pro Tip: They also have a full-service coffee bar, so you can sip your morning cuppa with unbeatable views! Nearby is Paradise Beach Grille , an upscale dining destination on Capitola’s beachfront Esplanade. Also on the shore is the Britannia Arms , a British pub and sports bar, complete with the kitchen’s renowned fish & chips and a patio overlooking Capitola Beach.

With its spacious patio, fantastic views of the beach, and refreshing, fruit-forward beverages, Margarita ville will whisk you away on a tropical vacation for your tastebuds. Their signature Margarita is a must-try, and comes in a variety of flavors from strawberry, for those who like it sweet, to jalapeño, for those who like their drinks spicy! Peruse the food menu, which offers sustainably caught local seafood served in contemporary Mexican dishes. Kick back, relax, and soak up the beachfront atmosphere with a marg in hand. Cheers!

If wine is more to your taste, sample the varietals at Armida Winery , an intimate tasting room with views of the Capitola Trestle. Beer lovers will find bliss at English Ales Brewer y , where you can stop in for a pint and some traditional pub food. Tune in for live music events at The Sand Bar & Grill and Cork & Fork , both of which serve up great cocktails while the music plays with a beachside backdrop!

A hidden gem in the heart of Capitola Village is Mr. Toots Coffee House : look for the small staircase next to Margaritaville and head right up to the cozy coffeehouse! This relaxed cafe brews up an assortment of coffees and espresso beverages to sip on, while also dishing up breakfast burritos, sandwiches, pastries, and various other nibbles to enjoy from their upstairs perch, overlooking Capitola Beach and the Venetians!

There’s no better treat on a sunny Capitola day than Polar Bear Ice Cream ; grab a waffle cone filled with one of the 50 delectable flavors here! Churned locally in Santa Cruz, this small-batch ice cream is all-natural and impossibly creamy. Whichever flavor you fancy, every toothsome scoop will keep you coming back for more!

Still need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out the assortment of candies at Capitola Sweet Shoppe , Capitola Candy Co . , and Carousel Taffy & Treats . There are plenty of mouthwatering confections fulfill your dessert desires!

And a must-stop for any Capitola Village adventure is Gayle’s Bakery ! Whether you’re on your way down to the Village or heading out, Gayle’s has delicious bites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, an anytime-special treat!

The quaint, small-town vibes of Capitola Village are amplified by the abundance of vibrant local businesses that exhibit the area’s flair. Get into the local spirit at Santa Cruz Apparel , where you can snag one of those world-famous Santa Cruz dot sweatshirts for yourself! Get ready to hit the waves at Midtown Surf Shop , where a plethora of surf goods and clothing are waiting. They also have an assortment of gifts, cards, and local wares to check out during your visit. Katalina’s By the Sea has great fashion finds and accessories for women, men, and children – plus, their staff is always up for helping you pick the perfect outfit!

Be a conscious consumer at Ethos , where low-waste living takes center stage. Shop sustainably in-store for easily-packed household items like bars of soap and Swedish dishcloths, and continue your eco-friendly journey by shopping Ethos online from home! Boutique shops and art galleries such as Clementine & Co . , Lumen Gallery , Capitola Reef , Capitola Beach Co. , and more line the colorful promenade, beckoning you in to discover what’s in store.

With its colorful architecture, culinary delights, whimsical boutiques, and quintessential coastal charm, Capitola Village is a must-visit destination!

By Caryn Hewlett