by Outline
Introduction
- Overview of Santa Cruz County and its surroundings
- Why a road trip in this region is perfect
Planning Your Santa Cruz Road Trip
- Best time for a road trip
- Recommended duration
- Vehicle considerations
Essential Stops Around Santa Cruz County
Day 1: Exploring Santa Cruz County
- Start at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Visit the Natural Bridges State Beach
- Drive through West Cliff Drive
Day 2: North to Davenport and Pescadero
- Davenport’s cliffs and sea stacks
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- Pescadero State Beach
Day 3: Scenic Drives through the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Wine tasting in Bonny Doon
Day 4: South to Monterey and Carmel
- Drive along Highway 1 to Monterey
- Explore Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Day 5: Watsonville and Elkhorn Slough
- Visit Gizdich Ranch for apple picking
- Explore Elkhorn Slough for kayaking and birdwatching
- End with a farm-to-table dinner in Watsonville
Hidden Gems to Discover
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Aptos and the Forest of Nisene Marks
Tips for a Successful Road Trip
- Packing essentials
- Best apps for navigation and planning
- Local dining recommendations along the route
Sample Itinerary for a 5-Day Trip
- Day-by-day highlights
Conclusion
- Why Santa Cruz County is a road-tripper’s dream
- Encouragement to explore the region
FAQs
- What are the must-see spots on a Santa Cruz road trip?
- Is this road trip family-friendly?
- What is the best season for a Santa Cruz road trip?
- Are there any hidden gems off the main routes?
- What are some tips for driving in the Santa Cruz area?
A Scenic Road Trip Guide Around Santa Cruz County
Introduction
Santa Cruz County and its surrounding areas are a road-tripper’s paradise. With stunning coastal drives, towering redwoods, charming small towns, and world-class attractions, this region of Northern California promises an unforgettable journey.
Planning Your Santa Cruz Road Trip
Best Time for a Road Trip
- Spring: Mild weather and wildflowers.
- Fall: Clear skies and fewer crowds.
- Summer: Perfect for beach activities but expect more visitors.
Recommended Duration
A 5-day road trip is ideal to explore the region without feeling rushed.
Vehicle Considerations
A comfortable vehicle with good fuel efficiency is recommended. Consider a convertible to fully enjoy the scenic coastal drives!
Essential Stops Around Santa Cruz County
Day 1: Exploring Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Start your trip with thrilling rides, arcade games, and ocean views.
- Natural Bridges State Beach: Marvel at the iconic rock arch and watch seasonal monarch butterfly migrations.
- West Cliff Drive: A scenic drive along the coast with opportunities to stop and take in ocean views.
Day 2: North to Davenport and Pescadero
- Davenport: Explore rugged cliffs and sea stacks along the coast. Don’t miss Davenport Beach and Shark Fin Cove.
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse: One of the tallest lighthouses in the U.S., offering breathtaking ocean views.
- Pescadero State Beach: A serene spot for beachcombing and tide pooling.
Day 3: Scenic Drives through the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Roaring Camp Railroads: Ride a historic steam train through redwood forests.
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Walk among ancient redwoods and enjoy serene hiking trails.
- Bonny Doon: Visit local wineries for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
Day 4: South to Monterey and Carmel
- Highway 1 to Monterey: A must-drive route with incredible coastal vistas.
- Cannery Row: Explore shops, restaurants, and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: A charming town known for its art galleries, boutiques, and the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Day 5: Watsonville and Elkhorn Slough
- Gizdich Ranch: Enjoy apple picking, fresh pies, and a taste of local agriculture.
- Elkhorn Slough: Take a guided kayak tour to see sea otters, birds, and other wildlife.
- Farm-to-Table Dinner: End your trip with a delicious meal at a local farm-to-table restaurant in Watsonville.
Hidden Gems to Discover
- Wilder Ranch State Park: Hike coastal trails with breathtaking ocean views.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Home to some of the tallest trees in the world.
- Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos: A peaceful retreat with lush greenery and quiet trails.
Tips for a Successful Road Trip
- Pack Smart: Bring layers for varying weather, reusable water bottles, and a good camera.
- Use Navigation Apps: Google Maps or Waze can help you find the best routes and avoid traffic.
- Local Dining: Try Marianne’s Ice Cream in Santa Cruz or seafood at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing.
Sample Itinerary for a 5-Day Trip
Day 1: Santa Cruz Highlights
- Morning: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
- Afternoon: Natural Bridges State Beach.
- Evening: Sunset along West Cliff Drive.
Day 2: North Coast Exploration
- Morning: Davenport’s Shark Fin Cove.
- Afternoon: Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
- Evening: Relax in Pescadero.
Day 3: Santa Cruz Mountains
- Morning: Roaring Camp Railroads.
- Afternoon: Henry Cowell Redwoods hike.
- Evening: Wine tasting in Bonny Doon.
Day 4: Monterey and Carmel
- Morning: Drive to Monterey via Highway 1.
- Afternoon: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
- Evening: Dinner in Carmel.
Day 5: Watsonville and Elkhorn Slough
- Morning: Gizdich Ranch.
- Afternoon: Kayak at Elkhorn Slough.
- Evening: Farm-to-table dining in Watsonville.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz County and its surroundings offer a road trip filled with natural beauty, exciting attractions, and hidden gems. Whether you’re exploring redwood forests, driving along the dramatic coastline, or relaxing in charming towns, this region guarantees a memorable adventure.
FAQs
- What are the must-see spots on this road trip?
Highlights include Natural Bridges State Beach, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Henry Cowell Redwoods. - Is this road trip family-friendly?
Yes, with attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads, it’s perfect for families. - What is the best season for a Santa Cruz road trip?
Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for a road trip. - Are there any hidden gems off the main routes?
Yes, Wilder Ranch State Park and the Forest of Nisene Marks are fantastic hidden gems. - What are some tips for driving in this region?
Stay on Highway 1 for scenic views, plan for potential fog, and always have a map as a backup.
