🚗 Day Trips from Santa Cruz
Explore nearby destinations
Monterey & Carmel
45 minAquarium, 17-Mile Drive, beach towns
Plan: Full day
Big Sur
1 hourMcWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, scenic coast
Plan: Full day
San Francisco
1.5 hoursCity sights, museums, dining
Plan: Full day
Pinnacles National Park
2 hoursRock formations, hiking, caves
Plan: Full day
Año Nuevo State Park
30 minElephant seals (Dec-Mar)
Plan: Half day
Boulder Creek
30 minRedwoods, small town charm
Plan: Half day
Moss Landing
20 minElkhorn Slough kayaking, antiques
Plan: Half day
Gilroy Gardens
45 minTheme park, family-friendly
Plan: Full day