Day Trip to Santa Cruz, California
It’s late summer / early fall 2020, the global pandemic unknowingly allowed us to explore more what’s around us and within 2 hours driving distance. Road trips and camping were the best and safest ways to get outdoors.
In California, especially along the Pacific Coast Highway, there are so many beautiful places to go see. Santa Cruz is one such place. With its beaches, surfy, hippy downtown, coffee culture, wineries, and beautiful hiking trails in the Redwoods, it has a lot to offer to make a drive down worthwhile and make it a fun-filled day trip!
Tip: Start your drive around 10am, so you get to catch sunsets and view dolphins on your drive back along Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1)Trip Highlights
Duration - Full Day (ideal start time Mid-Morning)
Places - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, Santa Cruz, Davenport, Devils Slide, Montara (Half Moon Bay)
Best for - Summer Day Road Trip
Travel Pace - Easy Drive
Season - Summer/Fall
Experiences - Coastal Drive, Hiking in Redwoods, Local Coffee, Sunsets, Dolphin Watching
Trip Cost - Under $100 for 2 (Gas $40, $40 for food and drinks)
Trip Route
Itinerary
Waypoint # A Fall Creek Trail, Henry Cowell Redwood SP
Start your Santa Cruz day trip with a brisk hike on Fall Creek trail in Henry Cowell Redwood State Park It is a beautiful forested trail with a creek running along the entire trail. Arrive in the morning at the Fall Creek Trailhead as parking is limited. From there you can choose to hike to the Barrel Mill area (about 4.4 miles round trip) or just go halfway till Old Lime Kiln Ruins. An interesting piece of history here. These kilns (now rusted and junk) was used to process lime for making cement during the Gold Rush era in California.
Duration: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easy (largely flat)
Good To Know: No drinking water or bathrooms; wear layers at it can be chilly in the morning even in summer. Pack a small snack and water.
How to get there:
When driving on CA 17 South, go about a half-mile up Felton Empire Road (west) past the junction with Highway 9 in downtown Felton, the dirt parking lot is on the right.
Tip: Henry Cowell Redwood SP is smaller as compared to Big Basin Redwood SP (popular for overnight camping) and shorter drive (7 miles from Felton to Santa Cruz downtown and beach, which was our next stopWaypoint # B Coffee + Lunch, Santa Cruz Downtown
After your hike, take a short 15-minute drive to Santa Cruz downtown to grab some coffee and lunch. It’s normally super busy with tourists, surfers, and street entertainers, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowds were thin and parking was easy to find. Grab fish tacos at Taqueria Los Pericos, a laid-back counter-serve spot. Head to back past the town clock tower to Pacific Avenue and get some great coffee at the hip Verve Coffee Roasters. Santa Cruz is the birthplace of this trendy coffee roastery. Take a stroll along this street for surf apparel shops and live street entertainment.
Duration: 2 Hours
Activity Level: Easy going!
Good To Know: Due to the pandemic, most places have take-out or outdoor seating only
How to get there: Take either CA-9 South or Graham Hill Road for 7.5 miles into Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz
Waypoint # C Santa Cruz Beach
Drive for 7 minutes to head to the famous Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk. The beach is fun, a lot of people love playing beach volleyball here (yes they have designated areas!). The boardwalk is extremely popular in summer but it is not really our thing. You can grab a drink at one of the several cafes /bars along Beach Street and enjoy some people watching.
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Activity Level: Beachy!
Good To Know: Use metered street parking at least 2 blocks away from Beach Street. It is cheaper and less crowded.
How to get there: Take Front Street from downtown Santa Cruz and drive 1.2 miles towards the boardwalk.
Waypoint # D Davenport
On your return drive, take CA - 1 and make a stop just a few miles south of Santa Cruz at a small seaside town of Davenport. Park across at Davenport Parking and head down to the beautiful dunes of Davenport Beach. Stroll around the beach, coves and if lucky you can spot dolphins in July. As you head back up, stop for a quick bite at Whale City Bakery and Cafe across the parking lot.
Tip - Stay the evening around a campfire on the beach (but no overnight camping !)Duration: 1 Hour
Activity Level: Easy Stroll
Good To Know: Carry your own food and drinking water. There is only the beach here!
How to get there: From Santa Cruz beach, take CA -1 South for 12 miles (it is in the direction of heading back to San Francisco)
Waypoint # E Devil’s Slide Rock, Montara (Half Moon Bay)
Wrap up your day admiring the beautiful murals on Devil’s Slide Rock and hiking the trails on the flower-covered coastal hills. Park at Devils Slide Trail North Parking Lot.
Tip - Plan to arrive around 4 or 5pm for some awesome golden hour sunsets and photography!Duration: 1-2 hours
Activity Level: Moderate (some hills)
Good To Know: Open Sunrise to Sunset
How to get there: Continue on CA -1 South from Davenport and drive about 48 miles south.
Before You Go
Day backpack with a beach towel, hydro flask for water, snack, Afterbite (for bug bites)
Always check for weather and the bay area has micro-climates!
Map It!
Recommended Additions
Here are some helpful alternatives to add /swap in this itinerary
Half Moon Bay - Rent Kayaks
Dinner at Pasta Moon, downtown on Main Street
Sam’s Chowder House on CA -1 on the way near Devils Slide Trail.
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Photo By: Neal Chopra
Plan Your Trip
Take this itinerary as is or if you like to make some tweaks you can consider swapping with the recommendation additions above. If you have questions on planning your trip or have feedback on this itinerary, leave us a comment below.