California Coastal and Garden Getaway: August 5-7, 2025

Day 1: Arrival and Filoli Gardens

Morning: Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the best option for access to Woodside and Highway 101. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to Filoli Gardens, a stunning historic estate known for its exquisite gardens and beautiful architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the expansive Filoli Gardens including its formal gardens, woodlands, and afternoon tea at the café if time allows. Afterwards, begin your scenic drive down Highway 101, enjoying potential stops at charming small towns along the way.

Evening: Continue your drive to Santa Cruz and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or stroll along the scenic coastline.

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Solvang Excursion

Morning: Spend the morning visiting Santa Cruz Wharf and the surfers at Steamer Lane. Grab breakfast at a local café before heading south on the U.S. Highway 1 toward Solvang.

Afternoon: Arrive in Solvang, a Danish-style village famous for its unique architecture, bakeries, and quaint shops. Visit the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum or explore the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Danish dinner at one of Solvang’s renowned restaurants. Stay overnight in Solvang to fully soak up the town’s charm and atmosphere.

Day 3: Return to Seattle

Morning: Depart Solvang early to drive back towards the airport. Consider a brief stop in Santa Barbara for a coffee break or to stretch your legs along Stearns Wharf.

Afternoon: Arrive at either Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) or return to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to catch your flight back to Seattle. SBA is closer to Solvang but has fewer direct flights; SFO offers more frequent flights and rental car options.

Evening: Fly back home to Seattle, concluding your scenic and relaxing California road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Filoli Gardens: 2-3 hours, $25 admission fee
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: 2 hours, free entry (rides and food extra)
• Solvang Exploration (museums and dining): 4-5 hours, $15-20 for museum admission, $30-50 for dinner
• Rental Car: 3 days, approx. $120-150
• Flights (Round Trip Seattle - SFO or SBA): Varies, approx. $250-350

Total estimated cost: $440 - $600

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider spending an extra day in Santa Cruz to explore nearby natural parks or enjoy the surf culture more deeply. For a shorter trip, skip Solvang and dedicate Day 2 to deeper exploration of the Monterey Bay area or the wineries along Highway 101. Booking accommodations near highways can optimize your travel time between stops.