Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring Santa Cruz, California

Viewed by 104 travelers

Day 1: Downtown Exploration

Santa Cruz, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kelly's French Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kelly's French Bakery, known for their freshly baked pastries and quiches.
Head to 402 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Pacific Avenue

Take a stroll down Pacific Avenue, the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, lined with unique shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Walk from Kelly's French Bakery.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Assembly Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Assembly Restaurant, offering seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Head to 1108 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Immerse yourself in Santa Cruz's culture and history at the Museum of Art & History, featuring contemporary art exhibitions and local artifacts.
Walk to 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Oswald Restaurant

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Oswald Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and diverse menu showcasing California cuisine.
Head to 121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 2: Beach Boardwalk Fun

Santa Cruz, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Linda's Seabreeze Cafe, a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious omelets.
Head to 542 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Spend the day at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, arcade games, and waterfront dining.
Walk or drive to 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$40 (for rides), 4-6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ideal Bar & Grill

Grab a casual lunch at Ideal Bar & Grill on the Boardwalk, offering tasty beachside fare and scenic views of the ocean.
Located at 106 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Firefish Grill

Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at Firefish Grill, a waterfront restaurant known for its ocean-fresh cuisine and sunset views.
Head to 25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 3: Nature Exploration

Santa Cruz, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Picnic Basket

Start your day with a scenic breakfast at The Picnic Basket, offering local organic ingredients and a delicious menu of sandwiches and pastries.
Head to 125 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Explore the majestic redwood forests with a hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, home to ancient trees and serene nature trails.
Drive to 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018.
$10 (park entrance fee), 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cremer House

Enjoy a farm-fresh lunch at The Cremer House, a historic restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine and local craft beers.
Head to 6256 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018.
$30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Discover the stunning rock formations and tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach, a picturesque spot for beachcombing and bird watching.
Drive to Swanton Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
$10 (parking), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Crow's Nest

End your day with a seafood dinner at The Crow's Nest, a waterfront restaurant offering panoramic views of the harbor and a diverse menu of seafood dishes.
Head to 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Santa Cruz california Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go