4-Day Luxury Road Trip Itinerary in Aptos, CA - January 2025

Day 1: Relaxation & City Experiences

Aptos, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Cruz

Start your journey with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Cruz, well-loved for its fresh produce and delicious brunch options.
Located just a short drive from your hotel in Aptos.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Rio Del Mar Beach

Stroll along the beautiful shores of Rio Del Mar Beach, enjoying the peaceful vistas and invigorating sea breeze.
A quick 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Manresa Beach

Enjoy a gourmet beachside picnic lunch from Manresa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, focusing on seasonal and local ingredients.
Pick up your prepared lunch in Aptos before heading to the beach.
USD45, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Aptos Village Park

Relax and unwind in the scenic Aptos Village Park, where you can appreciate the beautiful surroundings and perhaps enjoy a leisurely walk.
Just a 5-minute drive from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Chaminade Resort & Spa

Experience luxury at the Chaminade Resort, nestled in the hills with stunning views, where you can unwind in their spa or by the pool.
A 15-minute drive from the park.
USD300 (per night), 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Dune Restaurant

Savor a delightful dinner at The Dune Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Dinner reservation recommended; it is a short drive from the resort.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion & Nature

Santa Cruz, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Picnic Basket

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at The Picnic Basket, renowned for its artisanal drinks and locally sourced breakfast fare.
A quick 20-minute drive from Aptos.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Explore the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the lively atmosphere or perhaps riding the famous Giant Dipper.
Just a 10-minute drive from the breakfast spot.
USD10 (entry for rides), varies by ride, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Los Gallos Taqueria

Indulge in delicious authentic Mexican tacos at Los Gallos Taqueria, popular among locals for its vibrant flavors.
It's a short 10-minute drive from the boardwalk.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Natural Bridges State Beach

Immerse yourself in nature at Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can admire natural rock formations and spot the migrating monarchs during winter.
A quick 15-minute drive from lunch.
USD10 (parking fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Wine Tasting at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards

Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards, known for its exquisite wines and breathtaking vineyard views.
Just a 20-minute drive from the beach.
USD30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant

Finish your day with a remarkable dining experience at Shadowbrook Restaurant, offering exquisite dishes in a romantic hillside setting.
A 25-minute drive from the vineyard.
USD120, 2 hours
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Day 3: Foodie & Cultural Exploration

Monterey, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start your day at First Awakenings with hearty breakfasts of innovative twists on classic dishes.
A scenic 45-minute drive to Monterey.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cannery Row

Explore historic Cannery Row, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants reflecting the spirit of the area.
You can walk from the breakfast spot to Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Hopper

Have lunch at The Fish Hopper, offering delicious seafood dishes with mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Just a walk away from Cannery Row.
USD45, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Dive into marine wonders at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can witness fascinating sea life.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD50, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Portola Hotel & Spa

Experience luxury at Portola Hotel & Spa, right by the waterfront with modern amenities.
A short walk from the aquarium.
USD250 (per night), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Wrap up your food explorations with a meal at Cannery Row Brewing Company, where lively atmosphere meets hearty food and craft beer.
Nearby, just a couple of blocks from your hotel.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature & Scenic Views

Big Sur, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hotel James

Start with a fulfilling breakfast at The Hotel James, where your meal will be accompanied by stunning views of the coast.
A 30-minute drive from your hotel in Monterey.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Along Pacific Coast Highway

Breathe in the salty air as you take in the breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast Highway, a must-do in Big Sur.
Continue your journey along the PCH after breakfast, soaking in all its beauty.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at Pfeiffer Beach

Discover the iconic Pfeiffer Beach, famous for its purple sand and striking rock formations, a perfect spot for photos.
Another short drive along PCH.
USD12 (parking fee), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy lunch at Nepenthe, an iconic restaurant perched on a cliff with stunning views, offering a fantastic selection of Californian cuisine.
A 20-minute drive from Pfeiffer Beach.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit McWay Falls

Witness the incredible McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops right into the ocean, situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
A 30-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return drive to Aptos

Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Aptos, reflecting on the beautiful experiences of your trip.
A scenic drive back along PCH.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Jake's Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a hearty dinner at Jake's Restaurant, known for its warm ambiance and savory American dishes.
The final destination in Aptos, just a few blocks from where you began your trip.
USD70, 2 hours
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