7-Day Nature and Coastal Exploration Itinerary in Santa Cruz and Aptos, California

Day 1: Explore Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Buttery

Begin your day with freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast offerings at The Buttery, a much-loved local bakery.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Explore scenic tide pools and iconic natural rock formations while enjoying the coastal environment of this serene beach.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Beach Street Cafe

Savor fresh seafood and classic coastal dishes at Beach Street Cafe, located near the Santa Cruz Wharf.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Embark on a peaceful hike through towering redwoods and shaded trails in this iconic state park.
USD10 parking fee, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Casacada

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients at Casacada, a favorite Santa Cruz eatery.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Sunset Walk on Santa Cruz Wharf

Stroll the wharf at sunset for spectacular views and possible sea lion sightings, rounding off your first day.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Big Basin Adventure

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bagelry

Fuel up with fresh bagels and coffee at The Bagelry before heading to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Spend the day hiking among ancient coastal redwoods and visit Berry Creek Falls—a true natural wonder.
USD10 parking fee, 6 hours

3:30PM

Snack at Visitor Center

Relax with a light snack at the Big Basin Visitor Center after your hike.
USD10, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Return to Santa Cruz

Drive back to Santa Cruz to refresh before dinner.
USD0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crow's Nest

Indulge in fresh seafood with bay views at The Crow's Nest to end your adventurous day.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at Twin Lakes State Beach

Unwind with a sunset walk along Twin Lakes State Beach, enjoying the gentle ocean breeze.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Aptos Coastal Day

Aptos, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aptos Coffee Roasting Co.

Enjoy artisanal coffee and breakfast staples in this cozy and popular Aptos café.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Relax at Aptos Village Beach

Spend your morning soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves at this peaceful beach favored by locals.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Seacliff State Beach and Concrete Ship

Explore Seacliff Beach and its unique concrete ship, SS Palo Alto, an iconic coastal landmark perfect for photos and leisurely exploration.
USD10 parking fee, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Naked Fish

Dine at The Naked Fish, praised for creative sushi and fresh seafood in a chic setting.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Aptos History Museum

Discover Aptos’ rich heritage and local history through exhibits at this small but engaging museum.
USD0, 1 hour

4:15PM

Return to Santa Cruz

Drive back to Santa Cruz to prepare for the evening.
USD0, 20 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Laili

Experience Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a Santa Cruz twist at Laili, a local favorite.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 4: Wilder Ranch Park

Wilder Ranch State Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee 9

Start the day with quality coffee and light breakfast treats at Coffee 9 in downtown Santa Cruz.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Wilder Ranch State Park

Hike or bike through scenic trails that offer coastal views, wildlife spotting, and historic ranch buildings.
USD0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Grab a delicious sandwich or salad at The Picnic Basket—perfect for an outdoor meal near the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Bike along the Coastal Trail

Rent a bike to ride along coastal trails with spectacular Pacific Ocean vistas and fresh sea air.
USD25, 3 hours

4:00PM

Return to Santa Cruz

Drive back to Santa Cruz for the evening.
USD0, 15 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Avanti

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner featuring Italian dishes crafted with local ingredients at this acclaimed restaurant.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 5: Redwood and Steam Train

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Harbor Café

Begin with a hearty breakfast at The Harbor Café, perfect before a day immersed in nature.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Among Henry Cowell Redwoods

Explore serene forest trails framed by giant redwoods in this tranquil state park.
USD10 parking fee, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Park Café

Enjoy light refreshments and sandwiches at the park café to recharge your energy.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Ride Roaring Camp Steam Train

Experience a nostalgic steam train journey through redwoods and rolling landscapes, offering a unique view of the forests.
USD40, 2 hours

3:15PM

Leisurely walk through Redwood Grove

Conclude your day with a peaceful walk amid ancient coastal redwoods, soaking in their grandeur.
USD0, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Santa Cruz

Drive back to Santa Cruz for your last evening out.
USD0, 15 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Avanti

Alternatively, delight in Italian dishes with a contemporary twist at Ristorante Avanti if you prefer a second visit or wish to try nearby dining.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature and Beach Relaxation

Natural Bridges State Beach, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Penny Ice Creamery

Enjoy breakfast at Penny Ice Creamery, known for innovative coffee and fresh ingredients.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning at Natural Bridges State Beach

Relax on the sandy beach and observe tide pools and rock formations early in the day for a peaceful experience.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Monarch Butterfly Grove

If in season, see thousands of Monarch butterflies dancing among eucalyptus trees at this protected grove.
USD0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Hopper

Dine with oceanfront views enjoying fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes at The Fish Hopper.
USD35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Explore exhibits that highlight the natural environment and cultural history of the Santa Cruz region.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Coffee and Surf Watching at Steamer Lane

Enjoy a coffee break while watching surfers at the world-famous Steamer Lane surf spot.
USD5, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Relax at Lighthouse Field State Beach

Spend your late afternoon at this tranquil beach park watching birds and ocean waves before dinner.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Savor your evening meal with stunning views and seasonal dishes at The Cliff House on West Cliff Drive.
USD55, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Santa Cruz Day

Santa Cruz, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Posta

Start your last day with a welcoming breakfast at La Posta, known for inventive breakfast dishes.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Experience the iconic seaside amusement park filled with rides, games, and nostalgic charm.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hike Branciforte Creek Trail

Enjoy a peaceful hike through shaded forest and alongside the creek on this lesser-known trail.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Palomar

Feast on vibrant Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients at El Palomar, a beloved local spot.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Natural Bridges State Beach

Revisit the beach for a calm final afternoon admiring natural rock formations and tide pools.
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping on Pacific Avenue

Browse unique shops and art galleries on Pacific Avenue for last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Fish House

Celebrate your trip with a remarkable seafood dinner at The Fish House, known for fresh and local ingredients.
USD70, 2 hours
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