4-Night Santa Cruz Road Trip from San Diego: Coastal Exploration and Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Drive

San Diego to Santa Cruz, California, USA on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Cafe, San Diego

Start your day with hearty American breakfast favorites at this popular San Diego spot, opening at 7am—perfect fuel for the road ahead.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from San Diego to Santa Cruz

Embark on a scenic approximately 7-8 hour drive (~460 miles) north along Interstate 5 and Highway 1, enjoying coastal views and optional stops.
USD0, 7h30m

4:30pm

Check-in to Hotel in Santa Cruz

Settle into your hotel close to the beach or downtown for easy access to key attractions.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Laili Restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean and Afghan dishes in a cozy atmosphere in downtown Santa Cruz; opens until 10pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Beaches and Boardwalk

Santa Cruz, California, USA on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Picnic Basket

Savor a locally-sourced breakfast with artisanal sandwiches and coffee, open from 8am near the boardwalk.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Explore California's classic seaside amusement park featuring rides, games, and beach access. Open 11am-6pm weekdays, but walk along the beach anytime.
USD0 for beach access; rides extra, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Crow's Nest

Enjoy fresh seafood and harbor views right on the beach; open daily 11:30am-9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Discover the famous natural rock bridge formations and tide pools; open 8am to sunset, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
USD10 parking, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at West Cliff Drive

Take a scenic walk along the bluff-top trail overlooking the ocean, ideal for sunset views.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Crow's Nest or Shadowbrook Restaurant

Choose local fresh fare with waterfront ambiance at The Crow's Nest or book Shadowbrook for a romantic hillside dining experience in Capitola Village (Shadowbrook open until 9pm).
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mountains and Downtown

Santa Cruz, California, USA on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Walnut Avenue Café

A local favorite serving classic breakfast dishes opening at 7am in downtown Santa Cruz.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Experience majestic coastal redwoods with several trail options, open 8am to sunset; it's about a 20-minute drive from Santa Cruz.
USD10 parking, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Pergolesi

Enjoy fresh Mexican cuisine with vegetarian options in a relaxed café setting, open until 3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Santa Cruz Downtown and Pacific Avenue

Stroll through shops, galleries, and historic sites along the vibrant Pacific Avenue shopping district.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Dive into local culture and art at this museum open 11am–5pm Thursday through Sunday—check for Wednesday hours (closed Tuesday).
USD7, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Oswald Restaurant and Lounge

Dine on contemporary Californian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere downtown; open until 9pm weekdays.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coastal Charm and Villages

Santa Cruz and Capitola, California, USA on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Katy's Place

Enjoy generous portions of classic breakfast favorites; a popular spot opening at 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Capitola Village

Explore this charming seaside village with shops and colorful beachfront houses; ideal for a morning walk and shopping.
USD0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shadowbrook Restaurant

Treat yourself to an elegant lunch at this iconic Capitola venue known for its scenic setting and quality cuisine; open from 11:30am.
USD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Pleasure Point

Spend the afternoon enjoying surfing views and coastal walks at this famous surf spot.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Santa Cruz

Spend the evening packing or a last stroll along the beach.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Cruz

Experience creative and fresh Californian dishes in a lively downtown setting; open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return Home

Santa Cruz to San Diego, California, USA on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at The Walnut Avenue Café

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast before the drive back, open from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Santa Cruz to San Diego

Start your journey back home via Interstate 5, approximately 7-8 hours’ drive.
USD0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Arrive back in San Diego

End of trip.
USD0, 0h0m
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