Santa Cruz San Francisco
A vibrant coastal town south of San Francisco, offering iconic surf spots, a classic boardwalk, and breathtaking scenic drives along Highway 1.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Santa Cruz San Francisco
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant coastal town south of San Francisco, offering iconic surf spots, a classic boardwalk, and breathtaking scenic drives along Highway 1.
"The drive along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is a must-do for its stunning coastal views."
🚗 Drive Highway 1
The coastal drive from SF to SC is stunning. Stop at Half Moon Bay or Davenport for views.
☕ Local Coffee & Eats
Discover great coffee shops like Cat & Cloud and delicious Italian food at Mentone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Capitola Village
Capitola
Charming, colorful buildings line the beach, creating a picturesque and vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for photos!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz
A classic seaside amusement park with thrilling rides, games, and ocean views. Fun for all ages!
Roaring Camp Railroads
Felton (near Santa Cruz)
Ride a historic steam train through the redwood forests for a unique and nostalgic adventure.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz
Iconic natural rock arch formations on the coast, a beautiful spot for tide pooling and whale watching.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Timing is Everything for Traffic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Highway 1
The coastal drive from SF to SC is stunning. Stop at Half Moon Bay or Davenport for views. +2
☕ Local Coffee & Eats
Discover great coffee shops like Cat & Cloud and delicious Italian food at Mentone.
🌊 Beginner Surfing Spots
Cowell's Beach or Jack's in Pleasure Point are great for learning to surf.
🌲 Redwood Forest Hikes
Explore trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at UC Santa Cruz for beautiful redwood scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Highway 1
The coastal drive from SF to SC is stunning. Stop at Half Moon Bay or Davenport for views. +2
☕ Local Coffee & Eats
Discover great coffee shops like Cat & Cloud and delicious Italian food at Mentone.
🌊 Beginner Surfing Spots
Cowell's Beach or Jack's in Pleasure Point are great for learning to surf.
🌲 Redwood Forest Hikes
Explore trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at UC Santa Cruz for beautiful redwood scenery.
💖 Romantic Dinner
Shadowbrook offers a unique trolley ride down to a romantic dining experience.
📸 Colorful Photo Ops
Capitola Village is a must-visit for its vibrant, photogenic beach houses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Santa Cruz's stunning coastal scenery, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse attractions, from the classic Boardwalk to the charming Capitola Village. The scenic Highway 1 drive is a major highlight. Some find parking challenging and the town can get crowded, especially on weekends.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic route is driving Highway 1, which takes about 1.5-2 hours without stops. +1 Alternatively, you can take Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose Diridon Station, then catch the Highway 17 Express bus to Santa Cruz, a journey of about 2.5-3 hours.
+1 Public transit can be a good option if you want to avoid driving.
Driving via Highway 1 typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make. The faster route via Highway 17 is usually around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yes, you can take BART from SFO to Milbrae, then CalTrain to San Jose Diridon Station, and finally the Highway 17 Express bus to Santa Cruz. This is a cost-effective but longer option.
Yes, the Highway 17 Express bus runs from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz, and you can connect to it via CalTrain from San Francisco. Greyhound also offers services between the cities.
Driving offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic Highway 1. Public transport, like CalTrain and the Highway 17 Express bus, is a more budget-friendly option but takes longer and requires transfers.
+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most beaches in Santa Cruz are free to access. Parking may have fees at some popular spots.
The Boardwalk's hours vary seasonally and by attraction. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a day-use fee for Natural Bridges State Beach, which covers parking and access to the park.
Ticket prices for Roaring Camp Railroads vary depending on the train excursion. It's recommended to check their website for current pricing and booking information.
Santa Cruz offers a range of activities from free beach access to paid attractions like the Boardwalk and Roaring Camp. Dining and accommodation costs can vary.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the colorful Capitola Village, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the redwood forests. +1
Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, exploring tide pools at Natural Bridges, and the steam train ride at Roaring Camp Railroads.
Yes, Wilder Ranch State Park offers stunning coastal cliff walks, and the UC Santa Cruz campus has beautiful redwood trails.
Santa Cruz is a renowned surf destination. Cowell's Beach and Pleasure Point are popular spots, with Cowell's being more beginner-friendly.
Capitola Village with its colorful houses is a beautiful hidden gem.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Santa Cruz area boasts excellent dining. Home offers rustic dishes, Cat & Cloud for coffee, and Mentone for Italian food.
Shadowbrook is often cited as one of the most romantic restaurants, featuring a unique trolley ride down to the dining area.
Cafe Brazil is a popular breakfast spot known for its acai bowls, though expect a line.
Seafood is popular, especially near the coast. You'll also find great Italian, farm-to-table options, and classic American fare.
Santa Cruz is generally progressive with many restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian choices. It's always a good idea to check menus online or call ahead.
📸 📸 Photography
Capitola Village's colorful buildings are incredibly photogenic.
The drive along Highway 1 offers numerous pull-offs with breathtaking ocean vistas. +1 Natural Bridges State Beach and the cliffs at Wilder Ranch are also prime locations.
Many coastal locations offer spectacular sunset views. Consider spots along Highway 1 or from the Santa Cruz Wharf.
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise and before sunset provides the most flattering light for photography.
Absolutely! The Boardwalk offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere for photography, with classic rides and ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroads steam train through the redwoods for an unforgettable adventure. 🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
🏄♀️ Surfers & Beach Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Highway 1 Drive
Key stops along the way include Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering stunning views, and Año Nuevo State Park, where you can observe elephant seals, especially during breeding season.
Santa Cruz: A Coastal Gem
Nearby, Capitola Village enchants with its brightly colored, Mediterranean-style buildings lining the beach, making it a popular spot for photos and leisurely strolls. Beyond the immediate coast, Santa Cruz offers access to stunning natural landscapes. Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for its iconic rock arch and is a prime location for tide pooling and monarch butterfly viewing in the winter.
Getting from San Francisco to Santa Cruz
For those preferring public transportation, a common method involves taking Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose Diridon Station, followed by the Highway 17 Express bus to Santa Cruz.
Social
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