Day Trips from Santa Cruz, CA

October 31, 2026

Santa Cruz sits between San Francisco and Monterey, so day trips run north up the coast, south around the bay or inland over the mountains. Distances below are from downtown Santa Cruz, and prices are in US dollars. On summer weekends Highway 1 slows to a crawl between Santa Cruz and Aptos, so allow extra time.

Monterey and Cannery Row

Monterey is about 45 miles south, roughly an hour without traffic. The Monterey Bay Aquarium charges $65 for adults (18 to 69), $50 for youth (5 to 17) and seniors (70 and over), and ages 4 and under are free. Advance tickets are recommended. Cannery Row is a short walk from the aquarium.

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo is about 20 miles north on Highway 1, in San Mateo County. Elephant seals can only be seen on a docent-led guided walk during the winter breeding season, December through March. Reservations are released 56 days ahead and the 2026-27 season opened for booking on 20 October 2026, so book early. Entry is $10 per vehicle, and the guided walk costs around $7 plus a booking fee. Avian flu was found in seal pups in February 2026, and the reserve reopened in April 2026. From April through November a free permit allows a self-guided walk, with permits issued from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Pescadero and Pigeon Point

Further up the San Mateo County coast, the Pigeon Point Light Station has a 115-foot lighthouse on its grounds. The tower has been closed to climbing for years, so check with State Parks before you plan around it. A Hostelling International hostel occupies the former light-station buildings.

Capitola Village and Shadowbrook

Capitola Village is a few miles east along Monterey Bay. Shadowbrook Restaurant is reached by the Hillevator funicular from the Wharf Road lot; call ahead on 831-475-1511 to confirm it is open for your date.

San Jose by Express Bus

The Highway 17 Express to San Jose Diridon is a Santa Cruz METRO service. It costs $7 one way or $14 for a day pass, with a discount fare of $3.50. The ride takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Mission San Juan Bautista

Mission San Juan Bautista is in the town of San Juan Bautista, in San Benito County, about 35 to 40 miles by road. Treat it as a day trip of its own, not as a stop on a local beach outing.

Planning Tips

Book Año Nuevo first, as winter walks fill up.
Leave early for Monterey on weekends.
Check Santa Cruz METRO for the latest fares and schedules before a bus trip.

Fares and schedules are on the Santa Cruz METRO fares page , and aquarium tickets are on the Monterey Bay Aquarium site . To compare organised trips, search Viator .