Weekend Getaway with Kids from San Francisco to Santa Cruz

San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Distance: 73 Miles; Driving time: 1 Hour and 16 Minutes.

Top attractions in Santa Cruz: West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Natural Bridges State Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park.

Top-Reated Things to do in Santa Cruz

 1. West Cliff Drive 

You can drive (or preferably a walk) along West Cliff Drive for scenic views. From the hustle, bustle of the Wharf, to the Surfing Museum at the lighthouse, to the tranquility of Natural Bridges State Park, there is cypress trees, wild life and hidden beaches all along the drive.It is a beautiful drive with the cliffs of Santa Cruz on one side and beautiful homes on the other.

 2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 

Visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park. The admission-free attraction features thrill rides like the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, kiddie rides, games, shops, food, and year-round indoor activities. Admission is free. Ride tickets may be purchased per ride, per day, or per season. Free summer entertainment includes Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach.

 3. Natural Bridges State Beach 

Walk to the Natural Bridges State Beach. A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. Great visit during low tide, easy parking, nice trails. Lots of interesting sea life in the tide pools. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park. Natural bridges beach does not allow dogs on the beach. 

If you are surfers, this is widely considered by many to be one of the best surf cities in the country. You can also find the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum along the aforementioned West Cliff Drive.

 4. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum 

If you are a sufer, you won't miss visit Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Oldest surfing museum in the world. For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items. It's also a great spot to watch the surfers down below.

If you have more time, other thing you might consider is a visit to Wilder Ranch State Park. There are many activities include hiking with great views, farm animals, and a great glimpse of bygone farm days.

 5. Wilder Ranch State Park 

Wilder Ranch State Park is a beautiful historic park.  It offers some good hiking trails and some historic house and barns. You can ride a bike there from the west side of town and enjoyed the day in the sun! It's also a great place for all levels of mountain bikers. Great for older kids who can handle 10 miles and 1000 ft of climbing. 

Explore more things to do in Santa Cruz

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