Are you looking for a day trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz? I have the perfect itinerary with the best stops to make along Highway 1. This road trip from SF to Santa Cruz will pass through some sections of the PCH and is packed with soaking up the sun, stunning views, charming town, farm fresh bounty, and enough delicious food to keep your taste buds buzzing. Here’s how to make the most of this scenic day trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Driving from San Francisco to Santa Cruz takes approximately:
- 1 hour 15 minutes along the faster inland route (CA-17 S).
- Around 2 hours on the scenic Highway 1 route (without traffic or stops).
Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz lies a strip of the coast highway with no traffic lights for forty-five miles. It is truly so serene and therapeutic, it is worth it to take the Highway 1 route.
The Best Day Trip from SF to Santa Cruz Itinerary
Because I live in the Bay Area, I have taken this trip from SF to Santa Cruz multiple times. The beauty of this road trip is that you can make it as short or as long as you want.
This trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz can be done as a day trip (although it would be really hard to make all these stops. I suggest you take a multi-day California coast trip which is just as beautiful and cathartic.
Jump in your car, pack your snacks(#1 priority), beach towels, water bottle, a fun book (if you are the passenger) and you are prepared to have the best time!
Best Places to Stop between San Francisco and Santa Cruz on Highway 1
Start: Coffee first in San Francisco
Start your day in San Francisco with a jolt of energy at a local coffee shop. One highly-rated option is Pinhole Coffee . The interior has a whimsical ambiance and is super colorful and vibrant .
Stop 1: Pacifica
- Distance from San Francisco: 14 miles
- Travel time: 25 minutes
First stop, Pacifica! This charming coastal town offers a nice break from the road. Take a walk along Pacifica State Beach, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and witness surfers dancing with the waves.
- Stretch your legs with a scenic hike on the Mori Point Trail. The views of the Pacific are worth every step.
- Visit the Prettiest Taco Bell you’ll ever eat at. Yes, it’s a Taco Bell, but it’s the coolest one you’ll ever visit. But it’s right on the beach and you sit on the windy deck and watch surfers. It’s a thing
- The Devils Slide Trail is awesome. It’s the old Highway 1 that got so dangerous they built a tunnel instead, but what you’re left with is the original road that you can walk on, with THE most incredible views of the Pacific.
P.S. bring a light jacket as it’s typically pretty windy, especially at the top if you’re climbing some hills.
Stop 2: Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Distance from Pacifica: 12 miles
- Travel time: 20 minutes
Continue south on Highway 1 and enter Half Moon Bay, a picturesque town known for its harbor, beaches, and Mavericks, a legendary surfing spot that holds an invitation-only competition for experienced surfers due to its giant waves.
- Take a walk along the harbor, enjoy a seafood lunch, or visit the Mavericks Surf Contest website to learn more about this daring competition.
- I recommend San Benito House, Café Capistrano for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner depending on when you’re stopping by.
- Explore Half Moon Bay State Beach, a great spot for a walk, picnic, or trying your hand at surfing.
- Stop at Gray Whale Cove Beach for some seclusion and a chance to witness nature’s beauty. During the winter months, keep an eye out for migrating gray whales breaching offshore.
- Another great stop for a beach break is at Montara State Beach. Hike the trails along the bluffs for breathtaking views of the coastline or just sit along the cliffs
Stop 3: San Gregorio Beach
- Distance from Half Moon Bay : 11 miles
- Travel time: 15 minutes
One of the best beaches in Norcal( imho) is San Gregorio Beach. It is easy access off of Hwy 1, minutes south of Pacifica and just outside of San Francisco.
Fun Fact: It is also one of the most photographed beaches and used in a lot of commercials (car) and movies (Mavericks). We absolutely love this beach – it’s clean, accessible, picnic friendly and there are local food places to grab a sandwich or for a sit down meal.
Stop 4: Pescadero
- Distance from San Gregorio Beach: 7 miles
- Travel time: 10 minutes
Pescadero is a tiny town,with a big charm and even better artichokes. We have missed it a couple times, regretfully, but it is totally worth a stop.
- Get your local goodies at Arcangeli Grocery Co. from fresh produce and artisan cheeses to locally roasted coffee and gourmet snacks, Arcangeli is a treasure trove for foodies and it was for me. Do not miss their artichoke bread!
- Pet adorable goats,witness cheesemaking and sample some delicious cheese at Harley Farms Goat Dairy, their ricotta is out of this world!
- Make a stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Climb the stairs to the top for stunning panoramic views. Admission and parking are free but an entrance fee applies to go inside
Stop 5: Ano Nuevo State Park
If you’re visiting between December and March, consider a detour to Ano Nuevo State Park, a breeding ground for elephant seals. They snot, they gargle, they bark so don’t expect a quiet moment with them. But they are the cutest, most blubber-est( is that a word) animal you’ll encounter.
- Año Nuevo State Park is one of the best places to see these fascinating animals safely at close range. I would want to go back again in November-December when the animals are at the peak of their breeding season. Make reservations in advance!
Stop 6: Davenport
- Distance from Pescadero: 15 miles
- Travel time: 20 minutes
Davenport is a hidden gem along the coast, a former lumber town turned artist colony.
- Explore the unique shops and galleries showcasing local art, jewelry, and crafts.
- Must see Shark Fin Cove, a stunning spot where the rock formations look like a shark fin rising from the water. It’s a short, somewhat steep hike (stairs) down, but totally worth it for the photo. You can also see it from the highway.
- If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Swanton Berry Farm, a family-run farm famous for its delicious jams, pies, and u-pick berries (depending on the season). They have the BEST olallieberry pies, and strawberry cheesecakes in the Bay Area.
- head to Greyhound Rock Beach for a chance to spot harbor seals basking in the sun. Spread out your blanket, unpack your snacks from Arcangeli Grocery Store
- Grab a delicious lunch at the nearby Whale City Bakery & Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and homemade bread and catch a window seat to watch the waves
Read More: Must do Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
Stop 7: Santa Cruz
- Distance from Davenport: 11 miles
- Travel time: 20 minutes
Finally, you made it to Santa Cruz in a matter of a couple hours or just one hour. In either case, you are filled with adrenaline and excitement from all the views and sights and foods preceding Santa Cruz.
- Get a post lunch coffee from Cat and Cloud and if you are still hungry get their burritos. Solid, heart-clogging, breakfast burritos, just as God intended.
- Explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic California amusement park with rides, games, and arcades.
- If you have more time, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-renowned aquarium showcasing the diverse marine life of the California coast.
- Natural Bridges State Beach is one of my favorite beaches to look at and ponder. Explore the tide pools teeming with marine life or marvel at the natural arch bridge carved by the waves
- If you want to see more Redwoods, visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Hike among towering redwood trees, some over 1,000 years old, and breathe in the fresh forest air.
- Defy gravity (or at least your sense of balance) at the Mystery Spot. This tilted cabin and surrounding grounds will have you questioning your perception as you walk uphill that seems like walking downhill.
- Explore Wilder Ranch State Park, the park’s farm. Sample locally-produced honey, cheese, and other treats at the park’s kiosk.
- No road trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a sweet ending, and The Penny Ice Creamery is the perfect pit stop. Their flavors are anything but boring – think burnt cinnamon with strawberry pink peppercorn, or classics with a twist like chocolate raspberry.
Bonus Stops (on the way back to San Francisco)
- Harley Goat Farm (10 miles north of Pescadero): Calling all cheese lovers! Take a detour to Harley Goat Farm for a unique experience. Meet the adorable goats, witness cheesemaking in action, and indulge in a cheese tasting of their award-winning goat cheeses.
- Blue House Farm (2 miles north of Pescadero): This charming farm offers a farm-to-table experience. Pick your own seasonal fruits and vegetables, browse their farm stand bursting with fresh produce, or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by rolling hills.
- Arcangeli Grocery Co. (Half Moon Bay): Stock up on local goodies at this historic grocery store. From fresh produce and artisan cheeses to locally roasted coffee and gourmet snacks, Arcangeli is a treasure trove for foodies.
- Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos (Half Moon Bay): End your road trip on a flavorful note with authentic Mexican cuisine at Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos. Savor delicious tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties made with fresh ingredients.
- Duarte’s Tavern ( Pescadero) is legendary for its mouthwatering pies, particularly the Olallieberry Pie. You have to try them! P.S. Expect a wait.
- California Cheese Trail, depending on the day and season, you can hit up a bunch of farms and try a bunch of cheese on the California Cheese Trail,
- The Barn (Half Moon Bay) – an eclectic, “barnilicious” destination with tasty burgers and a relaxed ambiance.
