Santa Cruz Trip Plans for Two to Four Days
Santa Cruz works as a base for two to four days, whether you stay local or work in a coastal drive. The plans below show how the pieces fit, with the park, bus and parking facts that matter. Prices are in US dollars.
A Local Plan for Three Days
- Day 1: Boardwalk (free to enter), the Wharf, then West Cliff Drive to Lighthouse Point for sunset.
- Day 2: Henry Cowell Redwoods and the Roaring Camp steam train in Felton, followed by the Mystery Spot at 465 Mystery Spot Road.
- Day 3: The Monterey Bay Aquarium, about 45 miles south, with adult entry at $65 and advance tickets recommended.
Down the Coast to Big Sur
Monterey is about an hour from Santa Cruz without traffic. If you carry on toward Big Sur, ask Caltrans about Highway 1 conditions before you commit to dates.
The Mountains and Coast Circuit
Pair Henry Cowell and Roaring Camp with Wilder Ranch and West Cliff Drive. In winter, add Año Nuevo, where elephant seals appear only on guided walks from December to March. Castle Rock State Park, inland on Skyline Boulevard, is the choice for hiking and climbing. Trail work at Wilder Ranch causes intermittent closures, so look at its park page.
From San Francisco
Heading south from San Francisco, the coast road passes Half Moon Bay, Pescadero and Pigeon Point before Año Nuevo and Santa Cruz. Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Aptos moves slowly on summer weekends, so give yourself extra time.
Big Basin Redwoods
Big Basin lies about 25 miles from downtown via Highways 9 and 236. Since the 2020 fire it has offered limited day use only, with every campground closed, so it cannot anchor an overnight stay. Reserved parking costs $8, and bookings open up to 60 days ahead, with a few released 3 days ahead. Bicyclists, walkers and bus riders do not need a reservation. Water is unavailable, cell service is absent, and dogs are barred from trails.
Using Buses
Santa Cruz METRO local buses cost $2 in cash. A day pass is $6 in cash or $5 with Tap2Cruz, and a 31-day pass costs $65. Route 35 follows Highway 9 to Scotts Valley and stops at Henry Cowell. The Highway 17 Express carries passengers to San Jose Diridon for $7 each way.
Wharf Parking
From 27 September 2026 to 10 April 2027, parking is $1 an hour for the first 4 hours and $2 an hour after that, capped at $12 a day. Tuesday brings two free hours with a validation stamp from a wharf business. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day carry no charge.
Plan park visits with the State Parks Big Basin page and see fares on the METRO fares page . Search stays on Booking.com .
Read more: Santa Cruz day trips and the activities hub .