San Francisco International Airport 1 hr 17
The Mystery Spot (25 min)
Opened in 1941, this roadside landmark is a tilt-induced visual illusion with tours & a gift shop. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (29 min)
Rotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse. Lighthouse Field State Beach (28 min)
Iconic spot with a lighthouse offers a variety of vistas & pathways for dog walking & strolling. Sunset State Beach (11 min)
Beach surrounded by steep sand dunes offering picnic areas & campsites, plus bay & mountain views. New Brighton State Beach (17 min)
Laid-back site with expansive bay views & a campground on a wooded bluff above the sand. Steamer Lane (29 min)
Famous cliffside surfing spot since the 1930s, featuring a surfing museum inside a lighthouse. Santa Cruz Wharf (30 min)
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier. Seacliff State Beach (15 min)
Versatile state beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & hiking. Capitola Beach (19 min)
Popular beach located in Capitola Village features gentle surf, swimming & volleyball & shops. Elkhorn Slough (22 min)
Tidal estuary sheltering otters, seals & migratory birds, with kayaking & boat tours. Manresa Main State Beach (5 min)
Sandy stretch with unpredictable weather that's popular for surf fishing, surfing & sunsets. Natural Bridges State Beach (29 min)
Butterflies, park, and surfing The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (29 min)
Hiking, biking & jogging trails on varied terrain rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (27 min)
Amusement park offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach. Santa Cruz Beach (27 min)
Popular beach features a boardwalk with numerous restaurants, amusement park rides & surf shops. | 
