Santa Cruz is a must-do if you’re traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s laid-back, beachy vibes are contagious and will make you want to spend every summer there. However, if you can’t spend every summer in sunny Santa Cruz, a day trip is all it takes to enjoy everything this city has to offer. Next time you find yourself wanting to go Surfin’ U.S.A., take this Santa Cruz Day Trip Itinerary along for the ride!
Take a stroll along West Cliff
There’s nothing more relaxing than walking along West Cliff. The walking path stretches from the Boardwalk to the Lighthouse to Natural Bridges, so you can walk as far- or as little- as you want. While on your walk, you’ll encounter people walking their furry friends, surfers catching waves, seagulls flying in the air, and sail boats sailing off into the distance.
The absolute best time to go is in the morning/brunch time before the sun gets too harsh.
Breakfast at The Crepe Place
My all-time favorite place to eat is at the Crepe Place. It is the dreamiest brunch spot in Santa Cruz with peaceful garden oasis vibes that perfectly captures the charm of the city. Everyone can truly find something in their menu even if they’re not a fan of crepes.
My go-to dish is the classic eggs benedict with home-fried potatoes and a bowl of fruit. In fact, if you want to cut the carbs, the eggs benedict and the fruit are already plenty.
This place also serves both lunch and dinner accompanied with live music most nights.
Shopping, sightseeing, and sea lions at the Wharf
The Santa Cruz Wharf is one of the most underrated places in Santa Cruz, imo. There are so many places to eat, drink, shop, and sightsee! It’s has a more relaxing vibe than the boardwalk, but still has the same amazing views and activities, just less foot traffic.
Here, you will find some of the freshest seafood restaurants in all of Santa Cruz. My highest recommendations for the best drinks and seafood go to Stagnaro Bros., Firefish, and Olita’s.
Grab a burger from Betty’s Burgers
Betty’s Burgers is a Santa Cruz staple. If you aren’t into brunch and want to go straight to lunch, Betty’s Burgers is the way to go. Their gourmet burgers are wickedly delicious and well made.
My go-to is the Smokin’ Betty. Hands-down, it’s the perfect amount of toppings and sauce, so it doesn’t slip ‘n slide and fall apart mid-bite. Want to add fries? Garlic fries are the way to go. They’re crunchy, flavorful and not too greasy. They complement any burger like best friends. 10/10 would recommend.
Play hard at the Boardwalk
Everyone who says that the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is too touristy is partially right. However, it doesn’t make it any less fun. Enjoy old school rides and arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, bowling across the street, and beach volleyball!
Also, every year, there are a ton of cool events held at the boardwalk such as the free Bands on the Beach concerts, movie nights on the beach, and the annual clam chowder cook off! Keep your eye out because there’s actually ton of events and things to do, especially during the off seasons.
Indulge in ice cream at Penny Ice Creamery
You absolutely cannot leave Santa Cruz empty handed! End your night over at the Penny Ice Creamery, a local creamery in Santa Cruz. All of their flavors are house made and locally sourced, so occasionally, flavors rotate depending on the season and availability.
My top favorite flavors are Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Fresh Strawberry, and Green Tea.
Do you have a huge sweet tooth like me? Change your ice cream game with their toasted marshmallow fluff! It adds a smoky sweet taste to your ice cream and it will seriously change the way you think about ice cream toppings
Continue the party downtown
If you decide that a day trip is not enough and are craving for some fun after hours, downtown is the way to go. Pacific Ave. is chocked full of bars, lounges, clubs, and late night eateries. Santa Cruz becomes a whole new world. Here’s a list of the best spots to check out:
- Dancing:
– Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
– Motiv - Strictly drinks:
– The Red Room
– Pour Taproom
– Abbott Square Market - Late night food (and drinks):
– 515 Kitchen and Cocktails
– Pono Hawaiian Grill
– Pizza My Heart
– 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
Have you ever been to Santa Cruz? Where are your favorite go-to spots? We are always on the hunt for new spots to explore in Santa Cruz, so share with us your perfect Santa Cruz day trip itinerary in the below! Not sure where to go on your visit? Head over to https://www.santacruz.org/ for endless ideas of things to do in Santa Cruz, CA.
