2 days in Santa Cruz & Carmel Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): look for gifts at Bookshop Santa Cruz, then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and then find something for the whole family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

To see other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Santa Cruz trip planner.

San Francisco to Santa Cruz is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from San Francisco in April, plan for little chillier nights in Santa Cruz, with lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Carmel.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Sun): cruise along 17-Mile Drive, then take in the exciting artwork at Gallery by the Sea Carmel, then admire the majestic nature at Point Lobos, and finally stroll through China Cove.

To find other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Carmel itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Santa Cruz to Carmel takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Carmel can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) so you can fly back home.