13 days in Santa Cruz & Anacortes Itinerary

Santa Cruz remains synonymous with surfing, but this counterculture bastion offers plenty even if you don't plan to catch any waves.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Carmel River State Beach and McWay Falls. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Santa Cruz: Big Sur (Partington Cove & Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park), Big Basin Redwoods State Park (in Boulder Creek) and Carmel (Scenic Road Walkway & Garrapata State Park). There's much more to do: immerse yourself in nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, get in on the family fun at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, make a trip to Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, and take in the waterfront at Santa Cruz Wharf.

For photos, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Santa Cruz day trip tool.

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. In July, daily temperatures in Santa Cruz can reach 73°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to travel to Anacortes.

Anacortes is a city in Skagit County, Washington, United States. Step off the beaten path and head to Deception Pass State Park and Washington Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Coupeville (Island county Historical society Museum, Fort Casey State Park, &more). There's lots more to do: take in the awesome beauty at Mount Erie Park, stroll through Guemes Channel Trail, get outside with Catchmore Charters, and identify plant and animal life at Predators of the Heart.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Anacortes trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Santa Cruz to Anacortes takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, train, and shuttle. In July, plan for daily highs up to 74°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) so you can travel back home.