4 days in Santa Cruz Itinerary

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

Visit Carmel River State Beach and Seabright State Beach for some beach relaxation. Bring the kids along to Point Lobos and 17-Mile Drive. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Santa Cruz: Asilomar State Beach (in Pacific Grove), The Shakespeare Society of America (in Moss Landing) and Monterey Bay Aquarium (in Monterey). And it doesn't end there: stroll through Natural Bridges State Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Santa Cruz Main Beach, stop by AiX, and admire all the interesting features of West Cliff Drive.

For ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Cruz attractions planner.

In November, plan for daily highs up to 68°F, and evening lows to 45°F.