San Francisco to Santa Cruz Day Trip — Redwoods, Surf and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short, mostly flat walks in the redwoods and light walking at the pier and beaches.
Overview
Spend a day escaping San Francisco for an easy loop through ancient redwoods and the salty energy of Santa Cruz. Walk giant trees, explore tide pools, ride the historic boardwalk and sample surf culture—all in a single, scenic day trip.
San Francisco to Santa Cruz Day Trip — Redwoods, Surf and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
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By midmorning the bus eases off Highway 1 and the world shifts: the salt smell thickens, gulls cut lazy circles, and a canopy of coastal redwoods towers above the shoulder of the road like an ancient, knowing audience. Travelers spill onto a shaded trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where the trunks are wider than cars and the air tastes of damp earth. The hour here is slow; people lower their voices because the forest seems to listen.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layered clothing
Mornings in the redwoods are cool and damp while the coast can be sunny and windy—layers let you adjust quickly.
Book pickup points carefully
The tour departs San Francisco at set pickup times (Green Tortoise at 9:00, Union Square at 9:15); arrive 10 minutes early to secure your seat.
Protect your skin and gear
Sunscreen (SPF 50 is provided) and a quick-dry towel are useful; secure cameras and phones near the water as spray and sand are pervasive.
Plan your four-hour window
Decide whether you’ll surf, boardwalk, or explore tide pools—rentals and concessions are concentrated around the Wharf for convenience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otter
- Banana slug
History
Henry Cowell preserves remnants of coast redwood forest after intensive 19th-century logging; Santa Cruz Boardwalk dates to the early 1900s with the Giant Dipper opening in 1924.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stay on trails to protect root systems and avoid collecting marine life from tide pools; local groups support redwood restoration and beach cleanups.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Cruz
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction for damp, uneven redwood trails and rocky tide pools.
Layered jacket or fleece
Keeps you comfortable from cool forest shade to windy coastal afternoons.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Useful if you plan to paddle, rent a board, or sun on the sand.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Protects electronics from spray and sand at the wharf and tide pools.