Top Daytime Road Trips From Santa Cruz
Think of Santa Cruz as the gateway to the charm, beauty and relaxed living of California’s central coast. The customers, staff and auto mechanics who provide “green” auto repair at Water Star Motors know the serenity this area offers and are willing to share their insights with you.
To get to know the area, here are a few suggestions from Water Star Motors on how to spend your time with us:
Check out Santa Cruz — Visiting Santa Cruz for the first time? Then begin by setting aside a day to spend at the Main Beach and the 150-year-old Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (open from Memorial Day to Labor Day), the biggest old-fashioned boardwalk and amusement park on the California coast. And take the time to check out the city itself. Watch this drone video tour to get a lay of the land and sights to see:
Scenic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Cruz — If you drive north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, you don’t need much of a plan. Known as the “Slow Coast”, get ready to enjoy breathtaking scenic vistas, old steam railroads, roadside U-pick farms, a nature and history center and a wide range of coastal wildlife, including elephant seals, whales, birds and more. With many destinations within 45 minutes of town, string a few together and build as long a day trip as you want.
Wine Sipping or Yodeling? Why not both? — If you enjoy wine, head inland, east to the Santa Cruz Mountains, the home of more than 60 wineries, in an area perfectly suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. And if you’ve more time while heading east, you’re close enough to reach the gateway into Yosemite National Park to do some fabulous hiking and take a stab at yodeling.
Take on Big Sur … Test the Horses Under Your Hood. — If instead, you head south on Highway, stop by Moss Landing, a prime spot to view sea otters and sea lions, either from the harbor wharves or up close by renting a kayak. Further south the Monterey Bay Aquarium, romantic Carmel, Point Lobos State Park and historic missions await, each with a feel that is far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities in the Bay area. If you’ve a longer-haul road trip in mind, continue on to tour Big Sur. Let your imagination run wild. It won’t even come close to the rugged and majestic impressions you will drive away with.
Before your touring begins, let our ASE-Certified auto mechanics make sure your car, truck or SUV is primed and ready. Call, schedule an appointment online, or visit Water Star Motors, located at 318-A River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. We’re open from Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM We’ll even share our favorite local haunts and day trips with you.