3 days in Santa Cruz & Chico Itinerary

On the 2nd (Sun), take in the waterfront at Carmel Beach Boardwalk, immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar, cruise along 17-Mile Drive, and then observe the fascinating underwater world at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Cruz travel route site.

Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Los Angeles in April; daily highs in Santa Cruz reach 68°F and lows reach 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can go by car to Chico.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Tue): shop like a local with Chico Certified Farmer's Market, walk around Bidwell Park, and then admire the majestic nature at Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Chico trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Cruz to Chico takes 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 73°F in April, and nighttime lows around 49°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can go by car back home.