4 days in Monterey & Santa Cruz Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 1st (Wed): get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium, appreciate the extensive heritage of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, and then admire the majestic nature at Asilomar State Beach.

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Monterey holiday planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from your home destination to Monterey. March in Monterey sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 47°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) early enough to go by car to Santa Cruz.

Dolphin & Whale Watching has been added to your itinerary. Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, look for gifts at AiX, then browse the exhibits of The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop, then get a dose of the wild on Elkhorn Slough Safari, and finally admire the masterpieces at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, then take in the exciting artwork at Gallery by the Sea Carmel, and then shop like a local with Carmel Art Association.

To find out how to plan a trip to Santa Cruz, use our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Monterey to Santa Cruz takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. March in Santa Cruz sees daily highs of 66°F and lows of 45°F at night.