8 days in Santa Cruz, Monterey & Los Angeles Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at Manresa State Beach, get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and then immerse yourself in nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. On the 20th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take a memorable drive along West Cliff Drive, get in on the family fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and then take a leisurely stroll along Santa Cruz Wharf.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Santa Cruz trip itinerary site.

San Francisco to Santa Cruz is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In August, daytime highs in Santa Cruz are 27°C, while nighttime lows are 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Monterey.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Mon): immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and then explore and take pictures at 17-Mile Drive. Here are some ideas for day two: learn the secrets of beer at Monterey Bay Food Tours and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

For reviews, maps, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Monterey itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In August in Monterey, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 16°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Los Angeles.

Pack the 24th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Pack the 25th (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Disneyland Park. Next up on the itinerary: see the sky in a new way at Griffith Observatory, admire the striking features of Walt Disney Concert Hall, get to know the fascinating history of Santa Monica Pier, and kick back and relax at Venice Beach and Boardwalk.

To find traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Los Angeles online visit planner.

Traveling by car from Monterey to Los Angeles takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Monterey in August, with highs in Los Angeles at 34°C and lows at 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can travel back home.