BEyOND STOP ONE STOP TWO STOP THREE TO Ready for a road trip? The journey down the coast on Highway One from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is one of the most iconic and scenic drives you’ll find anywhere. The route takes less than two hours without stops, but we suggest you meander a bit and enjoy the adventure. Santa Cruz STOP FIVE RENTING A CAR IN SAN FRANCISCO Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest car rental booking service, making it easy to find the perfect car for your trip. Find out how they can help you book a car for any San Francisco road trip you might take. Delightfully mellow Santa Cruz offers dozens of fun things to see and do, as well as a great variety of delicious eats. Take a stroll along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to soak up the retro carnival atmosphere of arcade games, cotton candy, corn dogs, classic roller coasters and a postcard-worthy historic carousel. you can also take a boat tour from the wharf or explore the shops and restaurants downtown along the main drag of Pacific Ave. DAY TRIP STOP FOUR Before you reach Santa Cruz, take time for a wildlife-spotting visit to Año Nuevo State Park. This natural preserve has been established to protect one of the world’s largest mainland breeding colonies of elephant seals, along with many other critters, such as otters, California sea lions, coyotes, cormorants and more. AÑO NUEVO STATE BEACH SANTA CRUZ 70 . sftravel.com Shutterstock (2); Getty Images (2); San Francisco Travel Association; Shutterstock Get an early start and head south from San Francisco. When I-280 and Highway One split, you’ll start tracing the coastline. Soon, you’ll happen upon the laidback city of Pacifica, which is a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and watch local surfers take on some epic waves at Pacifica State Beach. PACIFICA Continue south from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, a beloved artists’ haven with an adorable historic downtown. Browse the quaint shops, galleries and eateries along Main St., and then check out the views at Half Moon Bay State Beach, a sweeping sandy stretch below the bluffs and dunes. HALF MOON BAY As you continue down Highway One, make a pit-stop to take in the gorgeous panorama at Pescadero State Beach, a mile-long shoreline with sandy coves, wildflowers, rocky cliffs and tide pools. PESCADERO STATE BEACH
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