State Route 1 (Highway 1) is famous for caressing California's Pacific coast. The so-called "All-American Road" starts at Interstate 5 in Orange County near Dana Point and continues north to Highway 101 in Mendocino County. The scenic highway is easily accessible from the Santa Clara County and the San Francisco Bay Area and other coastal destinations running concurrently along its path.
Santa Clara Route 1
Taking Route 880 from the Santa Clara area will get you onto Route 1 at Santa Cruz via the Highway 17 interchange (known locally as "The Fishhook" because of its loop ramps). Wilder Ranch State Park is located right along Route 1, making it an ideal place to stop and enjoy the beauty of this location.
Places to Stay During a Route 1 Day Trip
Looking for places to stay after enjoying scenic Route 1? Day spas are a popular destination in the area. The Four Seasons in Santa Cruz is known for its attentive service, while the Nice Day Spa is known for its tranquil surroundings. The Hilton Santa Cruz and Comfort Inn (both just minutes from Route 1) are good places to freshen up and relax before driving back to Santa Clara.
Things to Do
Spend some of your day trying your luck at Casino Arcade in Beach Flats, easily accessible from Route 1 near Santa Cruz. Looking for a day of family fun after a drive along Route 1? The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an amusement park located less than 10 minutes from Route 1 near Santa Cruz. Admission is free with guests only paying small fees for rides and Boardwalk attractions. The Sea and Sand Inn, Carousel Motel, Chaminade Resort & Spa and Best Western All Suites Inn are some places to stay in the area to rest and relax before heading back to Santa Clara.
Getting to Route 1 from Santa Clara
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Route 1 from Santa Clara to enjoy a day trip along the Pacific coast. Start by going northeast on Reeve Street, taking the first right onto Monroe Street. Take the second left onto El Camino, continuing to CA-82 S. Merge on I-880 S heading toward Santa Cruz (becoming CA-17 S). Get on the CA-1 N toward CA-9 (Half Moon Bay/Boulder Creek). Continue to Chestnut Street. Coast Road will take you directly to Route 1.
