Road trip from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz
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Sights & Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Museums
Spas & Wellness
Concerts & Shows
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All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Museums
Spas & Wellness
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Food & Drink
Fun & Games
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ITINERARY
18h 41m1,046 miles31 stops
1
Betty's Bath and Day Spa
Betty's features two outdoor hot tubs and saunas, massages, facials, restorative spa treatments, lounge and relaxation areas in a xeriscaped garden setting, and a specialty boutique with natural and scintillating bath & body products as well as sassy and stylish affordable accessories.
2
The Museum Club
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to "two step" at this popular authentic western saloon that is built around five standing tree trunks. Each night features a live country western band to entertain you.
3
Main Street Murals
4
Barstow Harvey House
5
Cal Earth Homes
6
El Mirage Lake
7
Route 138 - Pearblossom Highway
A great highway to travel anytime of the year, but it's best in spring.
8
Antelope Express
We are a full service Airport Shuttle & Charter Bus company. Offering daily service to and from Los Angeles International Airport from Palmdale, Lancaster, Acton, & Santa Clarita. Paid long term parking is available at our Palmdale location.
9
Antelope Valley Mall
10
Mountain Spirit Center
11
California Fruit Depot
12
Ethels Old Corral
13
The Park at River Walk
14
San Andreas Fault
15
Bubblegum Alley
Want a piece of ABC gum? Head to this fascinating, if somewhat unsanitary, walkway that features walls covered with gum of the "already been chewed" variety.
16
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
17
Passagno Winery
18
California Welcome Center Salinas
The California Welcome Center Salinas provides locals and visitors traveling Highway 101 with comprehensive information on both the Central Coast region of Californa and additional information for areas around the State. Free maps and brochures are available as well as souvenirs. There's plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes and free internet access. Our professional staff and volunteers act as your personal concierge to ensure the best possible California experience.
19
Guglielmo Winery
Established in 1925. A cobblestone piazza and village fountain reminiscent of the family's Italian Piedmontese homeland greets visitors upon their arrival at Guglielmo Winery. As one of Northern California's wine pioneers, the Guglielmo (Gool-YELL-mo) family has been producing wine in the California Santa Clara Valley since it was founded by family patriarch Emilio Guglielmo in 1925. Today, third generation brothers George and Gene keep the family tradition alive by producing award-winning premium varietal wines from more than 100 acres of Santa Clara Valley estate vineyards, as well as other premium winegrowing regions within California. The Guglielmo family is very proud to continue the fine art of winemaking passed down through their family, as well as turning their family home and grounds into a place you will share and enjoy with your family and friends.
20
Tessuti Zoo
21
Bennett Sculpture
22
Point Lobos
Home to a rich marine habitat, this nature reserve is popular for both whale-watching (in winter) and spotting sea lions (all year round). With amazing natural landscapes, it's great for hiking along the ocean or simply strolling around and taking in the magnificent rocky coastline lined with rare Monterey cypress trees. If you’re into water activities, go kayaking or even scuba diving among 70-foot-high kelp forests and diverse marine life. Parking spaces are limited, so get there in the early morning to grab a spot. Otherwise, sign up for a guided tour that will take you straight into the reserve. – Tripadvisor
23
Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area
Enjoy the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and build the BEST DAY EVER! Surround yourself with millions of LEGO Bricks, hop aboard the Imagination Express train ride, see your favorite characters on LEGO 4D Theater, explore MINILAND Bay Area, and build epic LEGO creations alongside master builders! This attraction is designed specifically for families with children ages 3-10 years old to enjoy.
24
Golden State Brewery
25
The Spa -Los Gatos
The Spa - Los Gatos has been providing area clients and guests professional quality wellness and beauty treatments for over 15 years. Residing in an 8,000 square foot facility, The Spa boasts 15 spacious treatment rooms offering a broad array of facial, massage and body services. Aqua Hair Salon, a full service salon, provides on-premises hair design and treatment. The wellness and gift boutique offers an array of wellness, skin care and lifestyle products. Tastefully decorated to reflect its welcoming and elegant attitude, The Spa allows guests to disappear into a comfortable, warm environment. As a retreat, it is rivaled by no other facility in the area. You, as a guest, will receive your own locker, robe and slippers upon arrival. While waiting for your therapist to bring you to the private treatment room, you are welcome to enjoy a beverage of choice and a light snack in the library. Complimentary private steam showers are available with massage services.
26
Levi's Stadium
27
To Honor Surfing Monument
28
Venus Spirits
Venus Spirits is a distillery, tasting room, and restaurant located in Santa Cruz, CA. Join us for cocktails, tastings, small bites or a full meal. We look forward to seeing you!
29
California Avenue Farmer's Market
30
Waddell Beach
This windy beach is good for hang-gliding and wind-surfing.
31
Rodin Sculpture Garden
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Albuquerque to Santa Cruz
1
Start:Betty's Bath and Day Spa
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.5
(98) review
Betty's features two outdoor hot tubs and saunas, massages, facials, restorative spa treatments, lounge and relaxation areas in a xeriscaped garden setting, and a specialty boutique with natural and scintillating bath & body products as well as sassy and stylish affordable accessories.
2
Start:The Museum Club
Flagstaff, Arizona·
4.0
(99) review
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to "two step" at this popular authentic western saloon that is built around five standing tree trunks. Each night features a live country western band to entertain you.
3
Start:Main Street Murals
Barstow, California·
4.0
(8) review
Route 66, Barstow, CA
4
Start:Barstow Harvey House
Barstow, California·
4.0
(78) review
681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311-2201
5
Start:Cal Earth Homes
Hesperia, California·
4.5
(8) review
10177 Baldy Ln, Hesperia, CA 92345-4672
6
Start:El Mirage Lake
Adelanto, California·
4.5
(8) review
20471 Mountain View Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301
7
Start:Route 138 - Pearblossom Highway
Palmdale, California·
3.5
(98) review
A great highway to travel anytime of the year, but it's best in spring.
8
Start:Antelope Express
Palmdale, California·
3.0
(8) review
We are a full service Airport Shuttle & Charter Bus company. Offering daily service to and from Los Angeles International Airport from Palmdale, Lancaster, Acton, & Santa Clarita. Paid long term parking is available at our Palmdale location.
9
Start:Antelope Valley Mall
Palmdale, California·
3.0
(9) review
1233 W Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551-3947
10
Start:Mountain Spirit Center
Tehachapi, California·
4.5
(8) review
8400 Juniper Way, Tehachapi, CA 93561-9315
11
Start:California Fruit Depot
Bakersfield, California·
5.0
(72) review
10854 Redbank Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307-9143
12
Start:Ethels Old Corral
Bakersfield, California·
4.5
(7) review
4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308-9606
13
Start:The Park at River Walk
Bakersfield, California·
4.0
(65) review
11200 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA
14
Start:San Andreas Fault
Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, California·
4.5
(87) review
Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA
15
Start:Bubblegum Alley
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California·
3.5
(934) review
Want a piece of ABC gum? Head to this fascinating, if somewhat unsanitary, walkway that features walls covered with gum of the "already been chewed" variety.
16
Start:Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California·
4.5
(94) review
Ramona and 4th Street, Los Osos, CA 93402
17
Start:Passagno Winery
Salinas, California·
4.0
(7) review
1645 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908-8751
18
Start:California Welcome Center Salinas
Salinas, California·
5.0
(9) review
The California Welcome Center Salinas provides locals and visitors traveling Highway 101 with comprehensive information on both the Central Coast region of Californa and additional information for areas around the State. Free maps and brochures are available as well as souvenirs. There's plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes and free internet access. Our professional staff and volunteers act as your personal concierge to ensure the best possible California experience.
19
Start:Guglielmo Winery
Morgan Hill, California·
4.5
(83) review
Established in 1925. A cobblestone piazza and village fountain reminiscent of the family's Italian Piedmontese homeland greets visitors upon their arrival at Guglielmo Winery. As one of Northern California's wine pioneers, the Guglielmo (Gool-YELL-mo) family has been producing wine in the California Santa Clara Valley since it was founded by family patriarch Emilio Guglielmo in 1925. Today, third generation brothers George and Gene keep the family tradition alive by producing award-winning premium varietal wines from more than 100 acres of Santa Clara Valley estate vineyards, as well as other premium winegrowing regions within California. The Guglielmo family is very proud to continue the fine art of winemaking passed down through their family, as well as turning their family home and grounds into a place you will share and enjoy with your family and friends.
20
Start:Tessuti Zoo
Pacific Grove, Monterey County, California·
5.0
(9) review
171 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2612
21
Start:Bennett Sculpture
Carmel, Monterey County, California·
4.5
(9) review
San Carlos & Sixth St, Carmel, CA
22
Start:Point Lobos
Carmel, Monterey County, California·
5.0
(4880) review
Home to a rich marine habitat, this nature reserve is popular for both whale-watching (in winter) and spotting sea lions (all year round). With amazing natural landscapes, it's great for hiking along the ocean or simply strolling around and taking in the magnificent rocky coastline lined with rare Monterey cypress trees. If you’re into water activities, go kayaking or even scuba diving among 70-foot-high kelp forests and diverse marine life. Parking spaces are limited, so get there in the early morning to grab a spot. Otherwise, sign up for a guided tour that will take you straight into the reserve. – Tripadvisor
23
Start:Legoland Discovery Center Bay Area
Milpitas, California·
3.0
(9) review
Enjoy the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and build the BEST DAY EVER! Surround yourself with millions of LEGO Bricks, hop aboard the Imagination Express train ride, see your favorite characters on LEGO 4D Theater, explore MINILAND Bay Area, and build epic LEGO creations alongside master builders! This attraction is designed specifically for families with children ages 3-10 years old to enjoy.
24
Start:Golden State Brewery
Santa Clara, California·
4.5
(9) review
1252 Memorex Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050-2812
25
Start:The Spa -Los Gatos
Los Gatos, California·
4.0
(9) review
The Spa - Los Gatos has been providing area clients and guests professional quality wellness and beauty treatments for over 15 years. Residing in an 8,000 square foot facility, The Spa boasts 15 spacious treatment rooms offering a broad array of facial, massage and body services. Aqua Hair Salon, a full service salon, provides on-premises hair design and treatment. The wellness and gift boutique offers an array of wellness, skin care and lifestyle products. Tastefully decorated to reflect its welcoming and elegant attitude, The Spa allows guests to disappear into a comfortable, warm environment. As a retreat, it is rivaled by no other facility in the area. You, as a guest, will receive your own locker, robe and slippers upon arrival. While waiting for your therapist to bring you to the private treatment room, you are welcome to enjoy a beverage of choice and a light snack in the library. Complimentary private steam showers are available with massage services.
26
Start:Levi's Stadium
Santa Clara, California·
4.0
(985) review
4900 Marie P Debartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1100
27
Start:To Honor Surfing Monument
Santa Cruz, California·
4.0
(98) review
600 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
28
Start:Venus Spirits
Santa Cruz, California·
5.0
(9) review
Venus Spirits is a distillery, tasting room, and restaurant located in Santa Cruz, CA. Join us for cocktails, tastings, small bites or a full meal. We look forward to seeing you!
29
Start:California Avenue Farmer's Market
Palo Alto, California·
5.0
(9) review
430 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306-1605
30
Start:Waddell Beach
Santa Cruz, California·
4.5
(36) review
This windy beach is good for hang-gliding and wind-surfing.
31
Start:Rodin Sculpture Garden
Stanford, California·
4.5
(93) review
Museum Way, Cantor Arts Museum, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Albuquerque and Santa Cruz?
The distance is 1,046 miles
What's the travel time between Albuquerque and Santa Cruz?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 18h 41m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Albuquerque and Santa Cruz?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Santa Cruz?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Santa Cruz
What’s the weather like in Santa Cruz?
The weather in Santa Cruz is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Santa Cruz in January
Weather in Santa Cruz in February
Weather in Santa Cruz in March
Weather in Santa Cruz in April
Weather in Santa Cruz in May
Weather in Santa Cruz in June
Weather in Santa Cruz in July
Weather in Santa Cruz in August
Weather in Santa Cruz in September
Weather in Santa Cruz in October
Weather in Santa Cruz in November
Weather in Santa Cruz in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Santa Cruz?
Plan your dream Santa Cruz trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
A 2-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
A 3-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
A 4-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
A 5-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
A 6-day itinerary in Santa Cruz
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Albuquerque?
We have a lot of great trip options for Albuquerque! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you