Road trip from Asheville to Santa Cruz
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All Category
Fun & Games
Outdoor Activities
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Shopping
Food & Drink
Sights & Landmarks
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Museums
Water & Amusement Parks
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ITINERARY
45h 32m2,560 miles22 stops
1
Lexington Glassworks
Lexington Glassworks, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC, was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century-old techniques with the singular goal of creating top-notch work. The gallery features high-quality custom lighting and handmade glass for any budget. Lexington Glassworks is a makers studio where the public is invited to view the artists at work.
2
Grove Arcade
Grove Arcade is a beautifully preserved historical building in the heart of Downtown Asheville that represents the heart and character of the town. It’s rich history and ornate architecture combined with its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants offer patrons a full-day immersion into Asheville lifestyle and culture.
3
Knoxville Botanical Garden
4
Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
5
Peter Kern Library
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
6
Lane Motor Museum
Lane Motor Museum in Nashville features the largest European collection of cars and motorcycles in the United States. Admission for adults aged 18-64 is $15; Admission for Youths aged 6-17 is $3; Admission for seniors 65+ is $10; Children under 5 are always free. There is plenty of FREE parking.
7
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
8
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
9
Cooper-Young Historic District
10
Blues Hall Juke Joint
11
Robinson Center
12
Brickopolis
13
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. The Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. The centerpiece attraction of the Gardens is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Its unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. After an 18-month, $11 million renovation, it reopened to the public on November 18, 2022.
14
Topgolf Oklahoma City
Topgolf is the emerging global leader in golf entertainment. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Topgolf offers an upscale, laid-back experience that features climate-controlled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted by our executive chef.
15
Hinkle Fun Center
Hinkle Family Fun Center is Albuquerque's Premier Family Entertainment Destination located in sunny New Mexico. Hinkle Family Fun Center features two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, a 1/8 mile twisting Go Kart Track, Rock Climbing, two Game Rooms and Prize Centers with over 150 redemption and arcade games, Bumper Boats, Bungee Jump Trampoline, a 4500 square foot black light themed Lazer Tag arena, XD Dark Ride, Lazer Frenzy, Bumper Cars, Light Space, Birthday Parties, Group Events and Cody’s Cafe too! Celebrating 25 years of making memories that matter!
16
La Cumbre Brewing Company
17
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.
18
California Fruit Depot
19
Ethels Old Corral
20
The Park at River Walk
21
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
22
Island Waterpark
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Asheville to Santa Cruz
1
Start:Lexington Glassworks
Asheville, North Carolina·
4.5
(983) review
Lexington Glassworks, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC, was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century-old techniques with the singular goal of creating top-notch work. The gallery features high-quality custom lighting and handmade glass for any budget. Lexington Glassworks is a makers studio where the public is invited to view the artists at work.
2
Start:Grove Arcade
Asheville, North Carolina·
4.0
(987) review
Grove Arcade is a beautifully preserved historical building in the heart of Downtown Asheville that represents the heart and character of the town. It’s rich history and ornate architecture combined with its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants offer patrons a full-day immersion into Asheville lifestyle and culture.
3
Start:Knoxville Botanical Garden
Knoxville, Tennessee·
3.5
(97) review
2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-5958
4
Start:Muse Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(91) review
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
5
Start:Peter Kern Library
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(99) review
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
6
Start:Lane Motor Museum
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(971) review
Lane Motor Museum in Nashville features the largest European collection of cars and motorcycles in the United States. Admission for adults aged 18-64 is $15; Admission for Youths aged 6-17 is $3; Admission for seniors 65+ is $10; Children under 5 are always free. There is plenty of FREE parking.
7
Start:Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(969) review
This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
8
Start:Tennessee State Museum
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(997) review
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
9
Start:Cooper-Young Historic District
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.0
(97) review
Cooper and Young Streets, Memphis, TN 38101
10
Start:Blues Hall Juke Joint
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(97) review
174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
11
Start:Robinson Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(99) review
Markham At Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201
12
Start:Brickopolis
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.0
(96) review
101 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2480
13
Start:Myriad Botanical Gardens
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.5
(979) review
Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. The Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. The centerpiece attraction of the Gardens is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Its unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. After an 18-month, $11 million renovation, it reopened to the public on November 18, 2022.
14
Start:Topgolf Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.5
(92) review
Topgolf is the emerging global leader in golf entertainment. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Topgolf offers an upscale, laid-back experience that features climate-controlled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted by our executive chef.
15
Start:Hinkle Fun Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.0
(95) review
Hinkle Family Fun Center is Albuquerque's Premier Family Entertainment Destination located in sunny New Mexico. Hinkle Family Fun Center features two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, a 1/8 mile twisting Go Kart Track, Rock Climbing, two Game Rooms and Prize Centers with over 150 redemption and arcade games, Bumper Boats, Bungee Jump Trampoline, a 4500 square foot black light themed Lazer Tag arena, XD Dark Ride, Lazer Frenzy, Bumper Cars, Light Space, Birthday Parties, Group Events and Cody’s Cafe too! Celebrating 25 years of making memories that matter!
16
Start:La Cumbre Brewing Company
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.5
(92) review
3313 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107-1930
17
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.
18
Start:California Fruit Depot
Bakersfield, California·
5.0
(72) review
10854 Redbank Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307-9143
19
Start:Ethels Old Corral
Bakersfield, California·
4.5
(7) review
4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308-9606
20
Start:The Park at River Walk
Bakersfield, California·
4.0
(65) review
11200 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA
21
Start:Forestiere Underground Gardens
Fresno, California·
4.5
(862) review
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
22
Start:Island Waterpark
Fresno, California·
4.0
(82) review
6099 W Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93723-9372
CHECKLIST
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Asheville and Santa Cruz?
The distance is 2,560 miles
What's the travel time between Asheville and Santa Cruz?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 45h 32m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Asheville 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
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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
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Asheville?
We have a lot of great trip options for Asheville! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you