Road trip from Houston to Santa Cruz
All Category
Nightlife
Fun & Games
Museums
Concerts & Shows
Spas & Wellness
Outdoor Activities
Sights & Landmarks
Show more (3+)
All Category
Nightlife
Fun & Games
Museums
Concerts & Shows
Spas & Wellness
Outdoor Activities
Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Food & Drink
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
32h 53m1,888 miles15 stops
1
The Menil Collection
Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.
2
Reliant Park
3
Space Center Houston
Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor
4
Paramour Roof Top Bar
5
Extreme Escape
Extreme Escape San Antonio is the FIRST to offer four different themed escape experience. Mutiny and Trapped Below have broad appeal, including puzzle loving families and children ages 9 and above, while Undead and Master of Illusion are suitable for teenagers and adults looking for a thrill. We’ve incorporated multi-dimensional elements like life-sized props, special effects and even smells to make your “escape” amazing!
6
Santikos Palladium IMAX
7
All Around Trail Horses
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
8
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
9
Gates Pass
10
Wild West Horse Adventures
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
11
Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
12
Arizona Science Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
13
MagIQ Room
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
14
Mission San Fernando
Located about ten miles from Los Angeles, this historic mission was founded in the late 1790s and contains an interesting museum amid pretty gardens.
15
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.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:The Menil Collection
Houston, Texas·
4.5
(970) review
Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.
2
Start:Reliant Park
Houston, Texas·
4.0
(99) review
1 Nrg Park, Houston, TX 77054-1574
3
Start:Space Center Houston
Houston, Texas·
4.5
(9889) review
Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor
4
Start:Paramour Roof Top Bar
San Antonio, Texas·
3.5
(93) review
102 9th St 4th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78215-1524
5
Start:Extreme Escape
San Antonio, Texas·
5.0
(966) review
Extreme Escape San Antonio is the FIRST to offer four different themed escape experience. Mutiny and Trapped Below have broad appeal, including puzzle loving families and children ages 9 and above, while Undead and Master of Illusion are suitable for teenagers and adults looking for a thrill. We’ve incorporated multi-dimensional elements like life-sized props, special effects and even smells to make your “escape” amazing!
6
Start:Santikos Palladium IMAX
San Antonio, Texas·
4.5
(96) review
17703 W Interstate 10, San Antonio, TX 78257-9529
7
Start:All Around Trail Horses
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(96) review
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
8
Start:Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
9
Start:Gates Pass
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(952) review
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
10
Start:Wild West Horse Adventures
Scottsdale, Arizona·
5.0
(97) review
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
11
Start:Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.5
(96) review
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
12
Start:Arizona Science Center
Phoenix, Arizona·
4.0
(967) review
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
13
Start:MagIQ Room
Los Angeles, California·
5.0
(99) review
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
14
Start:Mission San Fernando
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(90) review
Located about ten miles from Los Angeles, this historic mission was founded in the late 1790s and contains an interesting museum amid pretty gardens.
15
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.
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
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Houston to Dallas
237 miles
4h 13m
25 stops
MuseumsNightlifeSights & LandmarksConcerts & ShowsWater & Amusement Parks
Houston to Phoenix
1,185 miles
20h 0m
24 stops
NightlifeFun & GamesNature & ParksMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Houston to San Antonio
196 miles
3h 33m
17 stops
Sights & LandmarksSpas & WellnessNightlifeFun & GamesMuseums
Houston to San Diego
1,464 miles
24h 54m
21 stops
NightlifeFun & GamesNature & ParksMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Houston to Fort Worth
262 miles
4h 47m
27 stops
MuseumsSights & LandmarksConcerts & ShowsWater & Amusement ParksNature & Parks
Houston to Jacksonville
872 miles
15h 56m
27 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksMuseumsToursFun & Games
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Akron to Wichita
975 miles
17h 57m
37 stops
Traveler ResourcesFun & GamesConcerts & ShowsShoppingNightlife
Greensboro to Spring Hill
624 miles
12h 2m
20 stops
Nature & ParksFun & GamesToursOtherConcerts & Shows
Waukegan to Waukesha
64 miles
1h 24m
14 stops
OtherSights & LandmarksConcerts & ShowsNature & ParksTours
Salt Lake City to Myrtle Beach
2,221 miles
39h 51m
39 stops
Spas & WellnessFun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesShoppingMuseums
Colorado Springs to Santa Ana
1,079 miles
18h 57m
31 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsTraveler ResourcesNature & ParksConcerts & Shows
Baton Rouge to Worcester
1,531 miles
28h 53m
36 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksTours
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Houston and Santa Cruz?
The distance is 1,888 miles
What's the travel time between Houston and Santa Cruz?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 32h 53m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Houston 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 Houston?
We have a lot of great trip options for Houston! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you