Road trip from Phoenix to Santa Cruz
All Category
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Food & Drink
All Category
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Food & Drink
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
13h 20m721 miles6 stops
1
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.
2
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.
3
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!
4
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.
5
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.
6
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: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.
2
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.
3
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!
4
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.
5
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.
6
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
Phoenix to San Antonio
987 miles
16h 34m
27 stops
Spas & WellnessNightlifeMuseumsFun & GamesSights & Landmarks
Phoenix to Dallas
1,076 miles
18h 28m
23 stops
NightlifeSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & Shows
Phoenix to Philadelphia
2,378 miles
42h 39m
40 stops
Spas & WellnessSights & LandmarksToursFun & GamesNature & Parks
Phoenix to San Jose
714 miles
13h 10m
18 stops
Concerts & ShowsMuseumsNature & ParksOutdoor ActivitiesShopping
Phoenix to Austin
1,016 miles
17h 25m
28 stops
Nature & ParksFood & DrinkFun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesConcerts & Shows
Phoenix to Jacksonville
2,053 miles
35h 51m
47 stops
NightlifeFun & GamesShoppingToursNature & Parks
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Long Beach to Fargo
1,788 miles
31h 43m
21 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksFun & GamesMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Champaign to Santa Ana
2,000 miles
34h 56m
28 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsNature & ParksConcerts & ShowsFun & Games
Palm Coast to Chandler
2,089 miles
36h 35m
34 stops
ToursFun & GamesConcerts & ShowsNightlifeSpas & Wellness
Lancaster to Hickory
500 miles
9h 33m
40 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksFun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesShopping
Irvine to Ocala
2,421 miles
42h 24m
44 stops
Fun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesNightlifeMuseumsNature & Parks
Sarasota to Huntsville
692 miles
13h 17m
25 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesToursShoppingMuseumsSights & Landmarks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Phoenix and Santa Cruz?
The distance is 721 miles
What's the travel time between Phoenix and Santa Cruz?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 13h 20m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
We have a lot of great trip options for Phoenix! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you