Road trip from Santa Cruz to Cary
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All Category
Fun & Games
Outdoor Activities
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
Concerts & Shows
Shopping
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Nightlife
Museums
Water & Amusement Parks
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ITINERARY
50h 4m2,804 miles29 stops
1
Island Waterpark
2
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.
3
The Park at River Walk
4
Ethels Old Corral
5
California Fruit Depot
6
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.
7
La Cumbre Brewing Company
8
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!
9
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.
10
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.
11
Brickopolis
12
Children's Library and Learning Center
13
Robinson Center
14
Mystery Mansion Escape Room
Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.
15
Blues Hall Juke Joint
16
Cooper-Young Historic District
17
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.
18
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.
19
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.
20
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!
21
Knoxville Botanical Garden
22
Craggy Mountain Line
23
Iron Heart Winery
24
Grand 18-Winston-Salem
25
Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University
Discover North Carolina's only museum dedicated to the study of global cultures. Explore stories of humanity, from ancient archaeological sites to the celebrations and struggles of today. Learn about peoples around the world through their everyday and ceremonial objects, and visual arts. Changing exhibits highlight the Museum's collections of nearly 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from more than 350 cultures and 90 countries. Admission is free.
26
Salem Lake
27
Game On Escapes & More
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
28
The Raleigh Market
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
29
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.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Santa Cruz to Cary
1
Start:Island Waterpark
Fresno, California·
4.0
(82) review
6099 W Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93723-9372
2
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.
3
Start:The Park at River Walk
Bakersfield, California·
4.0
(65) review
11200 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA
4
Start:Ethels Old Corral
Bakersfield, California·
4.5
(7) review
4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308-9606
5
Start:California Fruit Depot
Bakersfield, California·
5.0
(72) review
10854 Redbank Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307-9143
6
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.
7
Start:La Cumbre Brewing Company
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.5
(92) review
3313 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107-1930
8
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!
9
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.
10
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.
11
Start:Brickopolis
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.0
(96) review
101 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2480
12
Start:Children's Library and Learning Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(9) review
4800 W 10th St, Little Rock, AR 72204-1807
13
Start:Robinson Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(99) review
Markham At Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201
14
Start:Mystery Mansion Escape Room
Little Rock, Arkansas·
5.0
(901) review
Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.
15
Start:Blues Hall Juke Joint
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(97) review
174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
16
Start:Cooper-Young Historic District
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.0
(97) review
Cooper and Young Streets, Memphis, TN 38101
17
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.
18
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.
19
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.
20
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!
21
Start:Knoxville Botanical Garden
Knoxville, Tennessee·
3.5
(97) review
2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-5958
22
Start:Craggy Mountain Line
Asheville, North Carolina·
4.5
(9) review
111 N Woodfin Ave, Asheville, NC 28804-8818
23
Start:Iron Heart Winery
Allisonia, Virginia·
4.0
(7) review
3742 Boone Furnace Rd, Allisonia, VA 24347-4001
24
Start:Grand 18-Winston-Salem
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(72) review
5601 University Pkwy, Winston Salem, NC 27105-1313
25
Start:Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(9) review
Discover North Carolina's only museum dedicated to the study of global cultures. Explore stories of humanity, from ancient archaeological sites to the celebrations and struggles of today. Learn about peoples around the world through their everyday and ceremonial objects, and visual arts. Changing exhibits highlight the Museum's collections of nearly 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from more than 350 cultures and 90 countries. Admission is free.
26
Start:Salem Lake
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.5
(97) review
1001 Salem Lake Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27107-1571
27
Start:Game On Escapes & More
Cary, North Carolina·
5.0
(98) review
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
28
Start:The Raleigh Market
Raleigh, North Carolina·
4.0
(96) review
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
29
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.
CHECKLIST
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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 Santa Cruz and Cary?
The distance is 2,804 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Cary?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 50h 4m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz and Cary?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Cary?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Cary
What’s the weather like in Cary?
The weather in Cary is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Cary in January
Weather in Cary in February
Weather in Cary in March
Weather in Cary in April
Weather in Cary in May
Weather in Cary in June
Weather in Cary in July
Weather in Cary in August
Weather in Cary in September
Weather in Cary in October
Weather in Cary in November
Weather in Cary in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Cary?
Plan your dream Cary trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Cary
A 2-day itinerary in Cary
A 3-day itinerary in Cary
A 4-day itinerary in Cary
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A 6-day itinerary in Cary
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Santa Cruz?
We have a lot of great trip options for Santa Cruz! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you