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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Santa Cruz to Madison

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iconZoos & Aquariums
iconNature & Parks
iconWater & Amusement Parks
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Show more (5+)

ITINERARY

37h 30m2,141 miles25 stops
1
St. Patrick Catholic Church
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
2
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
3
Funderland Amusement Park
1350 17th Ave William Land Regional Park, Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
Historic Funderland Amusement Park is now open for its 2024 78th Anniversary season! First opened in 1946, Funderland continues to delight generations of Northern California families. Located on two lovely acres in Sacramento's beautiful 100+ year-old William Land Park, Funderland features ten child-sized amusement rides and attractions (nine of which children can also share and ride with their parents and grandparents!), four fun photo ops (perfect for family group shots!), a FunderTreats concession stand featuring delicious food, amusement park treats, and drinks, and plenty of big, mature shade trees! Funderland offers families a delightful day outside in welcoming and comfortable surroundings, and is also the perfect place to have your next birthday party, fundraiser, group, or corporate event! Parking is always free, and Funderland's one-price Gate Admission gives guests of all ages both entry to the park AND unlimited rides for the entire day!
4
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
5
Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room
2230 Arden Way Suite C, Sacramento, CA 95825-3300
Real Escape games let you live the game. We have real-life escape games where teams of 3-12 people are locked into a custom built, challenging and entertaining environments to solve the many mysteries, puzzles and challenges. You need to unlock the final clues to open the door and escape the room. Escape Rooms are fun for all ages.
6
Wilbur D. May Center
1595 N Sierra St Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, NV 89503-1716
MUSEUM/ GIFT SHOP/ ARBORETUM/ EVENT VENUE/ The Wilbur D. May Center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 North Sierra, Reno, Nevada. The Wilbur D. May Museum features rotating exhibits for the whole family, smaller art shows, the permanent collection of Wilbur May's travels around the globe, an adjoining botanical garden, and plays home to many events throughout the year such as weddings, executive fundraisers, and educational seminars.
7
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
6800 Pembroke Dr, Reno, NV 89502-9554
Championship golf surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nevada desert: players wind through sixty acres of protected wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.
8
Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
10200 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89506-9203
The Sierra Nevada Zoological Society was founded by three men. Jimmie Martin, Dale McDaniel and Dave Dawson. These men translated their passion for animals into a beloved fixture of the Northern Nevada Community as the Sierra Safari Zoo, and now as the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors have given their time, effort and money to keep the Zoo thriving. As we look forward to the next thirty years we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing our educational programs and community outreach, as well as, improving and expanding the facility and our animal enrichment programs.
9
Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
This 20,000 square mile lake, the second saltiest in the world, is also a wildlife refuge attracting millions of migratory birds every year to the ten islands within it.
10
Sugar House Park
1300 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106-2871
Once the site of Utah Territorial Prison, this park is a lot more pleasant today, with a gently rolling landscape great for running.
11
Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1214
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, is the state arboretum. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. All just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. The Garden is renowned for plant collections, themed gardens, over 560,000 springtime blooms, gorgeous private rental spaces, a world-class summer concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.
12
Cache La Poudre River
Fort Collins, CO
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
13
Farm Fusion In The Kitchen
2627 Cattlemans Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2023
14
Hot Shops Art Center
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
15
Hollywood Candy
1209 Jackson St Omaha, NE, Omaha, NE 68102-2826
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
16
Fitness Sports
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
17
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
18
Nick's Bar & Grill
4958 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
19
Ellis Park Golf Course
1401 Zika Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1257
20
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
6545 4th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4761
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
21
Gilded Pear Gallery
808 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-2408
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
22
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
4601 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3202
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
23
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
24
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
25
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713-1400
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
Customize this Trip

OVERVIEW

Santa Cruz to Madison
1
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
2
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Oakland, California·
5.0
(940) review
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
3
Funderland Amusement Park
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(99) review
Historic Funderland Amusement Park is now open for its 2024 78th Anniversary season! First opened in 1946, Funderland continues to delight generations of Northern California families. Located on two lovely acres in Sacramento's beautiful 100+ year-old William Land Park, Funderland features ten child-sized amusement rides and attractions (nine of which children can also share and ride with their parents and grandparents!), four fun photo ops (perfect for family group shots!), a FunderTreats concession stand featuring delicious food, amusement park treats, and drinks, and plenty of big, mature shade trees! Funderland offers families a delightful day outside in welcoming and comfortable surroundings, and is also the perfect place to have your next birthday party, fundraiser, group, or corporate event! Parking is always free, and Funderland's one-price Gate Admission gives guests of all ages both entry to the park AND unlimited rides for the entire day!
1350 17th Ave William Land Regional Park, Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
4
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(98) review
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
5
Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room
Sacramento, California·
5.0
(98) review
Real Escape games let you live the game. We have real-life escape games where teams of 3-12 people are locked into a custom built, challenging and entertaining environments to solve the many mysteries, puzzles and challenges. You need to unlock the final clues to open the door and escape the room. Escape Rooms are fun for all ages.
2230 Arden Way Suite C, Sacramento, CA 95825-3300
6
Wilbur D. May Center
Reno, Nevada·
4.5
(97) review
MUSEUM/ GIFT SHOP/ ARBORETUM/ EVENT VENUE/ The Wilbur D. May Center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 North Sierra, Reno, Nevada. The Wilbur D. May Museum features rotating exhibits for the whole family, smaller art shows, the permanent collection of Wilbur May's travels around the globe, an adjoining botanical garden, and plays home to many events throughout the year such as weddings, executive fundraisers, and educational seminars.
1595 N Sierra St Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, NV 89503-1716
7
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
Reno, Nevada·
3.0
(9) review
Championship golf surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nevada desert: players wind through sixty acres of protected wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.
6800 Pembroke Dr, Reno, NV 89502-9554
8
Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
Reno, Nevada·
3.0
(71) review
The Sierra Nevada Zoological Society was founded by three men. Jimmie Martin, Dale McDaniel and Dave Dawson. These men translated their passion for animals into a beloved fixture of the Northern Nevada Community as the Sierra Safari Zoo, and now as the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors have given their time, effort and money to keep the Zoo thriving. As we look forward to the next thirty years we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing our educational programs and community outreach, as well as, improving and expanding the facility and our animal enrichment programs.
10200 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89506-9203
9
Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.0
(987) review
This 20,000 square mile lake, the second saltiest in the world, is also a wildlife refuge attracting millions of migratory birds every year to the ten islands within it.
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
10
Sugar House Park
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(99) review
Once the site of Utah Territorial Prison, this park is a lot more pleasant today, with a gently rolling landscape great for running.
1300 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106-2871
11
Red Butte Garden
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(925) review
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, is the state arboretum. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. All just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. The Garden is renowned for plant collections, themed gardens, over 560,000 springtime blooms, gorgeous private rental spaces, a world-class summer concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1214
12
Cache La Poudre River
Fort Collins, Colorado·
5.0
(427) review
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
Fort Collins, CO
13
Farm Fusion In The Kitchen
Fort Collins, Colorado·
(0) review
2627 Cattlemans Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2023
14
Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
15
Hollywood Candy
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
1209 Jackson St Omaha, NE, Omaha, NE 68102-2826
16
Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
17
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
18
Nick's Bar & Grill
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.0
(7) review
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
4958 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
19
Ellis Park Golf Course
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.5
(7) review
1401 Zika Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1257
20
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
6545 4th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4761
21
Gilded Pear Gallery
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
5.0
(5) review
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
808 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-2408
22
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.0
(5) review
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
4601 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3202
23
Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(63) review
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
24
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(96) review
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
25
Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.0
(99) review
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713-1400

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Santa Cruz and Madison?
The distance is 2,141 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Madison?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 37h 30m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz and Madison?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Madison?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Madison
What’s the weather like in Madison?
The weather in Madison is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Madison in January
Weather in Madison in February
Weather in Madison in March
Weather in Madison in April
Weather in Madison in May
Weather in Madison in June
Weather in Madison in July
Weather in Madison in August
Weather in Madison in September
Weather in Madison in October
Weather in Madison in November
Weather in Madison in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Madison?
Plan your dream Madison trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Madison
A 2-day itinerary in Madison
A 3-day itinerary in Madison
A 4-day itinerary in Madison
A 5-day itinerary in Madison
A 6-day itinerary in Madison
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