Road trip from Santa Cruz to Olympia
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Sights & Landmarks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Museums
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Sights & Landmarks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Museums
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ITINERARY
15h 30m804 miles8 stops
1
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
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.
2
Lake Merritt
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
St. Patrick Catholic Church
4
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The museum has exhibits, events, and educational programs. There’s always something to experience, discover, and enjoy at the museum. It's great for both kids and adults. We have two permanent exhibits featuring the history and cultures of the state: Oregon, Where Past is Present, and Explore Oregon. Completely ADA accessible and has all the amenities you might expect in a museum (bathrooms, museum store, activities for kids and adults).
5
The New Zone Gallery
6
Capitello Wines
Capitello Wines is a winery that spans two continents. Owner/winemaker Ray Walsh began his prolific winemaking career in his native New Zealand and landed in Oregon back in 1992 to learn the ins and outs of Oregon viticulture with King Estate Winery. In 2004, he launched his own artisan brand and Capitello Wines was born. Capitello's Oregon sourced wines are produced in the Whitaker district neighborhood and housed and sold in our quaint & cozy urban tasting room in downtown Eugene. We are centrally located and walking distance from the Hult Center, fantastic restaurants and several boutique hotels including the Graduate (formerly Hilton), the Gordon Hotel, and the Inn at the 5th. We offer seating in our tasting room inside and outside on our spacious patio (heated and covered in winter). Host a local food truck on weekends!
7
South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal
The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun. The lower tram terminal is at the intersection of South Moody Avenue & Gibbs Street --the most transportation-diverse intersection in the country. Besides one of the nation's only aerial commuter trams, you'll see cars, buses, a streetcar, a soaring pedestrian bridge, a cycle track and the densest bike parking in America's #1 biking city. Bike valet is offered free to the public at Portland Aerial Tram Monday through Friday. Exiting the upper terminal you'll see the largest enclosed sky bridge in North America. Take a right to access an outdoor patio with seating and views of the terminal, the cityscape, the Willamette River and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. The upper terminal links to the 4T Trail--a self-guided tour by train, trail, tram and trolley. Much of Marquam Hill is a natural area with several trails.
8
Sellwood
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Santa Cruz to Olympia
1
Start: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.
2
Start:Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
4
Start:Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Eugene, Oregon·
4.5
(95) review
The museum has exhibits, events, and educational programs. There’s always something to experience, discover, and enjoy at the museum. It's great for both kids and adults. We have two permanent exhibits featuring the history and cultures of the state: Oregon, Where Past is Present, and Explore Oregon. Completely ADA accessible and has all the amenities you might expect in a museum (bathrooms, museum store, activities for kids and adults).
5
Start:The New Zone Gallery
Eugene, Oregon·
5.0
(9) review
220 W 8th Ave corner of 11th Ave and Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401-2939
6
Start:Capitello Wines
Eugene, Oregon·
4.0
(9) review
Capitello Wines is a winery that spans two continents. Owner/winemaker Ray Walsh began his prolific winemaking career in his native New Zealand and landed in Oregon back in 1992 to learn the ins and outs of Oregon viticulture with King Estate Winery. In 2004, he launched his own artisan brand and Capitello Wines was born. Capitello's Oregon sourced wines are produced in the Whitaker district neighborhood and housed and sold in our quaint & cozy urban tasting room in downtown Eugene. We are centrally located and walking distance from the Hult Center, fantastic restaurants and several boutique hotels including the Graduate (formerly Hilton), the Gordon Hotel, and the Inn at the 5th. We offer seating in our tasting room inside and outside on our spacious patio (heated and covered in winter). Host a local food truck on weekends!
7
Start:South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal
Portland, Oregon·
4.0
(993) review
The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun. The lower tram terminal is at the intersection of South Moody Avenue & Gibbs Street --the most transportation-diverse intersection in the country. Besides one of the nation's only aerial commuter trams, you'll see cars, buses, a streetcar, a soaring pedestrian bridge, a cycle track and the densest bike parking in America's #1 biking city. Bike valet is offered free to the public at Portland Aerial Tram Monday through Friday. Exiting the upper terminal you'll see the largest enclosed sky bridge in North America. Take a right to access an outdoor patio with seating and views of the terminal, the cityscape, the Willamette River and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. The upper terminal links to the 4T Trail--a self-guided tour by train, trail, tram and trolley. Much of Marquam Hill is a natural area with several trails.
8
Start:Sellwood
Portland, Oregon·
4.5
(98) review
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
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
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Santa Cruz and Olympia?
The distance is 804 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Olympia?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 15h 30m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz and Olympia?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Olympia?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Olympia
What’s the weather like in Olympia?
The weather in Olympia is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Olympia in January
Weather in Olympia in February
Weather in Olympia in March
Weather in Olympia in April
Weather in Olympia in May
Weather in Olympia in June
Weather in Olympia in July
Weather in Olympia in August
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Weather in Olympia in November
Weather in Olympia in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Olympia?
Plan your dream Olympia trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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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