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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaSeaside to Giant Trees
Sequoia N.P. California

Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip

Santa Cruz - San Juan Bautista - Pinnacles - Visalia - Sequoia N.P.

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km476 h/stage1.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 521EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 656EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 352EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 764EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 926EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,139EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,409EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 506EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,181EUR
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Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip Itinerary

Take the Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip and explore the beauty of the US West Coast! This amazing road trip starts in Santa Cruz, USA and ends at Sequoia National Park, USA, spanning a distance of 476 km and taking around 3 days to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience the charm of San Juan Bautista, the unique rock formations of Pinnacles National Park, and the scenic beauty of Visalia. The best time to drive this route is from May to October, when the weather is ideal and the landscapes are at their most vivid. The roads are in good condition and the route can be managed with a moderate budget, making this an ideal road trip for all types of drivers. Create lasting memories and experience the beauty of the US West Coast with the Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 476 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Santa Cruz

Distance 476 km Driving time 7.2 h Pace: fast 142.8 kWh Airports SFO
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Santa Cruz, situated in the northern part of California, is a great starting point for the Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, majestic redwood forests and its vibrant downtown. The most interesting sights to visit in Santa Cruz include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with vintage rides, historic roller coasters and plenty of carnival games. Steamer Lane is another popular destination, offering excellent surfing, kayaking and scuba diving opportunities. Nature lovers should also visit Forest of Nisene Marks, a 9000-acre redwood forest with more than 30 miles of trails. If you are traveling by air, the nearest international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It is possible to rent a car at the airport, allowing you to begin your road trip with ease. Santa Cruz is the perfect starting point for your Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip, offering a great combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventures and fun attractions.

1 Santa Cruz - San Juan Bautista

Distance 56 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 16.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip from Santa Cruz to San Juan Bautista? This 35-mile journey will take you less than an hour and you won’t want to miss the picturesque landscapes and attractions along the way. Start by visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with a variety of rides and activities. You can also explore the area’s natural beauty at the Natural Bridges State Beach or the Santa Cruz Wharf. Continue your journey to San Juan Bautista, a small town with a rich history. Take a stroll through the Mission San Juan Bautista, which was founded in 1797, or explore the San Juan Bautista Plaza Historic Park, where you can find a collection of historic buildings. Be sure to also check out the San Benito County Historical Park, which features a variety of artifacts and exhibits about the history of the area. This is just one part of a larger tour, but you won’t want to miss the sights and attractions along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” for this stage. Happy road tripping!

2 San Juan Bautista - Pinnacles

Distance 65 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 16.8 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey starting in San Juan Bautista, United States and ending in Pinnacles. This stage of your road trip is merely 40mi long and will take you less than an hour to drive. In San Juan Bautista, you can visit the Mission San Juan Bautista, which is a beautiful historical landmark. You can also take a stroll around the Plaza Park, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. The next stop is Pinnacles National Park, where you can explore its breathtaking views, caves, and trails. You can also observe the diverse wildlife there. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

3 Pinnacles - Visalia

Distance 221 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 66.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Pinnacles to Visalia? This 137mi journey will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete, and you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places while you’re on the way. In Pinnacles, you can explore the Pinnacles National Park, a great place to hike and observe the diverse wildlife. In Soledad, you can visit the Mission Soledad and its historical buildings, or the Pinnacles National Park Visitor Center. In King City, you can visit the King City Museum, a great place to learn more about the city’s history and culture. In Greenfield, you can visit the Greenfield Lake Park, a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing walk. In Paso Robles, you can explore the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, the Paso Robles Historical Society, and the Paso Robles Children’s Museum. In Atascadero, you can visit the Atascadero Lake Park and the Atascadero Zoo. Finally, in Visalia, you can visit the Visalia Convention Center, the Fox Theatre, and the Mooney Grove Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip now!

4 Visalia - Sequoia N.P.

Distance 134 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: modest 34.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Visalia to Sequoia National Park! You will be driving along the Generals Highway, which is a beautiful journey of 83 miles and fewer than 3 hours. Along the way, you will be able to explore some of the most amazing sights in the area. Start your adventure in Visalia, where you can visit the Fox Theater, a historic movie house built in 1929. Then, head to the Sequoia National Forest, where you can find the Giant Sequoia National Monument, a must-see destination for nature lovers. There, you can hike, camp, and explore the breathtaking beauty of the towering redwood trees. Continue your journey to the Sequoia National Park, where you can take in the impressive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. While you’re there, be sure to take a trip to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Sequoia N.P.

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Sequoia National Park is the perfect end to the Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, the park is home to some of the world's largest trees. These towering giants, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, will take your breath away. The park offers a variety of activities to enjoy during your stay. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, giving you the chance to explore the breathtaking landscape. Take in the views from Moro Rock, a granite dome that offers 360-degree vistas. Or, if you prefer to stay on the ground, try a leisurely walk through the Giant Forest. If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, consider whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Kaweah River. You can also take a guided horseback ride through the park. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to a variety of species including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and golden eagles. To get to Sequoia National Park, you can fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). From there, it's a two-hour drive along Highway 198. With its stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities, Sequoia National Park is the perfect way to end the Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip.

Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip at a glance

We believe that our journey idea has become a great inspiration for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse attractions of your choice.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to ensure pleasant experiences. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who opt for car rental or camper hire in California.
When sightseeing around California, there are multiple traffic rules to be remembered. In California, if you are planning to drive, try to stay away from alcohol at all costs. Travellers should remember that the permitted consumption limit is very low and equals only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed when driving around the urban areas. On the other hand, the maximum permissible speed in non-build-up areas is 72km/h. In California, you can drive at the maximum speed of 129km/h on motorways. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in order to stay safe.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. Well, depending on the needs of the holidaymakers, the amount of money that you have to spend will vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 5 stages across California may equal as much as 63 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 242 EUR for economy accommodation options. If this option is your target, you will spend approximately 216 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 135 EUR if they go for the budget hire car option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 521 EUR to more or less 656 EUR.
Tourists who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 88 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to more or less 352 EUR. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 162 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 926 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try vehicle hire and 764 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Tourists who seek the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 1,409 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 764 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 270 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the tour, you will pay roughly 113 EUR for gasoline. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay around 432 EUR for restaurants and food and around 594 EUR for accommodation.
Our tour will also live up to the expectations of all camper lovers. If you choose this travel option, you should expect the costs of approximately 675 EUR. Camper fans will spend roughly 125 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. You should expect to pay approximately 216 EUR for expenses connected with food and roughly 165 EUR for overnight stays if you are interested in camper rental.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above-mentioned details in an easy to follow way.
The period between April and October is perfect to visit the part of California mentioned in our Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip. There are multiple thrilling scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if Seaside to Giant Trees Road Trip has inspired you. The great diversity of options will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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