Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Capitola, CA to Vacaville, CA
Capitola, located near Santa Cruz on the Pacific coast, and Vacaville, positioned along the old historic Pony Express route in the Sacramento Valley, are two picturesque California towns, each with plenty of interesting attractions and activities to offer. With a range of scenic routes to choose from, this road trip takes around 162 miles and is a perfect weekend getaway. The halfway point is San Leandro, a charming city that boasts of the famous San Leandro Marina.
Visit 17-Mile Drive and the Lone Cypress Tree
One of the highlights of any drive from Capitola is the 17-Mile Drive, which runs along the coast near Pebble Beach. This beautiful, scenic route is a must-see attraction and a perfect place uniquely associated with California's Monterey Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular ocean views or play golf at some of the world's most exclusive golf courses. Along the way, there is the famous Lone Cypress Tree, which is estimated to be over 250 years old. It's a perfect spot to take an iconic family picture with the tree in the background.
Explore the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden showcases one of the state's largest plant collections. The garden, which covers 135 acres, is home to a diverse range of plant species from around the world, including cactus and succulent collections. Visitors can enjoy self-making tours or guided tours to the collections, which showcases indigenous plants of California and the diversity of global flora.
Learn About California's Marauders at the Jose Maria Amador House
The Jose Maria Amador House located in San Lorenzo dates back to the 19th century and is a stunning example of early California architecture. Visitors will find an array of information about the history of California and the Amador family while enjoying an educational, immersive experience into the customs and traditions of the renowned Marauders. The historic site, featuring exhibits of photographs and artifacts from the 1850s-1860s, is the perfect spot for history enthusiasts.
Drive the Historic Pony Express Trail
The Pony Express Trail is a part of American History that is often forgotten but will captivate visitors of all ages. Vacaville has an excellent connection to the famed Pony Express route, and visitors can still experience the thrill of the Wild West days by driving the original trail through town. The history of the Pony Express still resonates today, and visitors can witness the sites where the original rider changes took place, including a commemorative statue and monument of the historic trail's western expansion.
Take a Winery Tour at the Vezer Family Vineyard
A visit to Vacaville wouldn't be complete without tasting some of the finest wines. The Vezer Family Vineyard is a perfect place to visit, with its picturesque setting and tasting room. Visitors can sample some of the world-renowned wines produced from both the Suisun Valley and the Solano County regions. The vineyard-style tours provide visitors a unique experience, giving them an intimate understanding of the winemaking process.
Each location on this road trip is a unique destination, offering its own attractions and sights. For those who love history, nature, and wine, this road trip is the perfect escape. An interesting fact about each of the locations is that California State Parks are available to receive donations for the preservation and conservation of the various historical sites.
The entire route from Capitola to Vacaville takes around three hours on good traffic, though visitors are advised to take their time and enjoy all the stops along the way. It's an ideal trip for those looking to explore the region, learn about California's rich history, and enjoy the natural beauty California has to offer.