Mammoth Lakes to Santa Cruz

• Traffic

  Avoid the CA-17 during rush hour.
• Fuel Stops

  Fill up in the Central Valley to avoid higher prices in the Bay Area.
• Navigation

  Use a real-time traffic app to navigate the Bay Area freeway system.
• Weather

  Santa Cruz can be cool; bring a light jacket.
• Parking

  Parking near the beach can be expensive; look for public lots.

• Highway Safety

  Stay alert for lane changes on the busy Bay Area freeways.
• Emergency Kit

  Keep a spare tire and jack in your car.
• Visibility

  Use your headlights during the early morning.
• Vehicle Maintenance

  Check your brakes before the long drive.

• Is Santa Cruz near San Francisco?
  Yes, it is south of San Francisco.
• How long is the drive?
  It takes about 7 hours.
• Are there trains to Santa Cruz?
  There is no direct rail service to Santa Cruz.
• What is the best route?
  CA-120 West to I-580 West to CA-17 South is the standard route.
• Is it safe to drive?
  Yes, it is a major highway route.

• From Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
• To Santa Cruz, California, United States
• Modes

Summer for the Tioga Pass route, or Spring/Fall for the southern route.