Road trip from Santa Cruz to Tucson
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Sights & Landmarks
Fun & Games
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Outdoor Activities
Sights & Landmarks
Fun & Games
Museums
Concerts & Shows
Nature & Parks
Food & Drink
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ITINERARY
15h 23m836 miles17 stops
1
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
2
MagIQ Room
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
3
Wiltern Theatre
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
4
Zippy Shuttle
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
5
Anaheim Convention Center
6
Yorba Regional Park
7
International Surfing Museum
8
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
9
Stand Up Live
10
Arizona Science Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
11
Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
12
Wild West Horse Adventures
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
13
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
14
Whirlwind Golf Club
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
15
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
16
Gates Pass
17
All Around Trail Horses
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Santa Cruz to Tucson
1
Start:Forestiere Underground Gardens
Fresno, California·
4.5
(862) review
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
2
Start:MagIQ Room
Los Angeles, California·
5.0
(99) review
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
3
Start:Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, California·
4.0
(99) review
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
4
Start:Zippy Shuttle
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
5
Start:Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California·
4.5
(976) review
800 W Katella Ave Suite 600, Anaheim, CA 92802-3496
6
Start:Yorba Regional Park
Anaheim, California·
4.5
(97) review
7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807-2444
7
Start:International Surfing Museum
Huntington Beach, California·
4.0
(99) review
411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
8
Start:Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Irvine, California·
4.0
(99) review
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
9
Start:Stand Up Live
Phoenix, Arizona·
3.5
(91) review
50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003-2321
10
Start:Arizona Science Center
Phoenix, Arizona·
4.0
(967) review
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
11
Start:Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.5
(96) review
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
12
Start:Wild West Horse Adventures
Scottsdale, Arizona·
5.0
(97) review
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
13
Start:Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
9051 East Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
14
Start:Whirlwind Golf Club
Chandler, Arizona·
4.0
(94) review
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
15
Start:Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
16
Start:Gates Pass
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(952) review
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
17
Start:All Around Trail Horses
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(96) review
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
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 Tucson?
The distance is 836 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Tucson?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 15h 23m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz and Tucson?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Tucson?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Tucson
What’s the weather like in Tucson?
The weather in Tucson is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Tucson in January
Weather in Tucson in February
Weather in Tucson in March
Weather in Tucson in April
Weather in Tucson in May
Weather in Tucson in June
Weather in Tucson in July
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Weather in Tucson in October
Weather in Tucson in November
Weather in Tucson in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Tucson?
Plan your dream Tucson 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