Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Tour: Canepa to Half Moon Bay
An epic Northern California drive featuring the Canepa Motorsports Museum, twisting Santa Cruz Mountain backroads, wine tasting with panoramic Silicon Valley views at Thomas Fogarty Winery, and a scenic coastal descent to Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for a waterfront late lunch.
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Experience an unforgettable Northern California driving adventure that blends automotive history, winding mountain roads, world-class wine, and breathtaking coastal scenery into one spectacular day. Beginning in Santa Cruz, the route heads north toward the famed Canepa Motorsports Museum, where an incredible collection of historic race cars, exotic automobiles, and automotive craftsmanship sets the tone for a true enthusiast’s journey. From there, the drive climbs into the Santa Cruz Mountains along a network of twisting backroads, towering redwoods, and sweeping elevation changes that deliver some of the most rewarding driving roads in the Bay Area. The route continues high above Silicon Valley to Thomas Fogarty Winery, where stunning panoramic views stretch across the valley below and award-winning wines provide the perfect mid-drive experience. After soaking in the scenery, the journey descends west toward the Pacific Coast, where dramatic ocean vistas and cool coastal air accompany the final stretch into Half Moon Bay. The afternoon concludes with a relaxing late lunch at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company overlooking the harbor — the perfect ending to a drive that captures the very best of Northern California motoring, scenery, and destination experiences.
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Best Stops Along the Way
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Starting At
Hilton Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley
Canepa Museum
tourist attraction
Ending At
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
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