Best Stops Along California's Highway 9

During life’s pivotal moments, it’s revitalizing to have an adventure. Traveling helps clear the mind, and the resulting memories offer a pleasant escape from daily stress. In fact, whenever life overwhelms me, I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and remember past times on the road. In a flash, I transport myself to old growth redwoods, roadside diners, and the Pacific Ocean! The wind envelops the car and mixes with the Creedence Clearwater Revival blasting from the speakers. Ahh, yes, the comfort of the classic California road trip.

Lately, I find myself navigating big life changes as a new father. I am so grateful to share the joys of the road with my baby girl and wife! Though Highway 1 has rightfully earned its popularity, there’s a lesser-known thoroughfare that’s been our recent favorite: Highway 9.

Northeast Leg

(Los Gatos to Saratoga Gap)

Starting Out in Los Gatos

Los Gatos lies on the eastern end of Highway 9, and it’s got eats and treats galore. If you’re starting your day on this end, you’ve got to try one of the many breakfast options. (Pro tip: it’s better to get an early start to avoid downtown crowds.)

The french bakery Croissante has delicious – you guessed it – croissants. You’ll also find an array of delectable pastries at Manresa Bread. If you’re in the mood for a heartier bite, Southern Kitchen is a family favorite. My mouth starts watering just thinking about the Chorizo Scramble.

The downtown farmer’s market has impressive spreads of local goods, if you happen to be cruising Los Gatos on a Sunday. Start your day with something fresh, fun, and fruity from a friendly South Bay vendor. 

If you’d like to get some steps in after filling up, the Los Gatos Creek Trail has entry points right in the middle of downtown. 

Once you truly hit the road, the sightseeing options unfold before you. A hidden favorite is the Montalvo Arts Center, nestled in the southern foothills of Saratoga, right off of Highway 9. Stop and stroll the grounds if you enjoy redwoods, gardens, art installations, and breathing in the mountain air. 

P.S. – Hakone Estate, with its Japanese tea gardens and cultural exhibits, scratches a similar itch as Montalvo, though there’s a $12 entry fee.

Next Stop: Saratoga

Highway 9 passes directly through Saratoga, creating a perfect opportunity for refueling. For a quick pick-me-up, I recommend a hot coffee in a handmade ceramic mug at Sue’s Gallery Cafe. There’s also Bell Tower Cafe in downtown, which is always reliable for lunch, brunch, or a beer.

If you prefer wine, walk-ins are welcome on weekends for tastings at The Mountain Winery, just west of Saratoga. The venue also doubles as an amphitheater for concerts. Check out their summer schedule here. Other winery options include Savannah Chanelle and – for a more “pinkies-up” experience – Charles Usher. 

Outdoor recreation opportunities await you at Saratoga Quarry Park, directly off Highway 9, featuring ample parking, picnic tables, hiking trails, and cool concrete structures left over from the park’s days as a quarry. 

Or, if you’re okay with slight detours, the entrance to Sanborn County Park is just a mile south of Highway 9. Go for a picnic, a day trip through the redwoods, or even camp overnight. Another detour three miles north of Highway 9 will take you to Garrod Farms, offering wine tastings and horseback riding (reservations required).

MIDDLE LEG

(Saratoga Gap to Boulder Creek)

The northern arc of Highway 9 is where I recommend you do your hiking. This section is where the term “mountain road” is earned. Branches extend over the road, creating the look of a leafy green tunnel. You’ll encounter sharp pin turns in this area, so be sure to drive safe! 

Directly to the north of this section of the road is Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. Hiking through this area affords both stunning vistas and shaded woodland sections. This trail eventually becomes the 400-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail, so how far you’ll go is truly up to you. 

Castle Rock State Park is to the south of this section of Highway 9. You’ll have to detour two miles down Highway 35 to find the park entrance, but it’s worth it for the views that await you. Castle Rock is known for its unique sandstone formations and caverns. It’s almost like another planet.

Big Basin State Park isn’t right off of Highway 9, but if you’re in the vicinity, it may be worth the 20 minute detour down Highway 236. This area is still recovering from recent wildfires, but certain trails are making a steady comeback. Check here to see all open trails – though my favorite is the Skyline-to-Sea trail. P.S. – If you do hike in Big Basin, keep an eye out for nature’s signs of wildfire recovery. 

Not in the mood for hiking but yearning for a good view? Not a problem. The Long Ridge Sempervirens Vista Point is car-friendly and directly off of Highway 9, just a few minutes west of the Highway 35 junction. At this perfect pulloff, you’ll score a spectacular view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Lorenzo River Basin below. 

At this point, the road goes full mountain mode. You’ll enter a stretch of a few miles where it’s nothing but you, the road, and thick groves of trees on either side. In this section, I like to pass the time by tuning into the music and singing along. I highly recommend it.

SOUTHWEST LEG

(Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz)

Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek brings you right back to civilization, and the road between here and downtown Santa Cruz offers restaurants, antique stores, and more trails.

Highway 9 passes right through downtown Boulder Creek, a quaint mountain town with a charming main street. I recommend hopping out for a stroll past the storefronts. Go antique hunting at Treasures from the Attic, or enjoy hot buttered rum and catch some live music at the local watering hole, Joe’s Bar. 

Boulder Creek is an excellent place for a weekend getaway. If you choose to stay overnight, I’ve had wonderful experiences at Masood’s Lodge, where you can book a cute cabin just a short walk from downtown. And just a few miles north, you can make a reservation for wine tasting at Big Basin Estate Vineyard. 

Felton

Further south on Highway 9, you’ll run into the equally charming small town Felton. Snack and lunch options are plentiful. Wildroots is an amazing market and a prime place to buy sandwiches and other roadsnacks. The salads at The Grove are also exceedingly refreshing. If you happen to be passing through at beer o’clock, Humble Sea Tavern has you covered. 

After fueling up, try out some of Felton’s hiking trails and unique attractions. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers easy trails that meander under redwoods and alongside the San Lorenzo River. Roaring Camp Railroads is another must-visit. You’ll be able to live out your western movie fantasies aboard an old-fashioned steam roller train. 

Santa Cruz

From Felton, Santa Cruz isn’t far away. Though Highway 9 ends shortly after this point, the attractions along the way do not. 

For a hike featuring meadows and historic buildings, visit Pogonip Open Space Preserve. The closest access point from Highway 9 is the Emma McCrary Trailhead. 

Though not directly off Highway 9, there are a few other noteworthy hiking spots in this area. Quail Hollow Ranch County Park to the east is prime for easy hiking and picnicking. Wilder Ranch to the west offers stunning views from the bluffs. (If you find yourself on the coast, be sure to check out our whale watching blog!)

Finally, as reward for your successful road trip down Highway 9, you deserve a sweet treat from Marianne’s Ice Cream, a Santa Cruz staple since 1947.

Safe Travels!

We all need a little getaway, sometimes. I’m grateful that roads like Highway 9 make it so easy to achieve this. All you need to do is get behind the wheel, put it in drive, and see where the road takes you.