SJO to Carmel drive question

Question

We are driving from SJO, landing at 9 am in the morning in a Thursday, and driving to Carmel for weekend. We want scenes and to go through Santa Cruz. Is the drive west thru Redwood Grove on Hwy 9 better than the more direct drive along Hwy 17? What is there to see along the way? We will do Big Sur another day so we will have opportunity to see Redwoods that day. Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer

Driving from San Jose (SJC) to Carmel via Santa Cruz can be a scenic and enjoyable route, and choosing between Hwy 17 and Hwy 9 depends on what kind of experience you want.

Hwy 17 vs. Hwy 9:

Hwy 17 is the faster, more direct route from San Jose to Santa Cruz. It is a well-maintained highway through the Santa Cruz Mountains, but it is also steep and winding in places. While you do get glimpses of forested areas, the drive is mostly about efficiency rather than scenery.

Hwy 9, the Redwood Grove route, is slower but far more scenic. It winds through dense redwood forests, charming small towns like Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond, and offers pullouts and picnic spots where you can enjoy the trees and nature. This route is particularly beautiful in the morning light, and since you’ll be landing at 9 am, you could time it well to avoid heavy traffic.

Hwy 17: Quicker (about 45 minutes from SJC to Santa Cruz), limited scenery, more traffic, straightforward driving.
Hwy 9: Slower (about 1 hour), more scenic with redwoods, small towns, and forested vistas, better for a relaxed, photogenic drive.

What to See Along the Way:

Boulder Creek: Quaint town with coffee shops and small cafes, a good place for a short break.
Redwood groves along Hwy 9: Stop at Pogonip County Park or Redwood Estate for short walks and photo opportunities.
Ben Lomond: Small town charm, local art shops, and cafes.
Sebastopol-style overlooks: Some pullouts offer views over forested valleys—great for photos.
Santa Cruz: Boardwalk, Main Beach, and downtown for a lunch stop or brief walk along the wharf.

Other Suggestions:

Since you plan to see Big Sur and redwoods another day, Hwy 9 is a nice, relaxing scenic drive without feeling like “missing” major sights elsewhere.
Consider timing your drive to avoid morning traffic from SJC to Hwy 17, especially if your flight lands at 9 am. You may want to plan lunch in Santa Cruz.
Check for any road closures or construction on Hwy 9, as it is narrower and more winding than Hwy 17.
Bring water and snacks, as services along Hwy 9 are limited compared to the highway route.

Overall, if you value scenery and a more leisurely drive, Hwy 9 through the Redwood Grove is highly recommended. If you prefer to get to Carmel faster, stick with Hwy 17. A combination is also possible: take Hwy 17 into Santa Cruz and then explore some of the redwood areas via short detours off Hwy 9 before heading south to Carmel.

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