There’s something magical about taking a break from everyday routines to embrace the adventure and freedom of the open road. What better way to spend it than with your closest friends, exploring two iconic California towns—Santa Cruz and San Francisco? Picture: the sun is out, the waves are crashing, and the air is crisp with the scent of eucalyptus and the ocean. You and your best friends have a whole weekend to do nothing but bask in the fun of it all. It’s the ultimate girls’ trip, and today is perfect.

Welcome to Santa Cruz – The Birthplace of O'Neill

The moment you and your girls roll into Santa Cruz, there’s a feeling of freedom. You can sense it in the air—something about this coastal town just screams relaxation and adventure all wrapped into one. Pulling up to your quaint beachside motel, the sunlight gleams off the vintage neon sign—a perfect start.

The first stop? The Dream Inn & Boardwalk. Grab a quick bite at the Jack O'Neill lounge, maybe some coffee with local fruit to kick off the day. Everyone’s dressed in breezy beach dresses and denim jackets, soaking in the California sun. The walk along the boardwalk is dreamy, with the iconic ferris wheel towering above and the sound of roller coasters in the distance mixing with the waves.

When in Santa Cruz, the beach or ocean cruise is mandatory. Head down to Cowell Beach, feel the warm sand between your toes and soak in the sun. After some playful moments of dipping your feet in the water, head to The Lane to watch the surfers off the cliff and see the iconic lighthouse at the end of the street. 

Later, two of your friends decide to try surfing, renting boards from a local surf shop. For the less adventurous (or more tired), there’s paddleboarding—a mellow alternative. There’s just something about being out on the water that instantly relaxes you, surrounded by the gleam of the midday sun on the ocean.

Post-beach morning, we suggest an excursion on the Sea Odyssey. A way to see the shores of Santa Cruz in a different POV and if you're lucky meet some local marine life in the water. If you're into shopping (like us!), we recommend heading over to the west side for a little vintage sourcing and stopping at our ONeill go-to, Toasted Jewelry, for an accessories stock up.

The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over everything, and you and your crew make your way back to the beach for one last stop before bed—a bonfire. It’s time to kick off those shoes and huddle around the fire, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and just be in the moment. The warmth of the flames matches the cozy, carefree vibe that’s been the theme of the day.

Today was perfect, and as you all curl up in blankets, watching the stars come out. Life feels full of possibilities.

It's Time to Road Trip to Sausalito, Mill Valley, and San Francisco

Rise and shine! It's time to head north for a day full of charm, nature, and city excitement. With hot coffee in hand, you and your friends embark on one of the most scenic drives along Highway 1 north to SF. The rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views are mesmerizing, and the vibe in the car is pure excitement. With the windows down, sun shining, and wind in your hair, everything feels perfect.

As you leave Santa Cruz behind, you make a quick stop in the enchanting coastal town of Sausalito. With its Mediterranean-style waterfront and picturesque views of San Francisco across the bay, it’s an irresistible detour. Check out the charming floating house boats and streets lined with boutique shops and cafés, maybe stopping for a quick pastry or a latte to fuel the next adventure. A short walk by the marina and you’re already dreaming of coming back to spend more time here.

Next, you head inland to Mill Valley, nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais. This hidden gem is all about laid-back luxury and natural beauty. We recommend eating at Hook Fish Co. and hitting Proof Lab and vintage stores in the area.

After soaking in the beauty of Sausalito and Mill Valley, it’s time to continue your journey. Drive to a look out point to view the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge. There’s nothing more iconic, and as you cross the bridge, it feels like you’re entering a whole new world. The city unfolds before you, shimmering in the midday light.

Before heading into the urban bustle, you stop at Golden Gate Park for a laid-back picnic. Spreading out a blanket, you and your friends dive into artisanal sandwiches and fresh fruit picked up from a local deli. The day is crystal-clear, with blue skies framing the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. You take turns snapping photos of each other, each shot better than the last, as if they belong on a postcard. The vibe is relaxed yet full of excitement for the city adventure ahead.

As the night winds down, you realize that the perfect day isn’t over just yet—there’s always one more adventure to be found in this city that never stops. Today is perfect, you had an unforgettable weekend, there’s no better feeling in the world.

This is our vacation dressing guide for an unforgettable girls' weekend, balancing beach vibes in Santa Cruz with the vibrant urban pulse of San Francisco. With sun, surf, shopping, and iconic sights, the weekend embodies freedom, friendship, and adventure. It's the perfect way to escape your routine and savor life's most joyful moments.