Redwood Forest, Santa Cruz Harbor 1-Day Trip from San Francisco
Jupiter Legend Corporation
3.7
Marie_V
1 year ago
It was an interesting tour. I would recommend the tour and the Guide. Charlie spoke mandarin to the other guests but always made sure I also got the information in english. Charlie was very knowledgable about every stop on the tour and a very safe driver. Capitola was a lovely little spot for a great margarita. Abolone farm was closed but there was a lovely senic beach we were able to enjoy instead. Santa Clara wa sgreat. We had almost two hours there and walked every bit of the pier and board walk which had an awesome VW car show that day. From there we went to the Steam train and it was a blast!
Only drawback to the tour?There was some confusion about the pick up stop and we ended up going from San Jose to Oakland to meet our tour...which then drove us back through san jose, so it would have been nice if we could have avoided the first two hours of backtracking and transferring to another van.
Highly recommended! Ask for Charlie!
Escape the city for a full day of redwoods and ocean views on this round-trip tour from San Francisco. Start in the historic frontier setting of Roaring Camp before boarding a vintage steam train for a 75-minute ride through towering redwoods, one of the few remaining steam-powered routes in the country. Continue to Santa Cruz Harbor for waterfront strolls, sailboat views, and time to grab a snack by the ocean. Then unwind at Capitola Beach, known for its colorful village, calm waves, and postcard-ready scenery. With all logistics handled and transport included, this tour delivers a seamless blend of forest beauty, coastal charm, and classic California sights in a single day.
Departure Point
- 08:00AM Departure Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure 99 Ranch Marketing Warm Springs Plaza;
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market San Jose
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 06:30AM Departure Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure Union Square Macy's.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
Return Details
- 08:00AM Departure Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure 99 Ranch Marketing Warm Springs Plaza;
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market San Jose
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 06:30AM Departure Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure Union Square Macy's.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
Duration
8 hours - 10 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Your day begins with an easy pickup in San Francisco, where you can settle into a clean, comfortable vehicle before heading south. This kickoff ensures travelers skip traffic stress and enjoy the views of the coast and rolling hills as the city fades behind them, a perfect start to a day of nature and relaxation.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Roaring Camp Railroads
5401 Graham Hill Rd, Santa Cruz, California
Roaring Camp is a meticulously preserved frontier-style town that feels like stepping into old California. Wooden buildings, historic details, and peaceful forest surroundings set the stage for your redwood adventure. It’s the only place in the region where travelers can board an authentic steam train, making it a standout highlight.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Redwood National Park
California
Redwood Forest Steam Train: This iconic ride takes you deep into the Santa Cruz Mountains aboard a 19th-century steam locomotive. As the train climbs through towering redwood groves, travelers get sweeping views, fresh mountain air, and a narrated look at the forest’s natural and cultural history. It’s immersive, scenic, and uniquely Californian, the type of experience visitors remember for years.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Stop At: Santa Cruz Harbor
135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Harbor offers coastal calm with sailboats drifting in and out, waterfront cafés, and sea breeze views. Whether guests want to stroll along the marina, grab a snack, or take photos by the shoreline, this stop delivers the quintessential California seaside moment without the tourist-heavy crowds.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Capitola Beach
Capitola, California
Capitola Beach is famous for its vibrant pastel village, gentle waves, and boutique-lined streets. It’s small, charming, and perfect for travelers looking for a picturesque place to relax. The colorful buildings and scenic shoreline create a photo backdrop that feels straight out of a coastal magazine.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: San Francisco
San Francisco, California
After a full day of redwoods and coastline, guests are comfortably driven back to San Francisco. No long drives, no hassle, just a smooth, scenic return that lets everyone unwind, scroll through their photos, and relive the highlights of their California escape.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
- Tour duration includes visit times, travel, traffic, and driving between locations.
- Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
- Please note: Cash is required during the tour for certain attractions, shops, and tickets. Guests are advised to prepare sufficient cash in advance.
- For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted. All admission tickets must be purchased during booking or from your guide on the day of the tour.
- Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and water for hydration. A valid reachable phone number is required for safety and trip communication.
- For individual special needs, tour operator may not be able to guarantee it. For special reasons, please confirm with the tour operator whether your special request is feasible after your booking is confirmed.
- Travel with an expert Tour Guide/Driver Guide for a Smooth and Insightful Journey
- Ride in Comfortable and Professionally Maintained Vehicles (vehicle based on number of guests)
- Admission ticket to Redwood Forest Steam Train
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses
- Meals, Food and Drinks
- Gratuities (15% - 20% Recommended)
Redemption Instructions
Please notify your order number or invoice number upon payment. Present your receipt and voucher upon check-in.
Please arrive at the starting point 5 mins before departure time.
Know Before You Go
1. The maximal waiting time for any late passengers is 10 minutes beyond the meeting time announced by the Tour Guide. While the supplier makes every effort to provide on-time service, it does not guarantee to arrive at or depart from any point.as a specific time, which may be affected by any number of factors including weather, traffic, strikes, government shutdowns, war or terrorist attacks, or mechanical prob- lems. The supplier is not liable for any inconvenience or expense caused as a result of such a delay, not liable for the expense of connecting air or train or bus service missed as a result of a delay and not liable for any other travel expense caused as a result of a delay.
2. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation and Ctour Holiday reserve the right, when operating conditions require, transferring passengers from one vehicle to another en route.
3. The following documents are recommended to make your check-in process smooth: A valid photo ID is required to board the bus; We recommend you bring a copy of the email confirmation to board the bus.
4. Pets and animals are not allowed on the vehicle.
5. Emergency contact: (Toll Free) +1(866)585-8747 or +1(212)334-4222.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Jupiter Legend Corporation in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Escape the city for a full day of redwoods and ocean views on this round-trip tour from San Francisco. Start in the historic frontier setting of Roaring Camp before boarding a vintage steam train for a 75-minute ride through towering redwoods, one of the few remaining steam-powered routes in the country. Continue to Santa Cruz Harbor for waterfront strolls, sailboat views, and time to grab a snack by the ocean. Then unwind at Capitola Beach, known for its colorful village, calm waves, and postcard-ready scenery. With all logistics handled and transport included, this tour delivers a seamless blend of forest beauty, coastal charm, and classic California sights in a single day.
Departure Point
- 08:00AM Departure Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure 99 Ranch Marketing Warm Springs Plaza;
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market San Jose
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 06:30AM Departure Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure Union Square Macy's.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
Return Details
- 08:00AM Departure Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure 99 Ranch Marketing Warm Springs Plaza;
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:15AM Departure 99 Ranch Market San Jose
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 06:30AM Departure Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
- 07:30AM Departure Union Square Macy's.
Please note: no parking or bathrooms available at starting point.
Duration
8 hours - 10 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Your day begins with an easy pickup in San Francisco, where you can settle into a clean, comfortable vehicle before heading south. This kickoff ensures travelers skip traffic stress and enjoy the views of the coast and rolling hills as the city fades behind them, a perfect start to a day of nature and relaxation.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Roaring Camp Railroads
5401 Graham Hill Rd, Santa Cruz, California
Roaring Camp is a meticulously preserved frontier-style town that feels like stepping into old California. Wooden buildings, historic details, and peaceful forest surroundings set the stage for your redwood adventure. It’s the only place in the region where travelers can board an authentic steam train, making it a standout highlight.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Redwood National Park
California
Redwood Forest Steam Train: This iconic ride takes you deep into the Santa Cruz Mountains aboard a 19th-century steam locomotive. As the train climbs through towering redwood groves, travelers get sweeping views, fresh mountain air, and a narrated look at the forest’s natural and cultural history. It’s immersive, scenic, and uniquely Californian, the type of experience visitors remember for years.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Stop At: Santa Cruz Harbor
135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Harbor offers coastal calm with sailboats drifting in and out, waterfront cafés, and sea breeze views. Whether guests want to stroll along the marina, grab a snack, or take photos by the shoreline, this stop delivers the quintessential California seaside moment without the tourist-heavy crowds.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Capitola Beach
Capitola, California
Capitola Beach is famous for its vibrant pastel village, gentle waves, and boutique-lined streets. It’s small, charming, and perfect for travelers looking for a picturesque place to relax. The colorful buildings and scenic shoreline create a photo backdrop that feels straight out of a coastal magazine.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: San Francisco
San Francisco, California
After a full day of redwoods and coastline, guests are comfortably driven back to San Francisco. No long drives, no hassle, just a smooth, scenic return that lets everyone unwind, scroll through their photos, and relive the highlights of their California escape.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
- Tour duration includes visit times, travel, traffic, and driving between locations.
- Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
- Please note: Cash is required during the tour for certain attractions, shops, and tickets. Guests are advised to prepare sufficient cash in advance.
- For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted. All admission tickets must be purchased during booking or from your guide on the day of the tour.
- Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and water for hydration. A valid reachable phone number is required for safety and trip communication.
- For individual special needs, tour operator may not be able to guarantee it. For special reasons, please confirm with the tour operator whether your special request is feasible after your booking is confirmed.
- Travel with an expert Tour Guide/Driver Guide for a Smooth and Insightful Journey
- Ride in Comfortable and Professionally Maintained Vehicles (vehicle based on number of guests)
- Admission ticket to Redwood Forest Steam Train
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses
- Meals, Food and Drinks
- Gratuities (15% - 20% Recommended)
Redemption Instructions
Please notify your order number or invoice number upon payment. Present your receipt and voucher upon check-in.
Please arrive at the starting point 5 mins before departure time.
Know Before You Go
1. The maximal waiting time for any late passengers is 10 minutes beyond the meeting time announced by the Tour Guide. While the supplier makes every effort to provide on-time service, it does not guarantee to arrive at or depart from any point.as a specific time, which may be affected by any number of factors including weather, traffic, strikes, government shutdowns, war or terrorist attacks, or mechanical prob- lems. The supplier is not liable for any inconvenience or expense caused as a result of such a delay, not liable for the expense of connecting air or train or bus service missed as a result of a delay and not liable for any other travel expense caused as a result of a delay.
2. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation and Ctour Holiday reserve the right, when operating conditions require, transferring passengers from one vehicle to another en route.
3. The following documents are recommended to make your check-in process smooth: A valid photo ID is required to board the bus; We recommend you bring a copy of the email confirmation to board the bus.
4. Pets and animals are not allowed on the vehicle.
5. Emergency contact: (Toll Free) +1(866)585-8747 or +1(212)334-4222.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Jupiter Legend Corporation in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
3.7
based on Groupon 12 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Ray_C
Picked up at Union Square San Francisco & driven in small car to San Josè. Met tour guide in a hotel lobby and swapped to tour bus. Only 6 of us. Lovely tour guide.
Went to Capitola beach for 1 hour but too early as most things closed. Then went to Santa Cruz boardwalk for 1 hour. Too far to walk to town so just tourist gift shops and cafes on boardwalk.
Went to Roaring Camp for the steam train through the redwoods but after a 4 hour delay Roaring Camp cancelled the whole train and kicked us all out. Not our tour guide’s fault and he made sure we all got a cash refund for that part of the trip.
To make up for the disappointment he took us to Mystery Spot but it was fully booked. Whole day a big disappointment to be honest. Certainly not a trip I would take again or recommend.
Marie_V
It was an interesting tour. I would recommend the tour and the Guide. Charlie spoke mandarin to the other guests but always made sure I also got the information in english. Charlie was very knowledgable about every stop on the tour and a very safe driver. Capitola was a lovely little spot for a great margarita. Abolone farm was closed but there was a lovely senic beach we were able to enjoy instead. Santa Clara wa sgreat. We had almost two hours there and walked every bit of the pier and board walk which had an awesome VW car show that day. From there we went to the Steam train and it was a blast!
Only drawback to the tour?There was some confusion about the pick up stop and we ended up going from San Jose to Oakland to meet our tour...which then drove us back through san jose, so it would have been nice if we could have avoided the first two hours of backtracking and transferring to another van.
Highly recommended! Ask for Charlie!
Darlene_C
Trees! Big ones! Train ride thru the Redwood Forest. Santa Cruz was ok. Capitola Beach beautiful. Sunny. Would have like longer time at Santa Cruz for lunch and shopping
Marianne_C
Nice day trip. Fun. Loved the redwood train. Food at the redwoods was good. Van driver safe and very friendly.
Doug M
Our tour guide was awful. His English was so bad we couldn’t understand most of what was said.
And his microphone didn’t work .
There were two other couples on the tour. Both of them were of Asian descent as where are tour guides I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing but when our tour guide gave us a time to be back, my daughter and I were proximately 10 minutes early both couples were already on the bus, and our guy was fussing at us and telling us to “hurry up get on the van” like we were late, finally at the third stop when he was driving, partway down the road WITHOUT US I was frustrated enough I fussed back at him and say “you told us 2 o’clock” and he looked at me and he looked at his watch and he said “yes it is 1:52. We have to go now” absolutely ridiculous.
The description of the tour is NOT accurate on TripAdvisor.
You don’t go to redwood national park apparently that’s in the northern part of California several hours away from San Francisco. I did not notice because I’ve never been in California before I just picked what I thought was a really cool trip apparently NOT.
The final icing on the cake was our tour guide told us because we booked through Tripadvisor. He was owed a 12% tip.
Yes he actually told us that I gave a tip because he was training someone, and I’m not a jerk, good Lord I hope that person listens better Oh and as it turns out, he never gave the guy any of it.
I was furious , the train ride was cool but I put in hours of blood, sweat and tears to get to the train ride. I would give this a zero if I could.
Debbe North Carolina