Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach. Is Monterey safer? Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Hotel in Watsonville, CA | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Again, thank you! This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. It is world class. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? Is It Better To Stay In Santa Cruz Or Monterey? - TravelMagma On I-5 from Pasadena, you'll have to go over the Grapevine, which is what I-5 is called where it goes through the mountains just north of the LA basin - every semi-truck in the Western US seems to go over this pass. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. What You Should Know About Managing Security Deposits as a New Property An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Whether or not it is worth it for your family depends on your interests and what you would otherwise be doing with the time spent at the aquarium. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. I'll also say that Monterey is nice if you're traveling with kids because of the Aquarium and the really cool Dennis the Menace playground, both of which we visited with our then 18-month-old son. What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Field Service Technician-Must reside in the Salinas/Gilroy/Monterey Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Your email address will not be published. Inspirational places to stay near beaches, redwood forests or in quaint seaside towns offer an array of choices when it comes to amenities and settings. That's coming a bit later in the form of Wallace's Weekender newsletter, which in addition to a boatload of recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County has an update on what Harbor High grad-turned-Hollywood A-lister Adam Scott has cooking these days. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Right now we have a hotel booked for SF so we will definitely start there.. but I'm flexible to make changes after spending 1 or 2 days in SF. We saw the Hearst Castle. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Your decision sounds great! I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. Would you recommend one? The price is $209 per night. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. Our top pick for where to stay in Santa Cruz for nightlife, this area is bursting with bars, restaurants and clubs where you can enjoy plenty of after-dark fun. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. Santa Cruz is just a 45-minute drive from the historic waterfront town of Monterey and is situated alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States.This protected ocean environment extends for 276 miles along the coastline and provides habitat for 36 . Just as close to everything. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. 831-372 . Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Road Trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco - LazyTrips 7855 Monterra Oaks is an exceptional 2.72 acre private homesite boasting unobstructed panoramic ocean views of Monterey Bay, city lights and the Santa Cruz mountains. Answer 11 of 17: We (myself & two young sons) are making our way up from LA to San Francisco next month & want to spend a night in either Monterey or Santa Cruz. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker What is your lodging budget? It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa Highway 1 is washed out and closed. In addition, between Monterey and Santa Cruz, you should visit Elkhorn Slough, where you can either rent kayahs or take a 'safari' boat trip out into the slough to see the vast amount of sea life. Rooms come complete with A/C and include refrigerators. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Furnished with an eye for detail, this Downtown Airbnb is the right place for visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77302454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel is, they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm ;-) so if you want any kind of nightlife other than a nice dinner out and perhaps drinks at a quiet bar, Monterey or Santa Cruz will be a better choice. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Santa Cruz vs Monterrey/Carmel First Timer. Please help! :) We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This post has been removed at the author's request. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Making a trip in sept to Monterey , Carmel then Santa Cruz I concur with november moon. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. Should we. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Hope this helps a bit! There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. per night. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Most hotels are fully refundable. Right now, It's all a bit overwhelming so if anyone could help me figure out what's best I would really really appreciate it! Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. The beach is wide and good for walking. Youre connected. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. We also love seeing wildlife. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. Show more. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. If youre not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite Santa Cruz accommodation options: HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is the best hostel in the city. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2022) I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. The downtown area of Santa Cruz is a bit funky but fun., I did see a person who was a street person once there with a backpacking cat. What do you think? This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171840', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cannery Row, have lunch then go back. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171840', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cannery Row, have lunch then go back. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Santa Cruz Day Trip | Day Trips from San Jose | Visit San Jose Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. On I-5 from Pasadena, you'll have to go over the Grapevine, which is what I-5 is called where it goes through the mountains just north of the LA basin - every semi-truck in the Western US seems to go over this pass. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. As you look for lodging for your trip, please come back and let us know what you find, so that we can give you advice on locations. Best Places to Stay on a California Coast Road Trip This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. The direct drive from Monterey to Santa Cruz is 43.5 mi (70 km), and should have a drive time of 49 mins in normal traffic. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Instead of staying "in Monterey" you might enjoy Carmel by the Sea or even Pacific Grove more as they are small towns by the water. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html, Santa Cruz is focused more on the Boardwalk or to go see Henry Cowell Redwoods.it also has the ocean, surfing, and a winery section (not as nice as Carmel or Carmel Valley but enough wineries to enjoy in a ery short visit.). Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. This is north of the Boardwalk area. Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. Places to Stay - Visit Santa Cruz County The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. As a matter of fact I purchased the ProShow Gold DVD slideshow software and made a 35 min show with music and gave to my kids on Xmas. A hub of activity and attractions, the Boardwalk is our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for one night or if youre on a budget. Theres also complimentary wifi. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. The coastline is rockier and generally more scenic, and although there are some beaches, Monterey isn't really a beach town - its focus is more on sailing/boating, fishing, and marine life. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. The 10 Best Santa Cruz Hotels (From $83) - Booking.com That was sort of cool to see. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are several Best Westerns in town. Monterey has a great bike path. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Most major cities along the coast including San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles have the presence of most hotel chains and it is easy to find a place to stay for all budgets. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. All rights reserved. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes.