Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Monterey or Santa Cruz. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77278122', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. I do not recommend staying at a hotel right near the Boardwalk, but there are some good ones nearer the Municipal Wharf, specifically the joie d'vivre Dream Inn, the Seaview Inn, the West Cliff Inn (a Victorian Bed and Breakfast) and a couple more. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Located at the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a relaxed and laid-back city known as a counterculture and artistic hub with a bohemian feel and youthful vibes. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. More information. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? We are pretty active so we like hiking and kayaking, but we also like to stay in nice accommodations at the end of the night with good food and a nice glass of wine. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. They are adjacent. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. We love Capitola. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I think my kids would love it. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. 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. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! There is a coastal recreation trail that runs through Monterey and Pacific Grove that is great for viewing the coastline and watching for sea mammals. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. Should we. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Its just that easy. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Santa Cruz to Monterey Park drive - plan a road trip Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals With the ages of your children, I highly suggest Santa Cruz, due to the amusement park right on the beach, the beach itself and the cute shops on the wharf. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. 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. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. :). Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. This post has been removed at the author's request. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Thanks to yall we decided to spend the first two days in SF, then two days in Santa Cruz & visit Carmel during our stay if we need a change of scenery and then back to SF on Friday (since we fly out saturday morning we figured we might as well be closer to the airport). The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? 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. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. And yes, the water is cold. Show more. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. And it is farther from stuff. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Aptos is our top pick for families. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. Again, thank you! Edited: 01 June . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. 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. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Where to Stay in Monterey or Carmel, CA: The Best Hotels Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. When is your trip planned for? We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. I concur with november moon. The 10 Best Santa Cruz Hotels (From $83) - Booking.com Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Its a great place to watch surfers. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? So since it sounds like you are heading on your trip at the end of August, please be aware that there is the Soberanes fire burning in Big Sur and it is not expected to be fully contained until the end of the month. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Morning Lookout: A local view of Iran uprising, UCSC's 'Grad Slam' and Flexible booking options on most hotels. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2022) Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Best Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town, facing the Pacific some 70 miles south of San Francisco. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. 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. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Thanks all! Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. Reserve now, pay when you stay. 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This colourful and European-esque neighbourhood is one of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz because it has great dining, pristine beaches and lots of things to see and do. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. So whether youre looking to relax, surf, eat or party, Santa Cruz is a city that has something amazing for travellers of all ages, styles and even budgets. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Santa Cruzs 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in, #1 Downtown Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Your First Time, #2 The Boardwalk Where to Stay in Santa Cruz on a Budget, #3 Midtown Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Nightlife, #4 Capitola Coolest Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, #5 Aptos Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Families, FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Santa Cruz. We also love seeing wildlife. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. 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. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Required fields are marked *. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. Via: Where should I stop along the way? I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Do you have any recommendations? Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. You can whale watch from either town. . Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 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. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. 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. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Capitola (12 answers) Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas!) It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. 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. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz and Overnight Day 2: Walk to Aptos 11 miles / 18 km Day 3: Walk to Moss Landing 13 miles / 22 km Day 4: Walk to Marina 7 miles / 11 km Day 5: Walk to Monterey 11 miles / 19 km Day 6: Onward Travel. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). 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. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. Rooms come complete with A/C and include refrigerators. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Highway 1 Road Trip: Overnight stay in Monterey vs. Santa Cruz Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor 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. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. All rights reserved. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a coastal recreation trail that runs through Monterey and Pacific Grove that is great for viewing the coastline and watching for sea mammals. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. What You Should Know About Managing Security Deposits as a New Property Environmental activist Dan Haifley argues that Monterey Bay residents should care about and support the potential designation of tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering waters off San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay between Santa Cruz and Monterey, 4 miles inland of Moss Landing, 20 miles from Santa Cruz and 15-18 miles from Monterey and Carmel. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The beach is wide and good for walking. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Field Service Technician-Must reside in the Salinas/Gilroy/Monterey Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Home [ksco.com] (the aquarium sounds amazing). You can whale watch from either town. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Your decision sounds great! And it is farther from stuff. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. 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 is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? The good news: Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula are only 45 minutes apart, so you can stay in one and easily visit the other. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . It is the bordering town to Monterey. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77293425', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz will never live down the fact that the University was founded just before the 60's revolution", 50 years ago, by the way. I concur with november moon. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. It breaks down the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz by interest and budget, so youll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Do you have any recommendations? If you want to go a more scenic way along the CA Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH), then plan that to take you about 2.25-2.5 hours. I know because I know a lot of them personally, I am always astounded when people still say that Santa Cruz has a 'hippie vibe."downtown. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Instead, buy an eSIM! Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. I can't tell you the length of time from Cambria to Santa Cruz as we stopped along the way for pics and had lunch at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Thank you for your input. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77278932', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel and point Lobos and Pacific grove and Monterey and Elkhorn Slough there is a lot on the peninsula, And between SC and its burbs and redwood parks and the state parks and downtown SC one can easily spend a few days in SC, Do keep an eye on the big Sur fire around the end of this month.
Antique Frankoma Pottery,
Basilica Of St Mary Mass Times,
Oregon Missing Persons,
Articles S
