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. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. There are several Best Westerns in town. And oftentimes good food in that range. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. I find people to be friendly, generally. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. They are adjacent. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? Looking for a specific place to stay? 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. Santa Cruz. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor You didn't ask this, but because San Simeon and Morro Bay are so close to Paso Robles and then not all that far from Pismo Beach, I'd probably opt for 2 nights in either Paso Robles or Pismo Beach instead of a single night each in Paso, San Simeon/Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach. 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. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. . Should we. 4:02 pm King City (California) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 50 minutes. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. Have a fun trip! It is the bordering town to Monterey. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. There are no "hippies". A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. All amenities are in great condition, the beach is right around the corner and the living area is perfect to gather the whole family for dinner after a long and exciting day. What is your lodging budget? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. You won't regret it. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. Its just that easy. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is our pick for the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz if youre visiting for the first time because it has plenty of cultural attractions; is packed with bars, restaurants and shops; and, allows for easy access throughout the city and the wider county. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. Do you have any recommendations? Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. Aptos is our top pick for families. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. 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. Los Angeles to Monterey via Hwy 101/1 - concerns Best places to eat in Monterey and or Carmel area, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. . 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. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. Your decision sounds great! Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. 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. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Currently we have the below planned. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? What You Should Know About Managing Security Deposits as a New Property I would have a hard time finding stuff to . From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. It was incredible. Both are good choices. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. And yes, the water is cold. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. 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 . The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Road Trip: Where to stay Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Tripadvisor We saw the Hearst Castle. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? From $113.05 per night. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Big Sur Closed -- Should we stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?? - Santa Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. The Ultimate 17-Mile Drive Itinerary - California It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor I will definitely check into the train ride. 1. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. We recommend Downtown. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better room in a better location than at the Wayfarer (12 E. Montecito St., 805/845-1000, dorm beds $50-90, private rooms $200-300). This is north of the Boardwalk area. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Do check that the Boardwalk is open when you are there as the hours are starting to be shorter as schools are starting to go back into session. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. It is an up-and-coming hipster hub that boasts a vast array of bike shops and furniture stores as well as rustic cafes, hip restaurants, and buzzing live music venues. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. 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. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. 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. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. (the aquarium sounds amazing). Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. This nature-rich . Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Best Places to Stay on a California Coast Road Trip Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). Fun place! But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. . Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Its a great place to watch surfers. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! Is there a decent midprice one? This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. Stops and things to do on Monterey to Santa Cruz drive or road trip How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. This is the longest stretch. How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Thank you for your input. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas!) Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California you have to be south of Point Conception, which is just north of Santa Barbara. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com Monterey Hotel Deals; I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Making a trip in sept to Monterey , Carmel then Santa Cruz Half Moon Bay. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are several Best Westerns in town. Is Santa Cruz safe? We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Thanks SO much :). 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. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. Both areas have a lot to do. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, Santa Cruz attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. It really just depends on what you are looking for. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. You'll enjoy a meal of shrimp, oysters and clam chowder after your day in the town or hunting for killer whales and dolphin pods while sailing the pacific. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. Answer 21 of 26: So with all the road and park closures in Big Sur we are considering cancelling our two night stay there in early March. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Edited to add that near Henry Cowell state park is Roaring Camp Railroad, which is a narrow gauge steam train that takes people on rides through the redwoods. It is a laid-back and funky town that offers great restaurants, independent shops, lively nightlife and some of the best beaches in the state. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Home [ksco.com] Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just as close to everything. 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. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Seriously. Monterey or Santa Cruz. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? We love Capitola. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? What do you think? Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Monterey. 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. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? $209. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County Should I stay a night in Santa Cruz? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. I think my kids would love 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. I concur with november moon. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary 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.