I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. 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. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! It has shifted to meth heads and needles. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. However, you do not have to choose where to stay based on the aquarium, as Santa Cruz and Monterey are only about 45 minutes apart. They won't hurt yu. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Is there a decent midprice one? If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Monterey's 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in #1 Downtown - Where to stay in Monterey first time #2 Munras Avenue - Where to stay in Monterey on a budget #3 Cannery Row - Best area to stay in Monterey for nightlife #4 Pacific Grove - Coolest place to stay in Monterey #5 Cannery Row (FAMILY) - Best neighbourhood in Monterey for families Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. 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). See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County 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. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. It'll be cheaper. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. Edited: 01 June . Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. It can be a good idea to take the PCH on the way to Monterey and take the quicker route along the US-101 Freeway. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. I concur with november moon. Places to Stay - Visit Santa Cruz County Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Instead, buy an eSIM! From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. 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. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Both areas have a lot to do. 7. :). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. 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. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Do you have any recommendations? Via: Where should I stop along the way? Things to Do. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Best Places to Stay on a California Coast Road Trip Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Santa Cruz vs Monterrey/Carmel First Timer. Please help! :) Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora And yes, the water is cold. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. 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. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Downtown is quite historic - Monterey was the first capitol of CA and there are several buildings from that time in the Monterey Historic Park and through downtown. Half Moon Bay. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. Road Trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco - LazyTrips Thank you so much for the advice, I think my kids will probably be ready for more beach and less scenery so we will stay in Santa Cruz. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. 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. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. It is an artsy neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre and is well-known for its colourful and vibrant buildings along with its great restaurants and artisanal shops. 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. 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. Monterey. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Making a trip in sept to Monterey , Carmel then Santa Cruz Stops and things to do on Monterey to Santa Cruz drive or road trip And finally, Aptos is the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for families because it has excellent beaches and outdoor activities as well as great dining, shopping and sightseeing. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. 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. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. Your decision sounds great! Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. $209. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. 1. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. 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. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. It will make traffic difficult in that area. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. 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. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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! Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. 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. If live music is more your thing, Midtown is also where youll find a great selection of concert halls and karaoke parlours, open mic nights and street-side buskers. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Santa Cruz to Monterey drive - plan a road trip The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. There are no "hippies". These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Theres also complimentary wifi. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Have a fun trip! This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Comfort Inn - Watsonville CA Hotel - Book Today!