The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. You can whale watch from either town. 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. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? That was sort of cool to see. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. 831-372 . :). Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. From $113.05 per night. Not true. . The great whites should be in their summer residence in Aptos by then, they usually show up in April, and if that interests you they can be seen from the sand or there are boat tours. 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. 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 I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. This is north of the Boardwalk area. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. And it is farther from stuff. 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. We love Capitola. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. 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. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? All rights reserved. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Try to help and people have to go on a rant. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Thanks! If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Feast on fresh and delicious seafood and more at Stagnaro Bros. Go for a stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf and spot local wildlife like sea lions, whales, birds and more. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. 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. . Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. What is the makeup of your party? If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Theres also complimentary wifi. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. 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. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. They won't hurt yu. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Fun place! Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. There are several Best Westerns in town. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. Want to be featured in our list? We saw the Hearst Castle. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. This article was written by travellers for travellers. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. What do you think? I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. 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. Capitola (12 answers) I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. 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. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Things to Do. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Monterey has more going for it than Santa Cruz in terms of things to do as one can easily do Carmel, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur from there too. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Youre connected. 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. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. Santa Cruz. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Both areas have a lot to do. 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. Currently we have the below planned. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. This post has been removed at the author's request. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. I think my kids would love it. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. 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. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you for your input. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. 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. Have a fun trip! In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. 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 think my kids would love it. I concur with november moon. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? per night. 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. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109323473', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Its just that easy. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. 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. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. My family of four is taking a 13 day trip to San Francisco (3 days), Yosemite (2 days) and down the coast ending in LA. 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. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Thanks all! 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. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. We also love seeing wildlife. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Is Monterey safer? And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. So its up to you what you want to do. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Your email address will not be published. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. 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. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 1. Flexible booking options on most hotels. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77279322', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz are only 45 minutes apart, you can easily stay in one and visit the other, if you wish. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. 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. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. 7. It was incredible. Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. 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. 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. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. 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. Thank you for your input. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. And oftentimes good food in that range. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is this true? Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. The 1960's "hippie" students I mentioned are now retired lawyers, doctors, university professors, heads of universities, involved in the genome project, and important members of communities all over California. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. 2. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. 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. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. More information. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. They are adjacent. 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. 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. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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. Yall are great! Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. 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 ? Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Via: Where should I stop along the way? In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. I find people to be friendly, generally. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. It is one of the most . It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Seriously. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. This is the longest stretch. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. 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? I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum.