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. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? 400 plus pictures, but I digress. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Just as close to everything. 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. 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. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Your decision sounds great! The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Big Sur Closed -- Should we stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?? - Santa In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. WHERE TO STAY in SANTA CRUZ - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. I concur with november moon. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. And oftentimes good food in that range. 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 ? Should we. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Posted 2:23:02 AM. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and 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 Is Santa Cruz safe? I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. 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. The direct drive from Monterey to Santa Cruz is 43.5 mi (70 km), and should have a drive time of 49 mins in normal traffic. Monterey has a great bike path. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :). Take a taxi from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $140 - $180 Drive 46 min Drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $7 - $12 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus 91 Weekly Buses 4h 10m Average Duration $6 Cheapest Price See schedules Questions & Answers I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Should I stay a night in Santa Cruz? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Thanks! We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. It is the bordering town to Monterey. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. Do you have any recommendations? View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. Open to suggestions. 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. We saw the Hearst Castle. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You won't regret it. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Where To Stay In Monterey, California: 15 Great | Trip101 Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. Not true. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Required fields are marked *. 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. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. 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. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Would you recommend one? I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. 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. Road Trip: Where to stay Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Tripadvisor We saw the Hearst Castle. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. 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. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. A hub of activity and attractions, the Boardwalk is our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for one night or if youre on a budget. Do you have any recommendations? Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum Hotel in Watsonville, CA | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn 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. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . Have a fun trip! Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. 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. What You Should Know About Managing Security Deposits as a New Property Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. I will definitely check into the train ride. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. 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. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Currently we have the below planned. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Is Monterey safer? Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. We love Capitola. You can whale watch from either town. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. 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. Things to Do. Santa Cruz Day Trip | Day Trips from San Jose | Visit San Jose Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html, Santa Cruz is focused more on the Boardwalk or to go see Henry Cowell Redwoods.it also has the ocean, surfing, and a winery section (not as nice as Carmel or Carmel Valley but enough wineries to enjoy in a ery short visit.). 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. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. What is your lodging budget? It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. I concur with november moon. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. Reserve now, pay when you stay. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. This post has been removed at the author's request. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 1. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. 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. And it is farther from stuff. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. 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. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Youre connected. 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. All rights reserved. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. It was incredible. 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. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town.

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