Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Half Moon Bay. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. Is Santa Cruz safe? Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Home [ksco.com] Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. You won't regret it. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. 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 ? Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. 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. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Best Places To Stay In Monterey Bay - WhereToStayClub.com I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. This is the best hostel in 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! 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. Where To Stay In Monterey, California: 15 Great | Trip101 Big Sur Closed -- Should we stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?? - Santa This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. 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. Both are good choices. 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. I concur with november moon. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Field Service Technician-Must reside in the Salinas/Gilroy/Monterey I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. 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. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. There are no "hippies". This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Thanks SO much :). Do you have any recommendations? Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. The Ultimate 17-Mile Drive Itinerary - California Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Message Board - Tripadvisor Flexible booking options on most hotels. 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! I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. 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. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Is there a decent midprice one? 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. Monterey has a great bike path. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. I will definitely check into the train ride. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor The downtown area of Santa Cruz is a bit funky but fun., I did see a person who was a street person once there with a backpacking cat. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Carmel has a great little white sand beach and a European cottagey vibe with lots of boutique stores (it is a pretty unique little community), Pacific Grove has Victorian B and B's but other more casual lodging with coastal bluff walkways. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. Rooms come complete with A/C and include refrigerators. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. 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. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. More information. I find people to be friendly, generally. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. Would you recommend one? Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Itinerary. Santa Cruz to Monterey Park drive - plan a road trip Things to Do. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. This is the longest stretch. I think my kids would love it. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. 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 ? Required fields are marked *. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. We saw the Hearst Castle. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. 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. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Fun place! Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. 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. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I will definitely check into the train ride. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Capitola (12 answers) What do you think? As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio See a show at the intimate and awesome Rio Theatre. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. Morning Lookout: A local view of Iran uprising, UCSC's 'Grad Slam' and I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. And it is farther from stuff. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times What is the makeup of your party? Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can whale watch from either town. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. 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. 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. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Hotel in Watsonville, CA | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. 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. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. 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. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. Both areas have a lot to do. Thank you for your input. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. Yall are great! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. 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. Your email address will not be published. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Is Monterey safer? The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of 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. 2. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. 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. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. It is world class. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 - montereybayprop.com It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. And yes, the water is cold. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. From $113.05 per night. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. There are several Best Westerns in town. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? Monterey Hotel Deals; Here are some of the main landmarks that you should not miss in Monterey, CA: Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row the Old Fishermans Wharf Monterey Museum of Art Monterey State Historic Park Have a nice time in Monterey, Eylul Best Hostel In Cannery Row: Hi Monterey BEST Things to See in Monterey, California | Weekend Travel Guide Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. It is known for its European style houses, cosy cafes, and luxe restaurants, which is why Aptos is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. It is world class. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Both are great. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. Casablanca On The Beach 101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $144 per night Mar 5 - Mar 6 1.01 mi from city center 8.4/5 (810 reviews) N reason to go anywhere else. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. 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. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. 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.
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