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. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. 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. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. This article was written by travellers for travellers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. 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. 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. Both areas have a lot to do. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Fun place! Is your phone eSIM ready? Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Looking for a specific place to stay? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77281854', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');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. Would you recommend one? Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. It is one of the most . Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Want to be featured in our list? I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 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. From $113.05 per night. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. This nature-rich . Monterey or Santa Cruz. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Yall are great! Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. Aptos is our top pick for families. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. You won't regret it. What do you think? There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. I concur with november moon. 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. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. Monterey. Your email address will not be published. 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. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. 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. When is your trip planned for? We do not represent World Nomads. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. Thank you for your input. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. There are several Best Westerns in town. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. See a show at the intimate and awesome Rio Theatre. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. And yes, the water is cold. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. The town has lots of motels which can sometimes help save on cost (depends when you go as summer is still high in this area as well). Breakfast options. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. Is Santa Cruz safe? 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. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. Is there a decent midprice one? Mar 5 - Mar 6. . 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. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 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. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. There are no modern hippies. 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. This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Capitola (12 answers) Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. (the aquarium sounds amazing). Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. So its up to you what you want to do. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77302454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel is, they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm ;-) so if you want any kind of nightlife other than a nice dinner out and perhaps drinks at a quiet bar, Monterey or Santa Cruz will be a better choice. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. 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 consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Monterey has a great bike path. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Both are good choices. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. 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's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. 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. Is this true? Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Required fields are marked *. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. Things to Do. We saw the Hearst Castle. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. 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. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. It is a large area comprised of three main neighbourhoods Seacliff, Rio Del Mar and La Selva and is a great place to stay if youre looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. We are pretty active so we like hiking and kayaking, but we also like to stay in nice accommodations at the end of the night with good food and a nice glass of wine. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . 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. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? This neighbourhood is also our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids because it has a great variety of family-friendly fun, activities and adventures. 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. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Its just that easy. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Driving the coast from SF to LA. . The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. We saw the Hearst Castle. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. It was incredible. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few!
