This is the longest stretch. 1. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. 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. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. 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. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Seriously. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2022) You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Would you recommend one? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. 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. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. 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 Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Instead, buy an eSIM! 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. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker 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. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. They won't hurt yu. 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. Itinerary. 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. Not true. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Most hotels are fully refundable. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. Making a trip in sept to Monterey , Carmel then Santa Cruz Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. 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. WHERE TO STAY in SANTA CRUZ - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. I think my kids would love it. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com There are several Best Westerns in town. Santa Cruz is just a 45-minute drive from the historic waterfront town of Monterey and is situated alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States.This protected ocean environment extends for 276 miles along the coastline and provides habitat for 36 . . Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east of Santa Cruz. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Should we. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. Best Places to Stay on a California Coast Road Trip Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Want to be featured in our list? It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Theres also complimentary wifi. 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. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. And oftentimes good food in that range. I will definitely check into the train ride. 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. We also love seeing wildlife. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Its just that easy. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. Should we. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Thank you for your input. All rights reserved. Required fields are marked *. 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. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. 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. Posted 2:23:02 AM. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Open to suggestions. 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. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Big Sur Closed -- Should we stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?? - Santa Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Is there a decent midprice one? The Ultimate 17-Mile Drive Itinerary - California World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. 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. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Yall are great! This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? From here, head up H-17 toward Felton for your first stop at Roaring Camp Railroads.Catch the steam train for an unforgettable ride through the magnificent redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains until you reach the end of the line at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! Road Trip: Where to stay Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Tripadvisor It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County It will make traffic difficult in that area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 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. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. 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. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. 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. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Previso meteorolgica de inverno em Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz 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 ? My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. I concur with november moon. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Natural Bridges and other beach parks. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Edited: 01 June . However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. I have lived through this, having moved here in 1970 and been involved in the University and I am very tired of hearing Santa Cruz described as having a "hippie vibe", C'mon, you guys. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Looking for a specific place to stay? Santa Cruz Island to Monterey - 8 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio 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. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Instead of staying "in Monterey" you might enjoy Carmel by the Sea or even Pacific Grove more as they are small towns by the water. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor What do you think? 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. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. 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. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Half Moon Bay. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Where to Stay in Monterey or Carmel, CA: The Best Hotels It breaks down the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz by interest and budget, so youll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Hotel in Watsonville, CA | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Is your phone eSIM ready? 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. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. . You won't regret it. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Do you have any recommendations? Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Is this true? It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 7. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. 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. 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. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. 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. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. Best Places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. We love Capitola. Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas!) 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. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one.