Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor And oftentimes good food in that range. Monterey or Santa Cruz. 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. 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. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. 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. 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. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Seriously. It really just depends on what you are looking for. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. I think my kids would love it. 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. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. This is north of the Boardwalk area. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Open to suggestions. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Home; For Rent. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Feast on fresh and delicious seafood and more at Stagnaro Bros. Go for a stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf and spot local wildlife like sea lions, whales, birds and more. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. 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. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Is It Better To Stay In Santa Cruz Or Monterey? - TravelMagma Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Your email address will not be published. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. How do I get from San Jose to Santa Cruz without a car? - 2023 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. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from $60 - Expedia 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. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. :). Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Natural Bridges and other beach parks. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. 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. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. . 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. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. What do you think? Both are good choices. It is world class. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. What is your lodging budget? :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Hotel in Watsonville, CA | Comfort Inn Official Site | Comfort Inn Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Youre connected. 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 ? Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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.). Monterey. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. 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. We do not represent World Nomads. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. . Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Thanks! This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 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. The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. A lot of people try to do the drive with only 1 or maybe 2 overnights, so splitting the trip more or less evenly becomes important, but with your plan, that's not an issue. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. From $113.05 per night. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". I know because I know a lot of them personally, I am always astounded when people still say that Santa Cruz has a 'hippie vibe."downtown. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 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. 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 Thank you so much for the advice, I think my kids will probably be ready for more beach and less scenery so we will stay in Santa Cruz. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Its just that easy. 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 - MLS ML81920539 - Coldwell Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. So since it sounds like you are heading on your trip at the end of August, please be aware that there is the Soberanes fire burning in Big Sur and it is not expected to be fully contained until the end of the month. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. It is an artsy neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre and is well-known for its colourful and vibrant buildings along with its great restaurants and artisanal shops. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Is this true? Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. 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. per night. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. It is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Theres also complimentary wifi. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. That was sort of cool to see. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. Have a fun trip! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Would you recommend one? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5.
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