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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Capitola (12 answers) Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. 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. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. As you look for lodging for your trip, please come back and let us know what you find, so that we can give you advice on locations. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. What is your lodging budget? The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. You won't regret it. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. You can whale watch from either town. :). 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. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. You won't regret it. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. . Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. What do you think? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. Your email address will not be published. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. It is the bordering town to Monterey. We love Capitola. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. 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. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Want to be featured in our list? 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. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. I will definitely check into the train ride. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. 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. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. 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 My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Thanks all! Thank you for your input. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. And oftentimes good food in that range. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. 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. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. 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. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. Required fields are marked *. Instead, buy an eSIM! Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. 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. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. It will make traffic difficult in that area. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! Thanks all! Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. 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. 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. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. 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). Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. It is one of the most . This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. And yes, the water is cold. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Home; For Rent. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Should we. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. 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. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Looking for a specific place to stay? Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Is this true? It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. 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-77278932', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel and point Lobos and Pacific grove and Monterey and Elkhorn Slough there is a lot on the peninsula, And between SC and its burbs and redwood parks and the state parks and downtown SC one can easily spend a few days in SC, Do keep an eye on the big Sur fire around the end of this month. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. It is world class. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). Seriously. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. 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. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Just as close to everything. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Monterey has a great bike path. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Breakfast options. This is north of the Boardwalk area. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. 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 ? I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Should we. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. Inspirational places to stay near beaches, redwood forests or in quaint seaside towns offer an array of choices when it comes to amenities and settings. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77293425', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz will never live down the fact that the University was founded just before the 60's revolution", 50 years ago, by the way. (the aquarium sounds amazing). Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. The beach is wide and good for walking. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. I concur with november moon. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. 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. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77279322', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz are only 45 minutes apart, you can easily stay in one and visit the other, if you wish. 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. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Is there a decent midprice one? Aptos is our top pick for families. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. What is the makeup of your party? Via: Where should I stop along the way? That was sort of cool to see. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. 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. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. The great whites should be in their summer residence in Aptos by then, they usually show up in April, and if that interests you they can be seen from the sand or there are boat tours. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. Take a taxi from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $140 - $180 Drive 46 min Drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $7 - $12 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus 91 Weekly Buses 4h 10m Average Duration $6 Cheapest Price See schedules Questions & Answers I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Reserve now, pay when you stay. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Is Monterey safer? And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. Both areas have a lot to do. 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). Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. 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 ? Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. More information. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. 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. 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. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. 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. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California you have to be south of Point Conception, which is just north of Santa Barbara. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. This is the longest stretch. 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. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. 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. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. 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. 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. Itinerary. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Posted 2:23:02 AM. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August.