Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. Downtown is quite historic - Monterey was the first capitol of CA and there are several buildings from that time in the Monterey Historic Park and through downtown. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. 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. 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. We also love seeing wildlife. There are no modern hippies. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. It is world class. Fun place! tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. 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. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. 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. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Things to Do. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. 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. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. Reserve now, pay when you stay. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. 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. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. You won't regret it. Aptos is our top pick for families. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 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. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. 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. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! We do not represent World Nomads. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. 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. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Should we. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. Show more. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. 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. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! 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. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Again, thank you! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. 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). Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Would you recommend one? 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. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. 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. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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. 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? Monterey or Santa Cruz. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. 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). The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Seriously. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. 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. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. 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. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. 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. Via: Where should I stop along the way? What is your lodging budget? It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz and Overnight Day 2: Walk to Aptos 11 miles / 18 km Day 3: Walk to Moss Landing 13 miles / 22 km Day 4: Walk to Marina 7 miles / 11 km Day 5: Walk to Monterey 11 miles / 19 km Day 6: Onward Travel. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. 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 However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. 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 :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Breakfast options. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. 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. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. 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. 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. 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. Is Santa Cruz safe? Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. Monterey. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. 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.). When is your trip planned for? My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). Thanks SO much :). The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. 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 . Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. 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. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. Thanks to yall we decided to spend the first two days in SF, then two days in Santa Cruz & visit Carmel during our stay if we need a change of scenery and then back to SF on Friday (since we fly out saturday morning we figured we might as well be closer to the airport).
