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. 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.). Thanks! Monterey Hotel Deals; 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. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; My family of four is taking a 13 day trip to San Francisco (3 days), Yosemite (2 days) and down the coast ending in LA. What is your lodging budget? I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. If you want to go a more scenic way along the CA Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH), then plan that to take you about 2.25-2.5 hours. 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. It is world class. What do you think? The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Is Santa Cruz safe? Is there a decent midprice one? We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago I find people to be friendly, generally. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We love Capitola. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. When is your trip planned for? I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. 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. With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. Monterey or Santa Cruz. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. . 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. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. I concur with november moon. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Thanks all! Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay between Santa Cruz and Monterey, 4 miles inland of Moss Landing, 20 miles from Santa Cruz and 15-18 miles from Monterey and Carmel. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. 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. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? 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. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 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-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. This nature-rich . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. I think my kids would love it. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . 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. Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. Should we. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. All rights reserved. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. 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. There are no modern hippies. Just as close to everything. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. It will make traffic difficult in that area. Should we. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. 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). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Seriously. So its up to you what you want to do. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. It is an up-and-coming hipster hub that boasts a vast array of bike shops and furniture stores as well as rustic cafes, hip restaurants, and buzzing live music venues. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Monterey has a great bike path. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. From $113.05 per night. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. 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 . :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. I concur with november moon. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! 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. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. 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. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. 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. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is one of the most . They won't hurt yu. Youre connected. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. 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. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. per night. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. $209. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. There are several Best Westerns in town. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. It was incredible. We recommend Downtown. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? And it is farther from stuff. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! 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. 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. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. It'll be cheaper. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. 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. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free 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. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. 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. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. 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. Fun place! If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. And it is farther from stuff. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, Santa Cruz attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. 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. 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 No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Reserve now, pay when you stay. This post has been removed at the author's request. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 7. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. It was incredible. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. 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. :). It is world class. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. 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. Not true. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. 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 Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. Is this true? Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Instead, buy an eSIM! Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Thanks! Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Thanks SO much :). Driving the coast from SF to LA. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz.