Thanks! We also love seeing wildlife. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . . 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. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. 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. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. 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 ? Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Monterey has a great bike path. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. 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. 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. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. You won't regret it. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. 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. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. Is there a decent midprice one? They are adjacent. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. It is world class. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. 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. 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. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? 7.7 Good 206 reviews. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 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. Would you recommend one? Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? And it is farther from stuff. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Aptos is our top pick for families. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:21 pm drive for about 5 minutes 4:26 pm arrive in Monterey stay at Mission Ranch Hotel driving 1.5 hours Change your route From: To: Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Santa Cruz to Monterey. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. 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. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We saw the Hearst Castle. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. We do not represent World Nomads. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. 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. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. It really just depends on what you are looking for. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. 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. 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. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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. 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 The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Your decision sounds great! Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. We love Capitola. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Is Monterey safer? 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. And it is farther from stuff. Both are great. This article was written by travellers for travellers. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. (the aquarium sounds amazing). It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. I think my kids would love it. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! 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. 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. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. They won't hurt yu. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. It is the bordering town to Monterey. I concur with november moon. 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). I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. 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. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. This is north of the Boardwalk area. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Want to be featured in our list? The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Required fields are marked *. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. 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. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Home; For Rent. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Would you recommend one? Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. 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. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. The price is $209 per night. Things to Do. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. 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. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. 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. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. Looking for a specific place to stay? Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. Do you have any recommendations? Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Breakfast options. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Thanks all! 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? 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. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Most hotels are fully refundable. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. Thanks all! The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). This nature-rich . If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. I find people to be friendly, generally. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. It was incredible. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. 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.