ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. And it is farther from stuff. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . 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. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. 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. And finally, Aptos is the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for families because it has excellent beaches and outdoor activities as well as great dining, shopping and sightseeing. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. What is the makeup of your party? Is this true? Is there a decent midprice one? I concur with november moon. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. 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. Is Monterey safer? There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. 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). Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. 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. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. The direct drive from Monterey to Santa Cruz is 43.5 mi (70 km), and should have a drive time of 49 mins in normal traffic. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. We do not represent World Nomads. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Thanks all! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California beaches are hot and sunny all the time. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. 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. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. There are no "hippies". Open to suggestions. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. 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. 1. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. 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. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Our top pick for where to stay in Santa Cruz for nightlife, this area is bursting with bars, restaurants and clubs where you can enjoy plenty of after-dark fun. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. It is the bordering town to Monterey. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. 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. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. Do you have any recommendations? Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. 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. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is Santa Cruz safe? 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. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Your decision sounds great! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. It breaks down the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz by interest and budget, so youll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do. 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 I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It has shifted to meth heads and needles. Your email address will not be published. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Monterey Hotel Deals; Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Reserve now, pay when you stay. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77278122', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. The price is $209 per night. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. 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. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. Hope this helps a bit! Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . I will definitely check into the train ride. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? 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. 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 ? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Furnished with an eye for detail, this Downtown Airbnb is the right place for visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. And oftentimes good food in that range. 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. Half Moon Bay. 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. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Aptos is our top pick for families. Should we. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. Not true. We saw the Hearst Castle. 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. If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. Youre connected. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. 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. 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 Just as close to everything. 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. 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. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. 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. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. That's coming a bit later in the form of Wallace's Weekender newsletter, which in addition to a boatload of recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County has an update on what Harbor High grad-turned-Hollywood A-lister Adam Scott has cooking these days. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. Both are good choices. Both are good choices. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant.