Both are good choices. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. You won't regret it. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. 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 ? An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! 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. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. 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. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. 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. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. 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. It is an artsy neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre and is well-known for its colourful and vibrant buildings along with its great restaurants and artisanal shops. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Natural Bridges and other beach parks. This is the longest stretch. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. 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. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mar 5 - Mar 6. . This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. 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. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. 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. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. 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. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. 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 ? 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 . The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Monterey. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. That was sort of cool to see. Instead, buy an eSIM! I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. 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. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Youre connected. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. :). The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. 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. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. 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 Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Things to Do. 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. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. 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. Do you have any recommendations? I concur with november moon. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. 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. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! So its up to you what you want to do. 4:02 pm King City (California) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 50 minutes. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. 831-372 . A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Thanks all! Monterey has a great bike path. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. And oftentimes good food in that range. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. 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. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. There are several Best Westerns in town. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). 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. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. 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. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Posted 2:23:02 AM. Itinerary. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. It really just depends on what you are looking for. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. 7. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Hope this helps a bit! It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Casablanca On The Beach 101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $144 per night Mar 5 - Mar 6 1.01 mi from city center 8.4/5 (810 reviews) N reason to go anywhere else. Home; For Rent. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. 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. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. 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. 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. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Thanks! Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. Its a great place to watch surfers. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. 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.
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