You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. Hope this helps a bit! Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. The town has lots of motels which can sometimes help save on cost (depends when you go as summer is still high in this area as well). Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Seriously. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. You won't regret it. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Santa Cruz vs Monterrey/Carmel First Timer. Please help! :) Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. 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. 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 - montereybayprop.com Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Is your phone eSIM ready? You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. 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. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor It has shifted to meth heads and needles. 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. 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. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. I'll also say that Monterey is nice if you're traveling with kids because of the Aquarium and the really cool Dennis the Menace playground, both of which we visited with our then 18-month-old son. . There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I will definitely check into the train ride. 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. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. 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. Capitola (12 answers) I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. It is world class. 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 . 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. Both are good choices. Located at the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a relaxed and laid-back city known as a counterculture and artistic hub with a bohemian feel and youthful vibes. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. There are several Best Westerns in town. We saw the Hearst Castle. Instead, buy an eSIM! I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Do you have any recommendations? 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. Both areas have a lot to do. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. 7. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. . Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. We do not represent World Nomads. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. 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. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. 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 Right now we have a hotel booked for SF so we will definitely start there.. but I'm flexible to make changes after spending 1 or 2 days in SF. We also love seeing wildlife. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. 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. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. What is your lodging budget? Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. 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. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. And oftentimes good food in that range. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! 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. In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. WHERE TO STAY in SANTA CRUZ - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. From $113.05 per night. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. Most hotels are fully refundable. It is one of the most . This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. 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. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. Theres also complimentary wifi. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. 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. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? 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. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times 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. What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Required fields are marked *. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Thanks! Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? This is north of the Boardwalk area. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. There are several Best Westerns in town. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. 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. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in 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. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Instead of staying "in Monterey" you might enjoy Carmel by the Sea or even Pacific Grove more as they are small towns by the water. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. 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