should i stay in monterey or santa cruz? should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. $209. Thanks all! 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. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. 1. 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. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Would you recommend one? Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; 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. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. And oftentimes good food in that range. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. I find people to be friendly, generally. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn There are several Best Westerns in town. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Santa Cruz. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Breakfast options. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Should we. 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. 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. You can whale watch from either town. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. 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. 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. More information. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. 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. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. 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. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Flexible booking options on most hotels. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Monterey Hotel Deals; Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. I concur with november moon. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! Highway 1 is washed out and closed. We do not represent World Nomads. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Via: Where should I stop along the way? :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 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. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Again, thank you! Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. 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 contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. 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. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77302454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel is, they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm ;-) so if you want any kind of nightlife other than a nice dinner out and perhaps drinks at a quiet bar, Monterey or Santa Cruz will be a better choice. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. 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. 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. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. I think my kids would love it. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. And it is farther from stuff. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. This post has been removed at the author's request. . Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. 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. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Avila Beach is warm in that area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Right now, It's all a bit overwhelming so if anyone could help me figure out what's best I would really really appreciate it! Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. They are adjacent. Itinerary. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! I think my kids would love it. 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 youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. This nature-rich . 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). Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. This is the longest stretch. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. So its up to you what you want to do. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Thanks! Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. Show more. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. 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. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay.