Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. more. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. 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. Your decision sounds great! Would you recommend one? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks SO much :). Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. It is our pick for the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz if youre visiting for the first time because it has plenty of cultural attractions; is packed with bars, restaurants and shops; and, allows for easy access throughout the city and the wider county. 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. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. There are no "hippies". Santa Cruz to Monterey drive - plan a road trip The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The price is $209 per night. Thank you for your input. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. That was sort of cool to see. 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. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. 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. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. 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. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. 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. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker What is between Santa Cruz and Monterey? - signalduo.com In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. 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. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip {25 Stops + 7 Day Guide} - California Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. It is the bordering town to Monterey. Difference between Santa Cruz and Monterey & Carmel area? 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. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. If you want to go a more scenic way along the CA Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH), then plan that to take you about 2.25-2.5 hours. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? Carmel has a great little white sand beach and a European cottagey vibe with lots of boutique stores (it is a pretty unique little community), Pacific Grove has Victorian B and B's but other more casual lodging with coastal bluff walkways. 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. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from $60 - Expedia Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. What is your lodging budget? Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. 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 ? As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. You can whale watch from either town. 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. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Again, thank you! :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Fun place! We do not represent World Nomads. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. 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. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. 1. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (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. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Aptos is our top pick for families. It will make traffic difficult in that area. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 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. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Things to Do - Visit Santa Cruz County The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks all! 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. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. This post has been removed at the author's request. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. 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. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. 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. Santa Cruz to Monterey Park drive - plan a road trip See a show at the intimate and awesome Rio Theatre. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. Half Moon Bay. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary per night. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Do you have any recommendations? 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) Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Best Places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. We love Capitola. Is It Better To Stay In Santa Cruz Or Monterey? - TravelMagma Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; This article was written by travellers for travellers. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. 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. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. Home; For Rent. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. 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 . There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. I think my kids would love it. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Driving the coast from SF to LA. Yall are great! 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. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. Avila Beach is warm in that area. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. The Ultimate 17-Mile Drive Itinerary - California Most major cities along the coast including San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles have the presence of most hotel chains and it is easy to find a place to stay for all budgets. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! 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. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Hope this helps a bit! I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Santa Cruz Day Trip | Day Trips from San Jose | Visit San Jose It is world class. 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. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. 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. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas!) The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. 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. Is there a decent midprice one? Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. You can whale watch from either town. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. 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. The 10 Best Santa Cruz Hotels (From $83) - Booking.com The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Santa Cruz Island to Monterey - 8 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio 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. Monterey Hotel Deals; When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon.
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