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

Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. 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. All rights reserved. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Answer 21 of 26: So with all the road and park closures in Big Sur we are considering cancelling our two night stay there in early March. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. 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. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! What is the makeup of your party? Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Thank you for your input. 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. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You won't regret it. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. 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. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. See a show at the intimate and awesome Rio Theatre. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. The good news: Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula are only 45 minutes apart, so you can stay in one and easily visit the other. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. So its up to you what you want to do. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. 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. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. 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. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. Its just that easy. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. There are no modern hippies. Fun place! Thanks! Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. 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. more. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. We love Capitola. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. . Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Your decision sounds great! Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Thanks SO much :). I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. Both are great. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. 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. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. Capitola (12 answers) Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Home; For Rent. (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. Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz and Overnight Day 2: Walk to Aptos 11 miles / 18 km Day 3: Walk to Moss Landing 13 miles / 22 km Day 4: Walk to Marina 7 miles / 11 km Day 5: Walk to Monterey 11 miles / 19 km Day 6: Onward Travel. 7. 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. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. This nature-rich . This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. Avila Beach is warm in that area. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. This is north of the Boardwalk area. 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. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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. Do you have any recommendations? We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. 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. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. Your email address will not be published. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Currently we have the below planned. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. Would you recommend one? Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. 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. Flexible booking options on most hotels. It really just depends on what you are looking for. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. You won't regret it. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Have a fun trip! Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. That was sort of cool to see. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can whale watch from either town. 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. Again, thank you! Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? I will definitely check into the train ride. Your email address will not be published. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. 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. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. 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. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Things to Do. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? 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. I concur with november moon. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? 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. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. We do not represent World Nomads. 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. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. 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. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . We are pretty active so we like hiking and kayaking, but we also like to stay in nice accommodations at the end of the night with good food and a nice glass of wine. There are several Best Westerns in town. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay between Santa Cruz and Monterey, 4 miles inland of Moss Landing, 20 miles from Santa Cruz and 15-18 miles from Monterey and Carmel. 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. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Open to suggestions. 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). A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Should we. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. The price is $209 per night. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The 1960's "hippie" students I mentioned are now retired lawyers, doctors, university professors, heads of universities, involved in the genome project, and important members of communities all over California. Both are good choices. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . I think my kids would love it. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. 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. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. 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. 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. I concur with november moon. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. More information. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. From $113.05 per night. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. Thanks all! Monterey. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". Surf City Inn & Suites 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. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. 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-109323473', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. As you look for lodging for your trip, please come back and let us know what you find, so that we can give you advice on locations. What do you think? Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. 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 This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. 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 live music is more your thing, Midtown is also where youll find a great selection of concert halls and karaoke parlours, open mic nights and street-side buskers. netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California you have to be south of Point Conception, which is just north of Santa Barbara. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. 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 large, fully-stocked kitchen. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey.

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