We do not represent World Nomads. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! 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 The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. The price is $209 per night. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. 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. So whether youre looking to relax, surf, eat or party, Santa Cruz is a city that has something amazing for travellers of all ages, styles and even budgets. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? It is world class. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. It is one of the most . 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. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. 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. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. 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. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. Monterey Hotel Deals; At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. 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. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. 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. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. This neighbourhood is also our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids because it has a great variety of family-friendly fun, activities and adventures. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. 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. Avila Beach is warm in that area. 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. 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. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. You can whale watch from either town. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Reserve now, pay when you stay. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. This nature-rich . You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. My family of four is taking a 13 day trip to San Francisco (3 days), Yosemite (2 days) and down the coast ending in LA. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. 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. 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. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Both areas have a lot to do. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Monterey. Is your phone eSIM ready? So its up to you what you want to do. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Itinerary. 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. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. Have a fun trip! Is Santa Cruz safe? 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. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Aptos is our top pick for families. 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. 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. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. It is a laid-back and funky town that offers great restaurants, independent shops, lively nightlife and some of the best beaches in the state. 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. 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. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. 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. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. East of the city centre is the Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. 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. It is known for its European style houses, cosy cafes, and luxe restaurants, which is why Aptos is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. I find people to be friendly, generally. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. 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. Open to suggestions. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . I concur with november moon. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. 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. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. What is your lodging budget? We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. They are adjacent. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. Thanks all! On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. 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. 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. Yall are great! That was sort of cool to see. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Your decision sounds great! Half Moon Bay. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html, Santa Cruz is focused more on the Boardwalk or to go see Henry Cowell Redwoods.it also has the ocean, surfing, and a winery section (not as nice as Carmel or Carmel Valley but enough wineries to enjoy in a ery short visit.). 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). 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. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 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. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. I will definitely check into the train ride. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Via: Where should I stop along the way? Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. (the aquarium sounds amazing). This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, Santa Cruz attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Home; For Rent. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? And it is farther from stuff. And oftentimes good food in that range. Environmental activist Dan Haifley argues that Monterey Bay residents should care about and support the potential designation of tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering waters off San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! 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. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. 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. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. 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. 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 Hope this helps a bit! Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better room in a better location than at the Wayfarer (12 E. Montecito St., 805/845-1000, dorm beds $50-90, private rooms $200-300). Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum.