Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. 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. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Thank you for your input. If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Looking for a specific place to stay? I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. 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. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Most hotels are fully refundable. This colourful and European-esque neighbourhood is one of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz because it has great dining, pristine beaches and lots of things to see and do. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. per night. More information. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Again, thank you! One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Have a fun trip! 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. Want to be featured in our list? 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 Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. Is this true? Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. 2. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. 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. It really just depends on what you are looking for. 7. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. Things to Do. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Is Monterey safer? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. 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. Your decision sounds great! Thanks SO much :). You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. That's coming a bit later in the form of Wallace's Weekender newsletter, which in addition to a boatload of recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County has an update on what Harbor High grad-turned-Hollywood A-lister Adam Scott has cooking these days. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Home; For Rent. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. I concur with november moon. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. 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. 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. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. 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). For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Its a great place to watch surfers. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. 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. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. 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. 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. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? This post has been removed at the author's request. Its just that easy. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. The price is $209 per night. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. 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. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. Youre connected. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. 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 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. We love Capitola. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. And it is farther from stuff. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. 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. 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 ? Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. 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. 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. I find people to be friendly, generally. 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. If youre not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite Santa Cruz accommodation options: HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is the best hostel in the city. Should we. Driving the coast from SF to LA. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Hope this helps a bit! Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Currently we have the below planned. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. So its up to you what you want to do. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. more. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Required fields are marked *. And it is farther from stuff. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Is there a decent midprice one? 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. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? They won't hurt yu. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. You won't regret it. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Both are good choices. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Not true. Thanks! Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. 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. Do check that the Boardwalk is open when you are there as the hours are starting to be shorter as schools are starting to go back into session. 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. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. 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. 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. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. 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. Yall are great! Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. 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. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. 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 didn't ask this, but because San Simeon and Morro Bay are so close to Paso Robles and then not all that far from Pismo Beach, I'd probably opt for 2 nights in either Paso Robles or Pismo Beach instead of a single night each in Paso, San Simeon/Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach. (the aquarium sounds amazing). Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. What do you think? The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. It is world class. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. 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. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. 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. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Reserve now, pay when you stay. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Theres also complimentary wifi. Breakfast options. Located at the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a relaxed and laid-back city known as a counterculture and artistic hub with a bohemian feel and youthful vibes. 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. 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) There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings.