should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. 7. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! 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. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. per night. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Should we. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. 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. Monterey. 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. It is world class. I think my kids would love it. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. There are several Best Westerns in town. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. 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. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. 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. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . The 10 Best Santa Cruz Hotels (From $83) - Booking.com Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Your email address will not be published. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. We saw the Hearst Castle. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com 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. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Required fields are marked *. 1. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 - MLS ML81920539 - Coldwell Natural Bridges and other beach parks. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? $209. 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. Best Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town, facing the Pacific some 70 miles south of San Francisco. Monterey has a great bike path. Best Places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. What do you think? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. We love Capitola. 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. Capitola (12 answers) 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 ? Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Show more. And it is farther from stuff. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. 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. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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 will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I find people to be friendly, generally. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Right now, It's all a bit overwhelming so if anyone could help me figure out what's best I would really really appreciate it! Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. 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. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Road Trip: Where to stay Monterey or Santa Cruz? - Tripadvisor 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. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. 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. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. WHERE TO STAY in MONTEREY - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Santa Cruz Island to Monterey - 8 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And yes, the water is cold. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. From $113.05 per night. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Itinerary. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. It'll be cheaper. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. 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 We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. We recommend Downtown. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. 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. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. This is north of the Boardwalk area. 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. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. And it is farther from stuff. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. It breaks down the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz by interest and budget, so youll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Should we. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. 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. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! More information. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 4:02 pm King City (California) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 50 minutes. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Santa Cruz Day Trip | Day Trips from San Jose | Visit San Jose Thanks! Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz vs Monterrey/Carmel First Timer. Please help! :) The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. 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). Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals Stay in Monterey or Carmel. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! 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 There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! It is one of the most . Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Places to Stay - Visit Santa Cruz County What You Should Know About Managing Security Deposits as a New Property Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. 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. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. 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. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?