should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?
We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. See a show at the intimate and awesome Rio Theatre. Most hotels are fully refundable. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. Both are great. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Avila Beach is warm in that area. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. They are adjacent. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. 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. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. 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. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. 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. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. 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. 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. Just as close to everything. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . The price is $209 per night. We also love seeing wildlife. 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. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Downtown is quite historic - Monterey was the first capitol of CA and there are several buildings from that time in the Monterey Historic Park and through downtown. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. 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. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. What is the makeup of your party? Is Santa Cruz safe? It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. 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. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Currently we have the below planned. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Things to Do. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Santa Cruzs 5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in, #1 Downtown Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Your First Time, #2 The Boardwalk Where to Stay in Santa Cruz on a Budget, #3 Midtown Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Nightlife, #4 Capitola Coolest Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, #5 Aptos Where to Stay in Santa Cruz for Families, FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Santa Cruz. From $113.05 per night. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. 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. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77281854', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey has more going for it than Santa Cruz in terms of things to do as one can easily do Carmel, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur from there too. I find people to be friendly, generally. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Again, thank you! Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! And oftentimes good food in that range. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Required fields are marked *. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. It'll be cheaper. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. This is the longest stretch. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. 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. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Looking for a specific place to stay? Monterey or Santa Cruz. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Hope this helps a bit! It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. 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. You'll enjoy a meal of shrimp, oysters and clam chowder after your day in the town or hunting for killer whales and dolphin pods while sailing the pacific. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. Do you have any recommendations? When is your trip planned for? Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. 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. 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. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. 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.). Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Half Moon Bay. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. 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. Edited: 01 June . Should we. So its up to you what you want to do. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. 2. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! What do you think? Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. And it is farther from stuff. . Capitola (12 answers) You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. So since it sounds like you are heading on your trip at the end of August, please be aware that there is the Soberanes fire burning in Big Sur and it is not expected to be fully contained until the end of the month. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. It is one of the most . For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your decision sounds great! I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We recommend Downtown. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. This post has been removed at the author's request. 1. 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. 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. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. 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. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. 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. Both areas have a lot to do. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would you recommend one? We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Would you recommend one? The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel 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-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. 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. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your email address will not be published. It will make traffic difficult in that area. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . 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. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? They won't hurt yu. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. The downtown area of Santa Cruz is a bit funky but fun., I did see a person who was a street person once there with a backpacking cat. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. 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. 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. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. 831-372 . Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. 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). Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. It is an up-and-coming hipster hub that boasts a vast array of bike shops and furniture stores as well as rustic cafes, hip restaurants, and buzzing live music venues. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. 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. :). Flexible booking options on most hotels. Is this true? 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 are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. The great whites should be in their summer residence in Aptos by then, they usually show up in April, and if that interests you they can be seen from the sand or there are boat tours. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. 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.
Afl Forward Leading Patterns,
Andrew Bosworth Salary,
Sullivan Senior Center Newsletter,
Articles S