should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? 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. 1. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. 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. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. It was incredible. There are several Best Westerns in town. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. 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. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Is there a decent midprice one? I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. 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. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I think my kids would love it. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. 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. I will definitely check into the train ride. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Yall are great! The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. What do you think? 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. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. 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. 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. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. 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 Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Thanks all! Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. 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. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? 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. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. It really just depends on what you are looking for. I find people to be friendly, generally. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. 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. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Is Monterey safer? It is world class. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. 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. per night. 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. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Show more. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. 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. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Open to suggestions. 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. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. 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. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. We saw the Hearst Castle. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. 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. 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 ? Your decision sounds great! Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Youre connected. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. 7. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Furnished with an eye for detail, this Downtown Airbnb is the right place for visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. So its up to you what you want to do. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Monterey Hotel Deals; 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. 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. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Fun place! I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Is Santa Cruz safe? Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Thanks all! The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. The 1960's "hippie" students I mentioned are now retired lawyers, doctors, university professors, heads of universities, involved in the genome project, and important members of communities all over California. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Home; For Rent. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Santa Cruz is just a 45-minute drive from the historic waterfront town of Monterey and is situated alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States.This protected ocean environment extends for 276 miles along the coastline and provides habitat for 36 . That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. 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. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. It was incredible. Santa Cruz. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! We love Capitola. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. And it is farther from stuff. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. I will definitely check into the train ride. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. Things to Do. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. 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. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. 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. 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. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. 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. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. Not true. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Itinerary. Seriously. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town.

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