should i stay in monterey or santa cruz? should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. 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. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. 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 I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. 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. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Yall are great! The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. 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. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. Instead, buy an eSIM! We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. It is world class. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! We recommend Downtown. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? And finally, Aptos is the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for families because it has excellent beaches and outdoor activities as well as great dining, shopping and sightseeing. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. Monterey. 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. 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. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. . Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. 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.). If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Is Santa Cruz safe? Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. $209. The price is $209 per night. 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. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. Thanks! Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Edited to add that near Henry Cowell state park is Roaring Camp Railroad, which is a narrow gauge steam train that takes people on rides through the redwoods. Answer 1 of 26: So with all the road and park closures in Big Sur we are considering cancelling our two night stay there in early March. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 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. Both are good choices. I will definitely check into the train ride. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. 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. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks all! Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. . The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. When is your trip planned for? Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. 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. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? 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! This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. There are no modern hippies. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Is there a decent midprice one? Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. 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. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. 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. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Environmental activist Dan Haifley argues that Monterey Bay residents should care about and support the potential designation of tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering waters off San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. . It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). 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 also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn What do you think? Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. per night. It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. 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. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. 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. Should we. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Most major cities along the coast including San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles have the presence of most hotel chains and it is easy to find a place to stay for all budgets. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77279322', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz are only 45 minutes apart, you can easily stay in one and visit the other, if you wish. This post has been removed at the author's request. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? 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. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. 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. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. Is this true? My family of four is taking a 13 day trip to San Francisco (3 days), Yosemite (2 days) and down the coast ending in LA. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. 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. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. 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. Instead of staying "in Monterey" you might enjoy Carmel by the Sea or even Pacific Grove more as they are small towns by the water. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. We love Capitola. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. As you look for lodging for your trip, please come back and let us know what you find, so that we can give you advice on locations. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Reserve now, pay when you stay. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! And it is farther from stuff. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. I think my kids would love it. Aptos is our top pick for families. 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. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. 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. Monterey's 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in #1 Downtown - Where to stay in Monterey first time #2 Munras Avenue - Where to stay in Monterey on a budget #3 Cannery Row - Best area to stay in Monterey for nightlife #4 Pacific Grove - Coolest place to stay in Monterey #5 Cannery Row (FAMILY) - Best neighbourhood in Monterey for families And it is farther from stuff. 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 ? It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. 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. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Posted 2:23:02 AM. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. It'll be cheaper. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. Would you recommend one? Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? This is the longest stretch. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. 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. Its just that easy. I find people to be friendly, generally. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. We saw the Hearst Castle. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. This nature-rich . Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. Monterey has a great bike path. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Capitola (12 answers) Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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 Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Open to suggestions. You can whale watch from either town. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. (the aquarium sounds amazing). The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. 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.