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. I find people to be friendly, generally. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. 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 beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. 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. So its up to you what you want to do. It really just depends on what you are looking for. 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. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Whether or not it is worth it for your family depends on your interests and what you would otherwise be doing with the time spent at the aquarium. Your email address will not be published. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. I concur with november moon. In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. 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 conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. That was sort of cool to see. 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 ? Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. 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. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. 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. 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. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. This nature-rich . Youre connected. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. 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. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? We also love seeing wildlife. Have a fun trip! Is this true? Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east 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. What is the makeup of your party? 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. And yes, the water is cold. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. There are no modern hippies. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. All rights reserved. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California beaches are hot and sunny all the time. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Home; For Rent. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! Required fields are marked *. 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). The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. 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. They won't hurt yu. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. 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 really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 Instead, buy an eSIM! We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. 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. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. Is your phone eSIM ready? Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. 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. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. 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. Want to be featured in our list? Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. So whether youre looking to relax, surf, eat or party, Santa Cruz is a city that has something amazing for travellers of all ages, styles and even budgets. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Do you have any recommendations? It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Its a great place to watch surfers. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. I will definitely check into the train ride. Your email address will not be published. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Los Angeles to Monterey via Hwy 101/1 - concerns Best places to eat in Monterey and or Carmel area, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Seriously. 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. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Is there a decent midprice one? What is your lodging budget? Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! You won't regret it. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks SO much :). The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? And oftentimes good food in that range. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. 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. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. $209. I think my kids would love it. 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. 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. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. 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. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Things to Do. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. There are several Best Westerns in town. Theres also complimentary wifi. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. We do not represent World Nomads. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. 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.