should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

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. 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. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. Monterey Hotel Deals; 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. This is north of the Boardwalk area. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. 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 . Driving the coast from SF to LA. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. Breakfast options. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. 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. 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. Thanks all! 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. 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. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. (the aquarium sounds amazing). 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. It can be a good idea to take the PCH on the way to Monterey and take the quicker route along the US-101 Freeway. 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. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. There are several Best Westerns in town. 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. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. 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. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. 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. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Both are great. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. You won't regret it. Thanks! SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. 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. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. 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. Seriously. It has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. 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. 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. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Santa Cruz. I think my kids would love it. Is this true? at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? What do you think? Itinerary. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. 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.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Is your phone eSIM ready? There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. 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.). An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! It will make traffic difficult in that area. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. 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. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Would you recommend one? 400 plus pictures, but I digress. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Answer 21 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. 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. The beach is wide and good for walking. All rights reserved. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. Have a fun trip! 7. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. . Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. I concur with november moon. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. Again, thank you! (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Thanks SO much :). The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Half Moon Bay. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Thanks all! Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. You can whale watch from either town. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Just as close to everything. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. Instead, buy an eSIM! My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Aptos is our top pick for families. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. 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. We also love seeing wildlife. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) Your email address will not be published. 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. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? 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. It is world class. Theres also complimentary wifi. Would you recommend one? 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-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area.

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