Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! Monterey Hotel Deals; Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? 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. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. 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. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Flexible booking options on most hotels. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. per night. 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). Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Do you have any recommendations? This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. 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. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. There are several Best Westerns in town. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 831-372 . 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. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. And yes, the water is cold. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz. Monterey. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn Is your phone eSIM ready? My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. 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 . The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Avila Beach is warm in that area. 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. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its a great place to watch surfers. 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-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. 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. 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. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. 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. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. It was incredible. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. I think my kids would love it. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. Would you recommend one? Thanks all! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We love Capitola. Thanks SO much :). Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. 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 ? You can whale watch from either town. Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. 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 delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. 1. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. 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. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. 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.). 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. We do not represent World Nomads. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. 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. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. It breaks down the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz by interest and budget, so youll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do. 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. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Your email address will not be published. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. 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) Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. And oftentimes good food in that range. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. I concur with november moon. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. 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. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Reserve now, pay when you stay. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. Both are great. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. 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. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east of Santa Cruz. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html 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. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:21 pm drive for about 5 minutes 4:26 pm arrive in Monterey stay at Mission Ranch Hotel driving 1.5 hours Change your route From: To: Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. It'll be cheaper. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. What do you think? Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. $209. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Here are some of the main landmarks that you should not miss in Monterey, CA: Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row the Old Fishermans Wharf Monterey Museum of Art Monterey State Historic Park Have a nice time in Monterey, Eylul Best Hostel In Cannery Row: Hi Monterey BEST Things to See in Monterey, California | Weekend Travel Guide Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. 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. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. And it is farther from stuff. Natural Bridges and other beach parks. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. 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 Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Your email address will not be published. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Do check that the Boardwalk is open when you are there as the hours are starting to be shorter as schools are starting to go back into session. 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. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. It is world class. 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 Not true. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. More information. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. 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. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Edited: 01 June . Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. 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. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 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. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. 2. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. 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. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. The town has lots of motels which can sometimes help save on cost (depends when you go as summer is still high in this area as well). Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. It really just depends on what you are looking for. What is the makeup of your party? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. 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. Fun place! Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. 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. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Mornings going north, afternoon going south. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Aptos is our top pick for families. Open to suggestions. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn.
should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?
01. jul