Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. What do you think? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. 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. Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. 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. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. Flexible booking options on most hotels. 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. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz and Overnight Day 2: Walk to Aptos 11 miles / 18 km Day 3: Walk to Moss Landing 13 miles / 22 km Day 4: Walk to Marina 7 miles / 11 km Day 5: Walk to Monterey 11 miles / 19 km Day 6: Onward Travel. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. They are adjacent. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. I concur with november moon. It was incredible. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. 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 have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. 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. It really just depends on what you are looking for. The downtown area of Santa Cruz is a bit funky but fun., I did see a person who was a street person once there with a backpacking cat. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Thanks all! Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. There are several Best Westerns in town. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. 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. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Aptos is our top pick for families. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is your phone eSIM ready? 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. 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. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. 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. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. There are no modern hippies. 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. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. more. 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. What do you think? Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. And it is farther from stuff. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. This colourful and European-esque neighbourhood is one of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz because it has great dining, pristine beaches and lots of things to see and do. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. 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. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. You won't regret it. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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. There are several Best Westerns in town. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. It is known for its European style houses, cosy cafes, and luxe restaurants, which is why Aptos is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Both are good choices. 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. I will definitely check into the train ride. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. 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. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! 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. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Do you have any recommendations? Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Reserve now, pay when you stay. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. 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! You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. 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. They won't hurt yu. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77278932', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel and point Lobos and Pacific grove and Monterey and Elkhorn Slough there is a lot on the peninsula, And between SC and its burbs and redwood parks and the state parks and downtown SC one can easily spend a few days in SC, Do keep an eye on the big Sur fire around the end of this month. Have a fun trip! Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Monterey or Santa Cruz. Is there a decent midprice one? The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. 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. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. 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. And yes, the water is cold. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Highway 1 is washed out and closed. 7. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 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. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! Hope this helps a bit! 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. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Feast on fresh and delicious seafood and more at Stagnaro Bros. Go for a stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf and spot local wildlife like sea lions, whales, birds and more. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Again, thank you! In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. This neighbourhood is also our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids because it has a great variety of family-friendly fun, activities and adventures. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. Looking for a specific place to stay? 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.). A couple, family w/kids, etc ? If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. 831-372 . Should we. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. . 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). I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. . Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. 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. 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. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. This article was written by travellers for travellers. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 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). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. This is north of the Boardwalk area. I have lived through this, having moved here in 1970 and been involved in the University and I am very tired of hearing Santa Cruz described as having a "hippie vibe", C'mon, you guys. Instead, buy an eSIM! 1. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. 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. 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. We love Capitola. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. 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 This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. 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 is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. 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'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Its just that easy. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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. I will definitely check into the train ride. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. We saw the Hearst Castle. 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 would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours.
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