Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Its just that easy. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. 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. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. 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. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. 7855 Monterra Oaks is an exceptional 2.72 acre private homesite boasting unobstructed panoramic ocean views of Monterey Bay, city lights and the Santa Cruz mountains. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill. 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. Open to suggestions. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Monterey has a great bike path. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. 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. Thanks! Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. 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. 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. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. It is world class. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Fun place! Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? 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. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". There are several Best Westerns in town. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! 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. Breakfast options. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. And yes, the water is cold. 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. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. 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 city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. It is world class. 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. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. 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. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Required fields are marked *. In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 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. Monterey. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. It really just depends on what you are looking for. 831-372 . The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. 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. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better room in a better location than at the Wayfarer (12 E. Montecito St., 805/845-1000, dorm beds $50-90, private rooms $200-300). We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. 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. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. I think my kids would love it. 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. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. 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. What is your lodging budget? Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. 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 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 Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Currently we have the below planned. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Here youll find a vast array of independent boutiques, delicious restaurants, charming inns and lively bars. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. They are adjacent. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Your email address will not be published. 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. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Theres also complimentary wifi. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. 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. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. 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 ? Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. They won't hurt yu. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. It is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. Your email address will not be published. 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 You won't regret it. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. 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. Santa Cruz. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? per night. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. From $113.05 per night. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. 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. Is Santa Cruz safe? You won't regret it. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. A lot of people try to do the drive with only 1 or maybe 2 overnights, so splitting the trip more or less evenly becomes important, but with your plan, that's not an issue. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! $209. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature.