should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. 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. 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. 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. You can whale watch from either town. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Thanks all! Avila Beach is warm in that area. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Again, thank you! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. You can whale watch from either town. . You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. I concur with november moon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. . In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77281854', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');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. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. 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. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Santa Cruz has a hippie vibe downtown. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Aptos is our top pick for families. 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. 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. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. 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. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. per night. 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) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. We also love seeing wildlife. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. Both are good choices. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. 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 good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. 1. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. Things to Do. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Show more. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. 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. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. This article was written by travellers for travellers. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. Your decision sounds great! It is world class. 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-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. There are no "hippies". Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. They are adjacent. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. Thank you for your input. 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. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. 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. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. You won't regret it. Is there a decent midprice one? Located in the heart of Monterey Bay between Santa Cruz and Monterey, 4 miles inland of Moss Landing, 20 miles from Santa Cruz and 15-18 miles from Monterey and Carmel. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. From here, head up H-17 toward Felton for your first stop at Roaring Camp Railroads.Catch the steam train for an unforgettable ride through the magnificent redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains until you reach the end of the line at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. 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. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Do you have any recommendations? 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's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77302454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel is, they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm ;-) so if you want any kind of nightlife other than a nice dinner out and perhaps drinks at a quiet bar, Monterey or Santa Cruz will be a better choice. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. What is the makeup of your party? 7. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. What do you think? 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. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. 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. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. 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. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. A hub of activity and attractions, the Boardwalk is our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for one night or if youre on a budget. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. It is one of the most . It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. 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. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. This nature-rich . I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. From $113.05 per night. Santa Cruz. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Monterey. Is your phone eSIM ready? Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Both are good choices. Seriously. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. There are several Best Westerns in town. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Theres also complimentary wifi. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks SO much :). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. I think my kids would love it. See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see.

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