I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. 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. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. 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. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. 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. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . 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. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Instead, buy an eSIM! Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. 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. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. Thanks all! It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Monterey Hotel Deals; This post has been removed at the author's request. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. 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. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. 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 Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. Posted 2:23:02 AM. It is one of the most . Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. You can whale watch from either town. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? 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. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. Thanks! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. 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. 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 ? 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. Both areas have a lot to do. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. 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. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. I concur with november moon. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Youre connected. 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. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. This nature-rich . Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. So its up to you what you want to do. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Have a fun trip! It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or 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. The great whites should be in their summer residence in Aptos by then, they usually show up in April, and if that interests you they can be seen from the sand or there are boat tours. 4:02 pm King City (California) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 50 minutes. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. This is north of the Boardwalk area. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? Both are good choices. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. 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 Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? You won't regret it. $209. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. What do you think? 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. 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. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. When is your trip planned for? Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. And yes, the water is cold. 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. And it is farther from stuff. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Itinerary. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. It is a laid-back and funky town that offers great restaurants, independent shops, lively nightlife and some of the best beaches in the state. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. All amenities are in great condition, the beach is right around the corner and the living area is perfect to gather the whole family for dinner after a long and exciting day. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? 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. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. I do not recommend staying at a hotel right near the Boardwalk, but there are some good ones nearer the Municipal Wharf, specifically the joie d'vivre Dream Inn, the Seaview Inn, the West Cliff Inn (a Victorian Bed and Breakfast) and a couple more. 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 It is an artsy neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre and is well-known for its colourful and vibrant buildings along with its great restaurants and artisanal shops. 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. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Do you have any recommendations? Santa Cruz. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California beaches are hot and sunny all the time. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Want to be featured in our list? We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? Aptos is our top pick for families. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. You won't regret it. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida.
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