Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? They won't hurt yu. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? more. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. So its up to you what you want to do. There are no modern hippies. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. 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. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? 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. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. 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. Have a fun trip! I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Monterey Hotel Deals; The price is $209 per night. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. 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 Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Thanks! Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. 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. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. I concur with november moon. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . 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. 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. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. We saw the Hearst Castle. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77279322', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz are only 45 minutes apart, you can easily stay in one and visit the other, if you wish. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is our pick for the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz if youre visiting for the first time because it has plenty of cultural attractions; is packed with bars, restaurants and shops; and, allows for easy access throughout the city and the wider county. 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. 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) Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Both are good choices. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. There are several Best Westerns in town. We do not represent World Nomads. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. It was incredible. Flexible booking options on most hotels. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. 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. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. I'll also say that Monterey is nice if you're traveling with kids because of the Aquarium and the really cool Dennis the Menace playground, both of which we visited with our then 18-month-old son. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. 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. 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. Seriously. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From $113.05 per night. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Monterey or Santa Cruz. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. 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. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. 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. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. 1. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. 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. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. 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. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. Posted 2:23:02 AM. 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. It has shifted to meth heads and needles. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. We also love seeing wildlife. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Required fields are marked *. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. :). 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. The downtown areass of Monterey and Carmel are nicer. 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. 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. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. 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. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Things to Do. All rights reserved. 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. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. Aptos is our top pick for families. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. 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. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. Your decision sounds great! Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109323473', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. 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. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Yall are great! 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. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. . Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?