It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. And yes, the water is cold. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Flexible booking options on most hotels. 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. 7. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Thanks! Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall. Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Would you recommend one? We recommend Downtown. 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. Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east of Santa Cruz. Reserve now, pay when you stay. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can whale watch from either town. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. It is world class. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Thank you for your input. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . Instead, buy an eSIM! Your email address will not be published. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. Find quality homes and apartments for rent and property management in Santa Clara, San Jose, Monterey and elsewhere in coastal Central California. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. 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. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. Los Angeles to Monterey via Hwy 101/1 - concerns Best places to eat in Monterey and or Carmel area, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Flora Vista Inn 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-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. 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. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Thanks all! Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Theres also complimentary wifi. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. 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. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. 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. Via: Where should I stop along the way? Edited: 01 June . In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. We do not represent World Nomads. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. There are no modern hippies. There are several Best Westerns in town. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. 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. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. It can be a good idea to take the PCH on the way to Monterey and take the quicker route along the US-101 Freeway. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. 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. If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! Both are good choices. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. Monterey. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? I would choose one location and spend 2 nights. 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. Thanks SO much :). This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. What is the makeup of your party? Monterey Hotel Deals; What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Youre connected. 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. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. 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. Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. It will make traffic difficult in that area. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Your decision sounds great! Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. 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. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. 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. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. 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. So its up to you what you want to do. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. 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. Required fields are marked *. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. 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. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. That was sort of cool to see. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. What do you think? Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hope this helps a bit! Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Capitola (12 answers) Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. There are several Best Westerns in town. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. There are no "hippies". 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. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. Looking for a specific place to stay? From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Answer 1 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. 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). Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area. It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. 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. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. 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. 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. 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. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. 2. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. 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. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Currently we have the below planned. Yall are great! Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. 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. This is the longest stretch. What is your lodging budget? Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging.
