should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. From $113.05 per night. 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. How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. We do not represent World Nomads. Your email address will not be published. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. It has great features, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, and each room is well-equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. We love Capitola. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. The price is $209 per night. 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. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. 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. It is the bordering town to Monterey. 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. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Exclusive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Vacation Deals I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You won't regret it. Both are good choices. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Thanks to yall we decided to spend the first two days in SF, then two days in Santa Cruz & visit Carmel during our stay if we need a change of scenery and then back to SF on Friday (since we fly out saturday morning we figured we might as well be closer to the airport). This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. This charming hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids if youre on a budget. Princess or sanctuary cruises (Whale watching). Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Hope this helps a bit! 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. It will make traffic difficult in that area. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Big Sur Closed -- Should we stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?? - Santa ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youre connected. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. There are several Best Westerns in town. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Listen to live music at the Kuumbwa Jazz Centre. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. 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. 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. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. Previso meteorolgica de inverno em Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz Is there a decent midprice one? 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. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor We saw the Hearst Castle. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. 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. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. The 10 Best Santa Cruz Hotels (From $83) - Booking.com Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would you recommend one? My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. When is your trip planned for? If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. What's it like to live in Carmel or Monterey on the Pacific - Quora Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. 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 pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. 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. 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. Is Santa Cruz better than Monterey? - YourQuickInfo Thanks! No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. All rights reserved. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. The town has lots of motels which can sometimes help save on cost (depends when you go as summer is still high in this area as well). 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. Home; For Rent. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. 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. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. 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 . If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor 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. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. Best Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town, facing the Pacific some 70 miles south of San Francisco. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. 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. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. Theres also complimentary wifi. 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. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. 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. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California 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'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). 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. Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Monterey has a great bike path. 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. That was sort of cool to see. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. I think my kids would love it. I think my kids would love it. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary This nature-rich . It is one of the most . . 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. Its a great place to watch surfers. Currently we have the below planned. Reserve now, pay when you stay. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com 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. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Is Santa Cruz safe? Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. WHERE TO STAY in SANTA CRUZ - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. If youre not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite Santa Cruz accommodation options: HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is the best hostel in the city. 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. This is north of the Boardwalk area. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. 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 has 63 spacious rooms, free wifi and an outdoor pool. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. 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. 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. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. 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. Our top pick for where to stay in Santa Cruz for nightlife, this area is bursting with bars, restaurants and clubs where you can enjoy plenty of after-dark fun. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. Should I stay a night in Santa Cruz? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options.