should i stay in monterey or santa cruz?

Yall are great! I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you for your input. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. Do you have any recommendations? The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. 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. Should we. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. At Pitney Bowes, we do the right thing, the right way. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. Another consideration is your overall plan - how many nights do you have for your drive down the coast? 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. 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. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! There are no "hippies". We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. And it is farther from stuff. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do check that the Boardwalk is open when you are there as the hours are starting to be shorter as schools are starting to go back into session. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. 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. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! It is especially good if this is your first time visiting. You can whale watch from either town. Is your phone eSIM ready? 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. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, beach and wharf right from your window. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. It is located at the heart of Santa Cruz and is just a stones throw from great dining, shopping and nightlife options. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Thanks! What is your lodging budget? We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? I concur with november moon. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. We recommend Downtown. It'll be cheaper. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. This nature-rich . Both areas have a lot to do. 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. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. It is the bordering town to Monterey. 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. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. We also love seeing wildlife. So since it sounds like you are heading on your trip at the end of August, please be aware that there is the Soberanes fire burning in Big Sur and it is not expected to be fully contained until the end of the month. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! 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. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. I will definitely check into the train ride. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. Keep in mind that as beautiful as (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. Even the hostels in Santa Barbara are upscale. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Close, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas! Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. 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. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. 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. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. What do you think? Santa Cruz. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Capitola (12 answers) In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. 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. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. It is ideally located at the heart of the city and is a quick walk to the restaurants, Santa Cruz attractions and bars of the Downtown, the Boardwalk and Midtown neighbourhoods. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. Not true. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. 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. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. That was sort of cool to see. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And yes, the water is cold. 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. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. Environmental activist Dan Haifley argues that Monterey Bay residents should care about and support the potential designation of tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering waters off San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. This is a good one - heavily visited, but not as busy as the main beach. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. They won't hurt yu. 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. Driving the coast from SF to LA. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. Do you have any recommendations? The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. 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. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. There are several Best Westerns in town. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. Via: Where should I stop along the way? The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. 2. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. 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. 7. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. 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. 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. 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. Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? Instead, buy an eSIM! We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. 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. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. 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. It really just depends on what you are looking for. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. 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 will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. I will definitely check into the train ride. Rooms come complete with A/C and include refrigerators. 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 Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940.

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