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. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of Californias best-kept secrets. 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. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? more. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77278932', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel and point Lobos and Pacific grove and Monterey and Elkhorn Slough there is a lot on the peninsula, And between SC and its burbs and redwood parks and the state parks and downtown SC one can easily spend a few days in SC, Do keep an eye on the big Sur fire around the end of this month. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. 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. Thanks all! Seriously. Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? It has shifted to meth heads and needles. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. And finally, Aptos is the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for families because it has excellent beaches and outdoor activities as well as great dining, shopping and sightseeing. It was incredible. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Not true. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. Where to Stay in Santa Cruz, California (2023 COOLEST Areas!) Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. There are no "hippies". It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Looking for a specific place to stay? 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. 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. ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. 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. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. 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. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks SO much :). $209. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. 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. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. It will make traffic difficult in that area. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. This is also the best area in Santa Cruz to stay in for nightlife. And oftentimes good food in that range. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Breakfast options. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Do you have any recommendations? Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Thanks! . It'll be cheaper. Both are good choices. If live music is more your thing, Midtown is also where youll find a great selection of concert halls and karaoke parlours, open mic nights and street-side buskers. Andril Fireplace Cottages Seven Gables Inn Carmel Cottage Inn Casa Munras Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row Monterey Bay Inn. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. Thank you for your input. 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. 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. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. 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. I will definitely check into the train ride. As a matter of fact I purchased the ProShow Gold DVD slideshow software and made a 35 min show with music and gave to my kids on Xmas. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. Youre connected. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? The Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. :). Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. Via: Where should I stop along the way? A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. 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. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. 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. They won't hurt yu. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. What is the makeup of your party? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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 ? Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. 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. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. We saw the Hearst Castle. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. 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. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from $60 - Expedia What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? 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. Your decision sounds great! I know because I know a lot of them personally, I am always astounded when people still say that Santa Cruz has a 'hippie vibe."downtown. 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.
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