And it is farther from stuff. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. Monterey. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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-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. I concur with november moon. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. 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. Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. 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. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Top 7 Historic Hotels In Monterey, California | Trip101 I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. What is your lodging budget? How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Santa Cruz, California 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. 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. I will definitely check into the train ride. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html, Santa Cruz is focused more on the Boardwalk or to go see Henry Cowell Redwoods.it also has the ocean, surfing, and a winery section (not as nice as Carmel or Carmel Valley but enough wineries to enjoy in a ery short visit.). The downtown area of Santa Cruz is a bit funky but fun., I did see a person who was a street person once there with a backpacking cat. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California you have to be south of Point Conception, which is just north of Santa Barbara. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Carmel Gate: The south gate into Pebble Beach, this entrance can be accessed by following San Antonio Avenue through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Both areas have a lot to do. If you choose Santa Cruz, check rates at the Dream Inn or Sea and Sand. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. A hub of activity and attractions, the Boardwalk is our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for one night or if youre on a budget. You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. My website describes local beaches in further detail: http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. Most hotels are fully refundable. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? Home; For Rent. Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. 4:02 pm King City (California) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 50 minutes. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. It has the most cultural attractions in Santa Cruz and loads of cool places to check out. 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. Pacific Grove is a really cute town right in between with bunches of Bed and Breakfasts. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. 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. per night. Thanks! The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. more. It is the bordering town to Monterey. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. 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. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can whale watch from either town. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. This is north of the Boardwalk area. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! 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. Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Message Board - Tripadvisor Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. Monterey's 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in #1 Downtown - Where to stay in Monterey first time #2 Munras Avenue - Where to stay in Monterey on a budget #3 Cannery Row - Best area to stay in Monterey for nightlife #4 Pacific Grove - Coolest place to stay in Monterey #5 Cannery Row (FAMILY) - Best neighbourhood in Monterey for families Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. Is Monterey safer? So its up to you what you want to do. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey | US Hiking tours - Macs Adventure I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Do you have any recommendations? Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Natural Bridges State Beach is excellent. Theres also complimentary wifi. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Seriously. Another excellent option is the Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Caf in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. It's beautiful there and lots of things to see and do beyond the aquarium. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. 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. It's possible to stay anywhere in the area and get to everything else fairly fast. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Again, thank you! Required fields are marked *. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. 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. Have a fun trip! Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Heres what people usually ask us about the areas of Santa Cruz and where to stay. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. 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. We do not represent World Nomads. 7. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. 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. 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. WHERE TO STAY in SANTA CRUZ - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco