Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. 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 offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. Required fields are marked *. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. 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. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Fun place! There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. Inspirational places to stay near beaches, redwood forests or in quaint seaside towns offer an array of choices when it comes to amenities and settings. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Located at the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a relaxed and laid-back city known as a counterculture and artistic hub with a bohemian feel and youthful vibes. Best Boutique Hotels in Monterey. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. 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 Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. You won't regret it. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. You are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. 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. 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. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. It is world class. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. This post has been removed at the author's request. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. 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 ? 831-372 . Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. 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 is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. And it is farther from stuff. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . 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. Should we. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Your decision sounds great! Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! 1. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Rooms come complete with A/C and include refrigerators. Is there a decent midprice one? It really just depends on what you are looking for. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. It is a really vibrant and colourful area of Santa Barbara, and it reallys really unique. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. It is world class. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. What is the makeup of your party? 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). Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Here's hoping that warms you up a bit this brisk Thursday morning. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. More information. 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. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Its kind of a funky sort of place, a bit off-beat. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 400 plus pictures, but I digress. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. There are several Best Westerns in town. Theres also complimentary wifi. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Seriously. Is your phone eSIM ready? Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Mornings going north, afternoon going south. Casablanca On The Beach 101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $144 per night Mar 5 - Mar 6 1.01 mi from city center 8.4/5 (810 reviews) N reason to go anywhere else. I concur with november moon. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. All rights reserved. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Both are good choices. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Thank you for your input. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. Not true. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Delve deep into history at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Santa Cruz seamlessly blends its relaxed beach lifestyle with a vibrant culture and some high tech industry. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Thanks! Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). 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. 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. A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. And yes, the water is cold. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! I will definitely check into the train ride. 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 .
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