Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? 2. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. 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. 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. 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. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Both areas have a lot to do. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Would you recommend one? It is an up-and-coming hipster hub that boasts a vast array of bike shops and furniture stores as well as rustic cafes, hip restaurants, and buzzing live music venues. 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. 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. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Capitola (12 answers) This is our first trip alone in quite a few years & I want it be fun, romantic & relaxing! Have a fun trip! It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. 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 . 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. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. 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. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. 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 ? I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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 Since (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The earliest known filming took place in Monterey in 1897, compared to Santa Cruz's first foray into film in 1915. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77293425', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz will never live down the fact that the University was founded just before the 60's revolution", 50 years ago, by the way. 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. Monterey Hotel Deals; You won't regret it. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Your first stop should be the classic Californian beach town of Santa Cruz. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. 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. I hear the beaches there are nice so we're considering Twin Lakes State Beach & Manresa. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; It was incredible. 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 Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. 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. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. If you do choose to spend the night in Santa Cruz, then you can see Monterey on your way to Big Sur. When is your trip planned for? 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. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. There are several Best Westerns in town. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. Highway 1 Gate: This 17-Mile Drive entrance is off of exit 399A. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. What is your lodging budget? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. Thank you for your input. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . The main beach is right off the Boardwalk and next to the wharf - this will be the most crowded, but it has the Boardwalk there, so a lot of fun. Just as close to everything. Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Visiting the coolest area of Santa Cruz requires staying at an even cooler place. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. You'll enjoy a meal of shrimp, oysters and clam chowder after your day in the town or hunting for killer whales and dolphin pods while sailing the pacific. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. These are our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Cruz: Rio Vista Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Boardwalk Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. 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. Theres also a laundry service and pool on-site. Santa Cruz is one of Californias best-kept secrets. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. . Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Is Santa Cruz safe? Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. 831-372 . :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. 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. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Thanks all! A couple, family w/kids, etc ? Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. It is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. 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 are coming in Sept and the fire is supposed to be out by August end. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? This is the best hostel 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. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Looking for a specific place to stay? Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Answer 11 of 17: We (myself & two young sons) are making our way up from LA to San Francisco next month & want to spend a night in either Monterey or Santa Cruz. Itinerary. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. The home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Its a great place to watch surfers. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. Seriously. :). Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. 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. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. And oftentimes good food in that range. 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. 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. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. Thanks all! Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. What do you think? Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Thank you for your input. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . 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. I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. 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. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. Thanks! Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. It will make traffic difficult in that area. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. Do you have any recommendations? 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. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . 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. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. 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. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. I second the idea of overnighting in Santa Barbara, perhaps taking in Solvang en route. 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). Monterey has a great bike path. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? 7.7 Good 206 reviews. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? 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. We also love seeing wildlife. Seattle's most famous hotel, The Edgewater, is right along the waterfront, and a perfect way to relax before a long multi-day drive. 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. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. 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. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We saw the Hearst Castle. This nature-rich . If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. We saw the Hearst Castle. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. 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. All rights reserved. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). how to turn off demo mode on samsung microwave, bill mcallister obituary, protheroe funeral notices merthyr tydfil,

Zeta Phi Beta Kitty Milk, Objectives Of Travel Agency, John Cena Wipeout Salary, Arkansas Curfew Today, A Dumb Day Trello, Articles S