Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Field Service Technician-Must reside in the Salinas/Gilroy/Monterey These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. 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. 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. Right now we have a hotel booked for SF so we will definitely start there.. but I'm flexible to make changes after spending 1 or 2 days in SF. 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. However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. We are pretty active so we like hiking and kayaking, but we also like to stay in nice accommodations at the end of the night with good food and a nice glass of wine. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. This is the longest stretch. Travel south from here and youll arrive in the busy and buzzing Boardwalk neighbourhood. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. It is close to popular tourist attractions as well as dining, nightlife and shopping options. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. Thank you for your input. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. I will definitely check into the train ride. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. 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. Avila Beach is warm in that area. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; Yall are great! Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. This historic motel in Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Now I'm hearing all of this great stuff about Monterey Bay also. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. 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. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip 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. 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. 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. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. It was incredible. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. Stops and things to do on Monterey to Santa Cruz drive or road trip There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. 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. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2022) Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. 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. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers. Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach. This post has been removed at the author's request. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. 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. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. What is between Santa Cruz and Monterey? - signalduo.com Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. 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. 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. Both are great. The Broke Backpacker's Head of Administration, Art hails from North Florida where the elevation fails to reach even 5 meters. Theres also complimentary wifi. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Is Monterey safer? You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Thank you for your input. Here are some of the main landmarks that you should not miss in Monterey, CA: Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row the Old Fishermans Wharf Monterey Museum of Art Monterey State Historic Park Have a nice time in Monterey, Eylul Best Hostel In Cannery Row: Hi Monterey BEST Things to See in Monterey, California | Weekend Travel Guide Best Places to Stay on a California Coast Road Trip If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. 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). Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later.