Visit the free-admission Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of fun, games, rides, sweets, treats and so much more. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. And oftentimes good food in that range. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. :). Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. 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. 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. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. When is your trip planned for? Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Thank you for your input. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. Not true. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. 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. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. 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. Is Santa Cruz safe? We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). 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 am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. One night in each is a lot of moving without covering much distance. This hotel has 49 cosy, clean and comfortable rooms. Fun place! I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77281854', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey has more going for it than Santa Cruz in terms of things to do as one can easily do Carmel, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur from there too. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. Should we. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. 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. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Have a fun trip! 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 . Both are great. I will definitely check into the train ride. 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. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Thanks all! Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. It also extends on the other side of the harbor entrance. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. Aptos is our top pick for families. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. 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. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Do you have any recommendations? It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. I find people to be friendly, generally. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both are good choices. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. 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. They are adjacent. There are several Best Westerns in town. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. 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 If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . However, don't expect warm water in Santa Cruz, either. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Monterey Tourism Monterey Hotels Monterey Guest House Monterey Holiday Homes Monterey Holiday Packages Monterey Flights . 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. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel. 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. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Via: Where should I stop along the way? I've just now been informed that the beach isn't really safe to swim in. It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California - Located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is California's oldest state park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We do not represent World Nomads. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. And it is farther from stuff. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. Want to be featured in our list? Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. 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 ? Mornings going north, afternoon going south. Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Hearst Castle is currently closed due to COVID. 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. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. Monterey has a great bike path. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. 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. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. What is your next planned stop and how many days/nights total do you have for the coastal section of your trip? 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. Half Moon Bay. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. Santa Cruz. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? The Boardwalk is also our pick for the best neighbourhood in Santa Cruz to stay in if youre on a budget. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77290577', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz gets a lot of traffic especially on weekends. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. I concur with november moon. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? The reviews on Tripadvisor are not encouraging. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Take a taxi from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $140 - $180 Drive 46 min Drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $7 - $12 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus 91 Weekly Buses 4h 10m Average Duration $6 Cheapest Price See schedules Questions & Answers You won't regret it. 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. Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. 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. 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. 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. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It will make traffic difficult in that area. Your decision sounds great! Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. 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. Answer 11 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Instead of staying "in Monterey" you might enjoy Carmel by the Sea or even Pacific Grove more as they are small towns by the water. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We saw the Hearst Castle. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! 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. In Santa Cruz, you can travel from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the Redwoods without a car. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Carmel has some very nice places to stay. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Caf Rio. No matter where you are in the neighbourhood, youll find yourself surrounded by great tunes. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. It is a great option for Santa Cruz accommodation because it has comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free wifi. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). Pmg Graduate Leadership Program Salary, Homes For Sale In Bountiful Utah By Owner, Sled Photo Lineup Request, Articles S