should i stay in monterey or santa cruz? should i stay in monterey or 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. But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. Posted 2:23:02 AM. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. If looking at sea life excites you, you must visit the ocean-view decks to spot humpback whales. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. 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. This stunning three-star property is ideally located in La Selva Beach. Edited to add that near Henry Cowell state park is Roaring Camp Railroad, which is a narrow gauge steam train that takes people on rides through the redwoods. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Thanks! Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. Morning Lookout: A local view of Iran uprising, UCSC's 'Grad Slam' and I think my kids would love it. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. The good news: Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula are only 45 minutes apart, so you can stay in one and easily visit the other. The Monterey Hotel (from USD 112) Come and experience full-blown comfort at The Monterey Hotel. WHERE TO STAY in MONTEREY - Best Areas & Neighborhoods - Santorini Dave If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. I'll also say that Monterey is nice if you're traveling with kids because of the Aquarium and the really cool Dennis the Menace playground, both of which we visited with our then 18-month-old son. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Los Angeles to Monterey via Hwy 101/1 - concerns Best places to eat in Monterey and or Carmel area, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. That was sort of cool to see. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. Seriously. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Compare 578 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. We recommend Downtown. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One of the coolest places to stay in Santa Cruz, Capitola is packed with incredible things to see and explore. It is world class. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is the makeup of your party? Try to help and people have to go on a rant. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Grab a drink, enjoy the incredible beaches and laid-back vibes. I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are adjacent to one another.Santa Cruz would be further north. Drink fresh and handcrafted beers at the Seabright Brewery. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. 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. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. One person's must-see can be another person's meh. Again, thank you! Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. 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. 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. 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 - montereybayprop.com I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Still not sure which of Santa Cruzs best neighbourhoods is right for you? For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. 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. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Both are good choices. Is It Better To Stay In Santa Cruz Or Monterey? - TravelMagma Flora Vista Inn 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. 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. You could easily spend 5-7 days in the Carmel/PG/Monterey/Big Sur area. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre still not sure where to stay in Santa Cruz, consider checking out these amazing treehouses in California! It really just depends on what you are looking for. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. It is our pick for the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz if youre visiting for the first time because it has plenty of cultural attractions; is packed with bars, restaurants and shops; and, allows for easy access throughout the city and the wider county. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Take the second exit out of the roundabout, and follow the signs to Pebble Beach. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. 7855 Monterra Oaks is an exceptional 2.72 acre private homesite boasting unobstructed panoramic ocean views of Monterey Bay, city lights and the Santa Cruz mountains. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Home [ksco.com] I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Previso meteorolgica de inverno em Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. 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. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It can be a good idea to take the PCH on the way to Monterey and take the quicker route along the US-101 Freeway. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. We saw the Hearst Castle. Its just that easy. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. 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'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-109323473', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub. Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Is the aquarium in Monterey worth going to? How to get from Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio per night. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. In this Santa Cruz neighbourhood guide, well look at the best places to stay based on what you want to do. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? Top 7 Historic Hotels In Monterey, California | Trip101 It is one of the most . If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 - MLS ML81920539 - Coldwell You won't regret it. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious salt-water taffy. View details, map and photos of this residential lots property with 0 bedrooms and 0 total baths. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Carmel/Pacific Grove vs Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. 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. 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. In August they have Art & Jazz @ the beach on Sunday afternoons and Twilight Concerts on Wednesday evenings. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. tour along the Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA? 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. MUST READ: Where to Stay in Monterey (2022 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. 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). This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. In Santa Cruz County, the fun only begins at the beach. Have a fun trip! Should we. There are several Best Westerns in town. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? Santa Cruz vs Monterrey/Carmel First Timer. Please help! :) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Thank you so much for the advice, I think my kids will probably be ready for more beach and less scenery so we will stay in Santa Cruz. Monterey is more diverse and touristy and you can find more moderate lodging than Carmel. This nature-rich . The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. Rooms are equipped with A/C and also feature hair dryers, showers and ceiling fans. More posts you may like r/travel Join 9 days ago What are some unique activities that you think are worth traveling for? . On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs nearby, and the beach is just a short walk away. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! And it is farther from stuff. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. Oceana Inn Santa Cruz is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. 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-41177793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco the first week of August. . HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. This is the longest stretch. 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 home is incredibly airy and bright, equipped with only high-quality amenities and comfy furniture. Santa Cruz and its neighboring towns stretch along 6 miles at the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! There are some museums and movie theaters in the downtown area. Carmel has some very nice places to stay. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. 831-372 . Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Stay in Monterey or Carmel. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz more. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. netllama 7 yr. ago The driving time between Monterrey & Santa Cruz is about an hour. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. The room is spacious, with a comfy bed and has a private bathroom. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. 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 ? Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? - Santa Cruz Forum - Tripadvisor (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. So its up to you what you want to do. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. Monterey (Spanish: Monterrey; Ohlone: Aacistak) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. Visitors to Santa Cruz particularly seem to like the entertainment choices and beaches, which are great ways to discover the local area. 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-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. What is your lodging budget? As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village. To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (the aquarium sounds amazing). Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Mar 5 - Mar 6. . 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. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. 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. We were planning to stay in Monterey one night. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Id say Santa Cruz is aimed at a younger audience. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels.