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. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. Thanks! Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? This post has been removed at the author's request. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA - Cancel FREE on most hotels | Hotels.com Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63171502', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! There are no "hippies". You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. Top Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from $60 - Expedia Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. Thank you for your input. Theres also complimentary wifi. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. Do you have any recommendations? The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Monterey is 8.8\% less expensive than Santa Cruz. I know because I know a lot of them personally, I am always astounded when people still say that Santa Cruz has a 'hippie vibe."downtown. Highway 1 through Santa Cruz has a lot of traffic in mornings and after 3. 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 Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. It has a eucalyptus grove where Monarch butterflies stay over the winter when they are migrating. Do you enjoy luxury or more budget-oriented accommodations? Santa Cruz to Monterey Park drive - plan a road trip Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. Carmel Beach is beautiful for romantic walks and just enjoying the view, but the water is cold and rip currents are common. 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 ? Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Have a fun trip! The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. I find people to be friendly, generally. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. 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. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. 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. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. Santa Cruz has the advantage of being about an hour. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. Watch Sunsets of the Monterey Bay From a Hilltop Villa Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. 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. 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. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Cruz 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). Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Continue on to Pacific Grove and stay at Asilomar (again) or. We are even usually warmer that Pismo Beach because our beaches face south. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. Difference between Santa Cruz and Monterey & Carmel area? I think my kids would love it. What is your lodging budget? Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:21 pm drive for about 5 minutes 4:26 pm arrive in Monterey stay at Mission Ranch Hotel driving 1.5 hours Change your route From: To: Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Eat an amazing meal at Hindquarter Bar & Grill. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. 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. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! 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. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Comfortable, big and close to the beach this family Airbnb is perfect for holidays together. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. Theres also an outdoor swimming pool and on-site parking. We've also never been to Cali if that makes a difference. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Its a great place to watch surfers. 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. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. Also be aware that Highway 1 between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You also have the Boardwalk, which is a seaside amusement park - rides, including an historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones. Things to Do. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 - MLS ML81920539 - Coldwell There are several Best Westerns in town. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. There is a good and informative visitor center and some great tide pools. Either on your way to Big Sur, part of your day in Big Sur or on your way to 101. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. per night. 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. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . This charming hotel is an excellent place to make your base in Capitola because there are plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options nearby. All rights reserved. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip {25 Stops + 7 Day Guide} - California Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night. 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. Just as close to everything. Is this true? Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . 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. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Re: Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages?