To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor It offers easy access throughout the neighbourhood and is close to restaurants, the beach and bars. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 - montereybayprop.com I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. (the aquarium sounds amazing). Santa Cruz County vs. Monterey County: Who Ya Got? | Good Times Itinerary. Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. All rights reserved. It will be warmer here, so if you want a beach day this is your place. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! It is a large area comprised of three main neighbourhoods Seacliff, Rio Del Mar and La Selva and is a great place to stay if youre looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. Walking in Carmel reminded me of being in a European town with it's interesting storefronts, side streets and small nooks and crannies. I will definitely check into the train ride. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. 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. Environmental activist Dan Haifley argues that Monterey Bay residents should care about and support the potential designation of tribally nominated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, covering waters off San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. Have a fun trip! 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. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Santa Cruz. 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-77278122', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. We like the dining scene a lot more in Monterey-Carmel, but inexpensive eats are easier to find in Santa Cruz. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. 10:00 am start in Santa Cruz drive for about 47 minutes. 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. The 1960's "hippie" students I mentioned are now retired lawyers, doctors, university professors, heads of universities, involved in the genome project, and important members of communities all over California. 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. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. The ocean is cold but you can swim in it especially from Capitola south. It'll be cheaper. Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. 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. Flora Vista Inn is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Monterey, Carmel or Santa Cruz - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. Would you recommend one? Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. 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. I would also use this term to describe the Haight Ashbury neighborhood generically. Twin Lakes is the next beach, just on the other side of the harbor. We're adjacent to Watsonville Municipal Airport, just minutes from Sunset State Beach and nearby golf courses, wineries and wildlife preserves. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Reserve now, pay when you stay. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz from $64 | Hotels.com Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; 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 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? But because it is farther out, it is great for beach combing because there aren't as many people - sometimes very few people. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. When is your trip planned for? 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. That was sort of cool to see. 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. 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. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Have a fun trip! I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think my kids would love it. The aquarium in Monterey is a big draw, and it is very good. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Founded on June 3, 1770, it was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109324334', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey Bay Aquarium. Traffic is nothing like what you find in the big city (except during events like Car Week). 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. Is Santa Cruz or Monterey more expensive? 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. Set in central California, Santa Cruz is the epitome of west coast cool. We do not represent World Nomads. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If youre not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite Santa Cruz accommodation options: HI-Santa Cruz Hostel is the best hostel in the city. Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (2022) Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! Answer 21 of 26: So with all the road and park closures in Big Sur we are considering cancelling our two night stay there in early March. Many have recommended that we visit Carmel Beach to see all of it's beauty and enjoy the beach. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Since youre staying two nights in Big Sur you can easily see Monterey while there. Do you have any recommendations? The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. Twin Lakes Beach is a good one. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. 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. This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. I concur with november moon. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Part of the trip will include a trip up hwy 1. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. Comfort Inn - Watsonville CA Hotel - Book Today! You might want to consider two adjoining rooms.