Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. Want to be featured in our list? Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool, free wifi and a delicious daily breakfast. 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. Monterey, California - The AZA-accredited Monterey Bay Aquarium is big on conservation. Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Or spend a night or two in both to maximize your time on the coast. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in 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. Listed below are the top historic hotels in Monterey, California, that you can scroll over and book now. It has a great central location and is within walking distance of bars, bistros and the beach. Best deals for Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets? Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Thanks all! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. Dine on delicious dishes at 100 Mile Meals, a concept restaurant that only uses local goods. I hesitate to recommend either based on "must-sees" since that is such a personal decision. at the end of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would also suggest a visit to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey is best for families and budget-conscious travellers, while Carmel is best for couples, foodies and shoppers. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. A continental breakfast is also included in each reservation. It is world class. It has large rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and contemporary amenities. Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. 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. I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms. Yall are great! Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. 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. Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Monterey. Monterey is more coastal than beachy, if that makes sense. Thank you for your input. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77302454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Carmel is, they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm ;-) so if you want any kind of nightlife other than a nice dinner out and perhaps drinks at a quiet bar, Monterey or Santa Cruz will be a better choice. Are there a lot of must dos in Santa Cruz? Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. A great way to access transportation options in Santa Cruz is to visit www.Cruz511.org. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you like to stay at a motel and do the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is more your liking stay there. Reserve now, pay when you stay. It has pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere, while also boasting incredible food, lively nightlife and lush natural surroundings. 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. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Our home offers a view of the entire Monterey Bay and sits atop a hilltop with lots of privacy. This delightful hotel is one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay in because it has a great central location. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. I concur with november moon. Santa Cruz is more of a classic CA beach town with a surf culture and an eclectic downtown. It has great shopping, delicious dining, buzzing nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. We saw the Hearst Castle. Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events. Dig into an amazing meal any time of day at Ideal Bar & Grill. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. 10:47 am Monterey stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:47 pm drive for about 1 hour. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,101 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum. Both are stunningly beautiful, but the city beach is safer than the River beach. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Santa Cruz does have a scenic ocean area like Monterey and Carmel. My home beach is Seabright, which is just over the river. Monterey is a quintessential north California ocean town in the USA and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood. Its a great place to watch surfers. Instead, buy an eSIM! If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Carmel has two beaches, Carmel city beach and Carmel River Beach. 5:52 pm Paso Robles eat at Niner Wine Estates stay overnight at Summerwood Winery and Inn I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to SF. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. 2. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77282033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey/Carmel area. All rights reserved. In short, Santa Cruz is without a doubt one of California's best-kept secrets. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. Spend another night closer to Santa Barbara. There may be homeless, but they are everywhere now. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. There are no modern hippies. Answer 1 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. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Since you have plenty of time for the trip from SF to LA, distance isn't a factor. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. 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. It's myself and my husband and we are going the first week in May. The aquarium is but one attraction in that area. There are loads of places that are great for family days out, and of course, the beach. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Capitola Venetian Hotel is close to everything the neighbourhood has to offer. Right now Highway 1 isn't passable through the Big Sur area due to a road wash out. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. 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. 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. More information. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. However, just to confuse things I believe that they have merged the two into "Twin Lakes State Beach". And yes, the water is cold. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Santa Cruz. Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. This shabby-chic hotel is just steps from the beach, the Boardwalk, great restaurants and lively nightlife. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. 831-372 . I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. For things to see on the Monterey Peninsula see, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g580824-Activities-Monterey_Peninsula_California.html, Santa Cruz is focused more on the Boardwalk or to go see Henry Cowell Redwoods.it also has the ocean, surfing, and a winery section (not as nice as Carmel or Carmel Valley but enough wineries to enjoy in a ery short visit.). It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63170412', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California early next August. My family of four is taking a 13 day trip to San Francisco (3 days), Yosemite (2 days) and down the coast ending in LA. Photos and Property Details for 1190 WARREN DR, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel . Monterey is more coastal and less beachy. Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. :) Report inappropriate content november_moon San Jose, California Destination Expert for California Level Contributor 24,123 posts 138 reviews 71 helpful votes 8. It's among the best places to stay in Monterey, CA. With all of the educational institutions we have, it has an international feel to it, and many good restaurants. We have interest in outdoor eating, swimming/lounging on the beach, live music and natures beauty (but we're not huge hikers or anything). It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. You can usually see plenty of marine wildlife from shore, especially if you go along the coastal recreation trail, which runs for miles. 126 216 r/travel Join 8 days ago . The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. 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. 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. Surf City Inn & Suites is your best bet for budget Santa Cruz accommodation in Midtown. The Monterey Hotel - Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey; Santa Cruz Ocean Pacific Hotel - A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. 7. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. 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. And it is farther from stuff. The beach is wide and good for walking. Take State Park Drive from Hwy 1. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Both are good choices. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. 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. We spend a lot of time in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would hang around Morro Bay for some water activity and marine mammal observation. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. 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. The Santa Cruz area includes the towns of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Although it might be a little more upmarket compared to other areas of Santa Cruz, trust me when I say, it worth the splurge! You could also visit nearby Carmel which is one of our favorite towns on the CA coast. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. It is world class. Things to Do. However, for stretches of Big Sur, most accommodations while beautiful are few and expensive. You can find great Airbnbs like Seacliff House. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. Looking for a specific place to stay? If not, may I suggest another helping of Wallace Baine? Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey Be sure to spend some time in San Fran before you leave! Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. Posted 2:23:02 AM. Surf City Inn & Suites is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. That was sort of cool to see. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? 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. During the summer the surf on Carmel city beach is relatively tame, and people do play in the water, but not without some risk. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. 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. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroads, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and other . In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. The Vagabond's House Hotel Abrego Tradewinds Carmel Spindrift Inn Cypress Inn Tickle Pink Inn. Thanks! Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I'd love to see that hippie vibe back in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also we are 25 & 26 and are not big wine drinkers. The Comfort Inn hotel in Watsonville, CA is near Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium offering free hot breakfast & more! Avila Beach is warm in that area. I will definitely check into the train ride. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77301030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Cruz! Open to suggestions. This is north of the Boardwalk area. The Rio Vista Inn is our favourite hotel in Santa Cruz. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. It'll be cheaper. The Continental Inn is set at the heart of Santa Cruz. Well, dont worry because in this next section were going to break each of them down in much more detail. 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. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. Your decision sounds great! ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. (the aquarium sounds amazing). There's this misconception that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. I live downtown and walk Pacific Avenue regularly. 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. Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises A humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay. We have been to several large aquariums over the years just not that one. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. 7.7 Good 206 reviews. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. Both areas have a lot to do. Edited: 01 June . 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. Monterey is more coastal - there are some beaches too, but the coastline is rocky so the focus is more on scenery and wildlife. When we vacation, we hike, bike, kayak, surf, horse-back rideyou get the idea. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Capitola is a beachside neighbourhood bursting with a European flair. The city of Santa Cruz boasts a string of sandy beaches and a historic wharf. If live music is more your thing, Midtown is also where youll find a great selection of concert halls and karaoke parlours, open mic nights and street-side buskers. Sip a glass of wine aboard the Chardonnay II. 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 do you think? We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. Feast on fresh and delicious seafood and more at Stagnaro Bros. Go for a stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf and spot local wildlife like sea lions, whales, birds and more. The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. That is, as long as you don't get stuck in traffic. There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Inside its quaint Victorian facade lie 69 well-appointed rooms, some of which are pet-friendly, too. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog (previous guests loved him). The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. 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. And conversely, if you choose to stay in Monterey, you can see SC on the way there. I think the decision really depends on what you want to do and see and your overall plan. 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. Monterey has a temperate climate, with a short, intense rainy season. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better room in a better location than at the Wayfarer (12 E. Montecito St., 805/845-1000, dorm beds $50-90, private rooms $200-300). I'm planning on staying 2 nights and then heading to. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. You understand you can't drive the coast LA to SF, right? 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. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. We were planning to stay in Monterey one 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. 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. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Get answers to your questions about Monterey, Monterey Peninsula Trip Report w/photos. :) Can anyone help me figure out what is the best way to plan this?? 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. 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 Midtown/Seabright neighbourhood is packed with bustling bars and buzzing breweries where you can enjoy a laidback drink or two. Hi - I'm traveling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Earn free nights and get our Price Guarantee - booking has never been easier on Hotels.com! Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum. Its fun and your younger kids would probably love it. There are beaches, but the coastline is more rocky, which is beautiful and means that you have more opportunity to see sea animals. Youre connected. For Dead Doctors Don't Lie Use: 888-379-2552 You can pretty much expect all indoor attractions to be closed until conditions improve markedly. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A big construction project is starting on the bridge over the Santa Cruz harbor in September. 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. When you're ready to start your road trip, head to Lands End then drive south along the coast. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. If you are coming by Air or Train, San Jose is the best destination. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Should we. . Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. The very next year there were bare feet and jeans and long hair and granny dresses. 1 big room with queen bed and a futon in the living room that turns into a bed. The great whites should be in their summer residence in Aptos by then, they usually show up in April, and if that interests you they can be seen from the sand or there are boat tours. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. But, despite its small size, choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Santa Cruz can be a challenge. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. Be sure and visit Capitola Village while in the Santa Cruz area. 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. Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Answer 1 of 19: Driving the coast from SF to LA. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? The first class of the University of Santa Cruz campus in 1965 appeared in chinos and skirts and cashmere sweaters. This charming Inn is centrally located in Santa Cruz. The Ritz Carlton - If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. Santa Cruzs Boardwalk neighbourhood is one of the liveliest and most vibrant districts in the city.