Santa Cruz and Monterey are both excellent choices.
If you prefer a classic California beach town which has a great surf culture and an eclectic downtown, then Santa Cruz is highly recommended.
This place also gives off a funky and offbeat vibe.
As a bonus,
Santa Cruz has a boardwalk which serves as a seaside
amusement park including:
Games
Waffle cones
Rides
Historic wooden roller coaster
Santa Cruz is the land of surf, mountains
, hippy cultures, redwood covered mountains and a cool laid back vibe.
This is the perfect spot for relaxing and just enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Santa Cruz is located in an enviable area on the scenic
Central Coast in California and features some of the following:
Mountains
Pristine coastline
Beautiful beaches
State Parks with redwood groves and waterfalls
Picturesque lighthouses
On the flip side, Monterey is a relatively small city that boasts of stunning beaches, foodie haunts and historic streets.
It promises an amazing and lovely experience with a serene environment.
How long does it take to get to Monterey to Santa Cruz?
Between Monterey and Santa Cruz, the driving distance is about 43 miles.
If you are driving nonstop, it takes 47 minutes to get to Santa Cruz from Monterey.
Is It Better to Stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?
Is Monterey California worth visiting?
Whether it’s your first time in Monterey
California
or even your hundredth time in this location, you can never get enough of this stunning scenery along the 17-mile drive.
In Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you’ll also find some of the best beaches and coastal terrain.
When it comes to
activities
that you can engage in during your stay in Monterey, there is an endless list of things to do.
Monterey is a quintessential north
California ocean town in the USA
and has a great population of marine wildlife and fresh seafood.
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.
The beaches in this area range from small and idyllic marine protected areas to rugged coves.
At the corner of the West Coast, you’ll enjoy
beautiful drives along cliff tops
laced in cypress forests and pines.
Next to exclusive wineries, you’ll find world leading golf courses.
Monterey State Historic Park
Extending from the wharves and the clam chowder stalls along Pacific Street to the south, the Monterey
State Historic Park
is the oldest corner of town.
This Park features a medley of old buildings bearing and Adobe cottages, most of which were built in the mid-19th century.
Some places you cannot afford to miss include:
The Larkin House
: This was the first 2-storey building in
California
The Custom House
: This is a National Historic Landmark which the Mexican Government constructed.
However, in the 1840s, the Custom House became the very first place to goo the Stars and Stripes after the USA claimed the state.
Whale watching
Monterey is among the West Coast whale watching Meccas.
Get ready to be stunned by splashing humpbacks, dolphins and blue whales.
Once you head down to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find several outfitters willing to take you across the Pacific to see whales.
Whales are regarded as the giants of the ocean with the largest being the blue whale.
There are also humpbacks which can be found in the waters in this area.
If you’re enthusiastic about whale watching, then you’ll have more chances of seeing them during the summer or fall months.
In the winter season, there are more grey whales in the area.
You can also find sea lions and dolphins as they are major inhabitants of the waters close to Monterey as well.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
At the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, get ready to treat your tastebuds to the most amazing seafood dishes.
Along the Pacific Ocean from Lighthouse avenue, you can also find cafes and crab shacks with delicious foods
.
Locating these places is hardly a problem.
All you need to do is take a deep breath and follow the aroma of deep frying shrimp and oysters.
Two of the legendary names on the wharf are:
2-storey Crab House and
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
These two places sport traditional painted wood facades and offer 180° views of Monterey Bay.
My Verdict: Is it better to stay in Santa Cruz or Monterey?
Here is what I will say about the two towns in
Santa Cruz
or Monterey.
Both are great choices for tourists.
For instance, Santa Cruz is offers a better classic
California
beach town.
Santa Cruz has a surf culture and I like its eclectic downtown, which looks like a funky sort of place, but offers a bit off-beat.
There is the Boardwalk which has become a popular tourist spot.
In addition, Boardwalk is a seaside amusement park with rides, that include a historic wooden roller coaster, games, waffle cones.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a problem with cooler temperatures, I will recommend Monterey for you.
The
town is quieter and has fewer tourists
, and you can see more marine life too.
I’d say if you want a quiet life or retirement, you should consider using Monterey.
I will pick Santa Cruz because it has become the epitome of west coast cool.
I love the laid back atmosphere and its pristine beaches.
Also, I spent my first day in Monterey eating, exploring the shore, and window shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Monterey?
If you’re planning on visiting Monterey, 4-7 days is an ideal amount of time to explore the city and the surrounding areas.
You can go to the shore, check out the restaurants and even shop for items during your stay.
How far apart is Monterey and Santa Cruz?
The distance from Santa Cruz to Monterey is about 26.
91 miles in southeast direction and 42 miles by car through the CA 1 route.
Without taking a stop, you can get to Monterey from Santa Cruz within 46 minutes.
How long should you spend in Monterey?
You can spend at least 4-7 days if you want to explore
Monterey and the surrounding area
.