Chaminade Resort & Spa
Address: One Chaminade Lane
The bright and cheerful house is located in a vibrant neighborhood, close to downtown. The one-bedroom house also has a spacious living area and a full kitchen with dining area. The interior is minimalistic, its whitewash walls combining perfectly with the hardwood floors. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed for two guests. The backyard of the house is the perfect place for spending time outdoors. There is a table, chairs, and a hammock to relax in the middle of greenery.
the place was clean well kept and beautiful
the apartment was clean and perfect for three people
the bathroom was very spacious with great water pressure premium soaps and plenty of towels
the hosts’ book of recommendations was helpful and truthful
also the hosts are always excellent
we really enjoyed the hosts little touches
chuck and susan were excellent hosts who made us feel right at home
chuck and susan were great hosts
excellent location in santa cruz
the location is also excellent
the location is also amazing
excellent location near downtown and beach in quite safe neighborhood
great place in a great location
Let A Local Plan Your Day
Colby Barr is a longtime Santa Cruz resident and co-founder of Santa Cruzs standoutVerve Coffee Roasters. He shared some of his favorite places on Santa Cruzs west side and beyond, including his pick for the citys unmissable scoops.
Close to the west side Verve location, there is a really cool retail space calledSawyer Land & Sea Supply. The owner, Stacy, has impeccable taste and style. She is friends with all the superstars in the surf culture, and she always has very nice surfboards, as well as cool art, ceramics, clothing, and things like that. Its kind of California bohème.
Just around the corner from Sawyer is one of the newest breweries to open in Santa Cruz, calledHumble Sea. Santa Cruz is a crazy place for breweries right now. There are a couple of real all-stars, and this is one of them. Were collaborating with them right now, using our coffee from Panama for a saison, and a Dubbel Belgian with our cascara . All of their beers have great aromatics and clarity, but their Juice Bag IPA is a real winner.
Recommendations For People Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Before you travel:
- Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the COVID-19 situation in your destination.
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Best Hostel In Santa Cruz: Hi
This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. It is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen.
When To Go And What To Bring
Jack ONeill, founder of the famous wetsuit and surfboard brand, was a Santa Cruz local, which tells you two things about the coast here: The swells are great, and the water is ice-cold. Foggy and overcast mornings are common, and winds off the coast can chill the air, even on a clear day. Late summer to early fall is the best season for beachgoing, when clear, sunny days are more frequent even then, its best to come prepared. In addition to the usual necessities , add an extra layer of clothes to your beach bag, including a warm sweatshirt, hat, and extra towels. If youre going to spend extended time in the water, rent a wetsuit.
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Aptos Where To Stay In Santa Cruz For Families
Aptos is a serene and stunning neighbourhood located just east of Santa Cruz. 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.
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.
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.
How To Get There And Then Get Around
A set of wheels will get you to Santa Cruz and make it easier to visit state parks and beaches along Highway 1, too. Out-of-towners can rent a car at the airport in San Francisco or San Jose, then take the redwood-fringed Highway 17 over the coastal mountains to the city of Santa Cruz. If youd like to buck California tradition and skip the car entirely,Amtrak runs trains between San Jose and points across the West Coast, including Oakland from the San Jose station, take an Amtrak connector bus to Santa Cruz. Once youre in town, Santa Cruz is relatively flat and totally bike-friendly . In fact, the city is small enough that its even walkable its only about a mile from the citys Main Beach to downtown.
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Where To Stay In Santa Cruz: Mid
Capitola
Also check out Beach Street Inn and Suites, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Main Beach and Cowell Beach and under 15 minutes by foot from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. This brightly colored hotel offers colorful rooms with wood floors, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Many also feature shared balconies with sea views.
Families will appreciate the suites, which come with separate living spaces, sleeper sofas, and kitchens. Amenities include an on-site cafe, outdoor heated pool, and a picnic area. Parking is free.
Best Airbnb In Midtown: Entire Home
Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. The apartment is very bright, furnished beautifully and offers so much comfort from a massive bed to a great living area. Be aware that the hosts live next door with their well-behaved dog .
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Things To See And Do In Aptos
- Browse the tiny but interesting Aptos History Museum.
- Eat incredible and fresh seafood, pasta and more at Café Rio.
- Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant.
- Go for a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
- Indulge at the Bittersweet Bistro.
- Pop by the La Selva Library, which regularly hosts family-friendly events.
- See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship.
- Shop for everything from souvenirs to fine art and pottery in Rio del Mar.
- Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach.
Stay At Fern River Resort Feels Like A Summer Camp
09 | 09 | 2019
Nestled behind Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just off the ever meandering highway 9, lives Fern River Resort. Fern River is a charming gathering of cabins in the redwoods fit for large family vacations, weddings, or even just a romantic getaway for two. Fern River Resort was founded in 1929, years after a boulder containing…
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International Travel During Covid
Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDCs international travel recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.
The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling.
CDC will update these recommendations as more people get vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.
Downtown Where To Stay In Santa Cruz For Your First Time
Downtown is a large neighbourhood located in central Santa Cruz. 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.
Santa Cruzs downtown district is also where youll find the local arts scene. Tucked throughout the neighbourhood are a good variety of galleries and shops that showcase the excellent works of local artists, musicians, actors and writers.
Lynn Yeh
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Where To Stay In Santa Cruz For Families
Surfing in Santa Cruz
Carousel Beach Inn is a great choice for families as it features an awesome location, just a few minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and about a 10-minute walk to the Santa Cruz Wharf. The rooms are colorful and feature original art on the walls, and hardwood floors. They also come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Families will enjoy the larger rooms with separate living spaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Amenities include a free continental breakfast and complimentary parking.
Another family-friendly pick is the Mission Inn. This boutique property has 53 rooms, including family room choices. Rooms are contemporary in design, with beach-focused artwork and faux wood accent walls. Each one also comes with a refrigerator and microwave, which is convenient for heating up snacks for the kids.
Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, as well as free parking. There is a hot tub on the grounds and also a sauna. The hotel is located near the University of California Santa Cruz and about a five-minute drive to the boardwalk and downtown.
Best Hotel In Aptos: Best Western Seacliff Inn
The Best Western in Aptos is one of our best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Cruz for families. It has a great central location and is close to restaurants, shops, the beach and more. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant.
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Best Airbnb In Downtown: Beautiful Apartment In Downtown
Furnished with an eye for detail, this Downtown Airbnb is the right place for visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place.
Things To See And Do In Capitola
- Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer.
- Delve deep into the history of the neighbourhood and region at the Capitola Historical Museum.
- Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach.
- Explore the streets, shops and bars of colourful Capitola Village.
- Grab a pint at Brittania Arms.
- Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas.
- Sip seaside cocktails at Bay Bar and Grill.
- Spend a day basking on the sands of New Brighton State Beach.
- Try local wines at Its Wine Tyme.
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Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Address: 407 Broadway Ave
Amidst the bliss of greenery, this Hilton property ensures a luxurious stay. The rooms are comfortable and spacious with cozy living areas. Its grand windows offer excellent glimpses of the surrounding greenery and some of the rooms even have private balconies to enjoy private views. The rooms have amenities like microwaves, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool sits in an idyllic part of the hotel, surrounded by trees. The onsite restaurant, Cafe Max, serves traditional Californian cuisine.
My First Time In Santa Cruz
My first time in Santa Cruz. It was a wonderful little town that we ended up in after a long beautiful coastal drive from south San Francisco. I especially loved the place we stay at, the Rio Vista Inn! It was the perfect place to stay with your significant other! The staff was amazing and the place was such a gem! We unfortunately missed the boardwalk being open because their summer hours are over but that just means Ill have to come back soon!
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Hotel Paradox Autograph Collection
Address: 611 Ocean Street
WiFi available in all areasOutdoor pool Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against CoronavirusLuggage storageHand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areasGuest accommodation sealed after cleaningSafety deposit boxOutdoor pool
This grand hotel is located very close to the Lighthouse Field State Beach. The contemporary rooms feature flat-screen televisions, writing desks, and separate living areas. A tea and coffee maker is present in every room and the hardwood furniture all through the property gives an additional touch to the chic interior. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a sauna for relaxing. A continental breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant.
Best Hostel In The Boardwalk: Hi
This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. It is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. Theres also a large, fully-stocked kitchen.
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Restaurants And Places To Eat In Santa Cruz
If youre hungry, there are plenty of places to eat in Santa Cruz and many of those that have won awards or other recognitions. Within the immediate vicinity of the Santa Cruz Inn hotel, you can choose from many types of cuisines as well as price ranges such as the Chaminade Resort, Eriks Deli, Silver Spur, El Chino Mexican Restaurant, Jeffreys, El Jardin, Upper Crust Pizza, and The Crepe Place Take your pick.
Best Airbnb In Santa Cruz: Beautiful Apartment In Downtown
Furnished with an eye for detail, this Downtown Airbnb is the right place for visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. The beautiful interior design will make you feel comfortable and at home. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place.
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Where To Stay In The Santa Cruz Mountains
Enjoy a standard hotel close to the forest, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, or on the shore of famous beaches with one of these hotel recommendations.
- Best Western Seacliff Inn: Located 40 minutes from our forest, the Best Western Seacliff Inn has everything you need for a good nightâs rest. The hotel has a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and on-site dining.
Best Spots To Camp This Summer
06 | 28 | 2019
Its officially summertime in the Santa Cruz Mountains! The summer sun is drying everyone out after a rainy spring, the flowers are in full bloom, and those shady hiking trails have never looked so inviting. With the UCSC students out of town and the locals reclaiming the area, many people are looking around for summer…
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Best Hotel In Capitola: Best Western Plus Capitola
The Best Western is ideally located in Capitola, Santa Cruzs best neighbourhood for hipsters, trendsetters and cool kids. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and guests can enjoy on-demand movies and a spa bathtub.
Things To See And Do In Downtown
- Browse the incredible and creative exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.
- Catch a show at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
- Cheer on the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors or the Santa Cruz Derby Girls at the Kaiser Permanent Area.
- Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar.
- Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub.
- Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz.
- Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar.
- Listen to live music at the Catalyst.
- Shop until you drop at the Pacific Garden Mall.
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