Trying to determine my last night of a 5 day visit before heading back to SF airport. Planning 2 nights in Monterey area and then head up the coast to Capitola for one night. Is this worth it or should I just stay in Monterey area. Is there a better spot heading north up the coast. Looking at Inn at Depot Hill (pricey-worth it?). Thanks

I would say stay put in Monterey. I live in SF and am often in the Santa Cruz area, and I think Monterey/Carmel is *much* more beautiful than Capitola. Capitola is a weird combo of faded beauty from an earlier day (the river/inlet area), quaint gift shops, and margarita bars packed with bikers. I'm not even that fond of visiting, let alone staying a night (no offense to anyone in Capitola).

I'd be more tempted to drive further south to Big Sur for one night. But when in Monterey, be sure to check out Point Lobos nature preserve. It's absolutely amazing.

I would recommend staying in Monterey the extra night as well. Capitola is a nice little place, but I don't think there is enough there to justify staying the night. If you want to visit the area, you might consider driving up there during one of the days you are in Monterey. It's only about 45 minutes up the coast. This would give you a chance to see the areas around Monterey. Nicene Marks State Park is up that way, which has some nice hiking, beautiful trees and the epicenter for the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

I would stay in Monterey. There is more to do there, and as Tom has pointed out, it is more scenic than Capitola.

I would agree, but the Inn at Depot Hill is quite lovely. If you wanted to get closer to SFO you could look at staying in the little towns "over the hill", Saratoga and Los Gatos but I don't think you really need to. You will not want to drive straight up hwy 1 to reach SFO. Better to take hwy 1 to 17 to 280 to 380 to the airport.

Big Sur is awesome -don't leave the area without seeing it.As far as montery vs Capitola...I live in Capitola and I think it depends on what you want to do. Walking up on the depot hill bluffs is great for sunsets(or any time). The inn is not on depot hill proper...but very close. Margaritaville is closed-so no biker bar to worry about. Paradise Grill is nice for a drink and you can walk to Shadowbrook for a drink but dinner's not worth it. I love to walk along New Brighton Beach-next beach south of capitola -and Nisene Marks. If you like bike riding- east cliff drive, Nisene Marks are fun and scenic. I think there is more outdoor activities to do in Capitola area but less shopping, restaurants...I get bored in Monterey Carmel because it is so touristy and I don't like to shop. Cafe Rio in Aptos has great seafood. Depot Hill gets raves reviews from all who stay there.
The whole area is beautiful you can't go wrong.

If you do decide to go to Capitola for a night we would highly recommend the Inn at Depot Hill. We've stayed all over the world at very nice hotels and it's got to be one of our top 5. We just wanted to stay in bed all day it was so amazing. I'm a huge fan of Capitola/Santa Cruz and don't really think that there is enough to do in Monterey to last you for 5 days.

I totally agree with above poster about Inn at Depot Hill. One of the most romantic and comfortable inns we've ever stayed. Definitely in our top 5. Be sure to get a room with an outdoor hottub - just delightful! It's worth a night in Capitola just to stay there.