Still trying to narrow down our focus!!! My mom and I are planning a trip to this area in July and I am wondering what the differences are between Santa Cruz and the Monterey area. My mom was in Santa Cruz when she was 16 years old and she wants to see it again, but I don't know that we want to spend 5 nights there and drive to the monterey area everyday. Thanks for your response! They have really been helpful!

Do you plan on spending most of your time in Monterey? It's an hour each way between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Why not just do a day trip or one night in Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz is a nice day at the beach/boardwalk, but I'm not sure I'd do 5 nights there. Does mom surf?

I'd base myself in the Monterey area and take a day trip to Santa Cruz. It's not very far. You can stop in Castroville on the way for artichokes and Watsonville for strawberries.

I just got back last Wednesday from taking my mom to the Monterey Peninsula. This post and your other query about whether to stay in Monterey, Pacific Grove or Carmel indicate there may be similarities in our itineraries, so here's my 2 cents.

Highlights of our trip were:

--staying in Pacific Grove across the street from the ocean (Seven Gables). I didn't appreciate what this meant until I woke to see the entire coastline of Monterey Bay stretching away under blue skies, ate breakfast to the same stunning view, and saw an otter (my first) floating in an inlet across the street. Already trying to plan a trip back, and am only considering similar oceanfront lodgings in PG. Also stayed in Carmel, and much preferred PG. More of a mellow town feel, easy access to the coastal walkway, less emphasis on shopping, easy access to Hwy 1.

--Point Lobos state park. Short, EASY hikes to stunning coastal scenery (Mom was in a wheelchair), more otters, sea lions barking and basking, lots of birds to look at.

--Julia Pfeiffer Burns park in Big Sur; specifically the easy hike to the waterfall that pours onto a pristine beach.

--side trip to Santa Cruz one afternoon to visit a friend, and getting a tour of the coast and the gorgeous UCSC campus. Liked Santa Cruz but was glad to be staying on Monterey Peninsula and make easy one-hour drive to visit only.

--food: Taste Cafe and Bistro in PG (went twice), Flying Fish Grill in Carmel for wonderful fusion seafood, and for atmosphere and the experience, Tuck Box in Carmel for Scottish-style scones with clotted cream and olallieberry jam.

What would I add/skip on my next trip? More time in Big Sur, for the coastal drive as much as the redwoods, and lunch at Nepenthe; exploring restaurants in downtown Monterey; less time in Carmel.

Mari, just wanted to say thanks! I am heading to the area in late June and will be staying in PG. The added information you gave is a great help. Thanks again!

Hi B--

I've also noticed your long thread and there are v good suggestions. So 2 points for you:

--having considered 3 airports in the region and how to get to MP, try this: Monterey/Salinas Airbus shuttle from SJO, 831-373-7777. $30 one way. Because of Mom's condition and the fact we were flying from Honolulu, we ended up going for the most expedient---Monterey Peninsula Airport---and given the 10-minute drive to PG, were v glad we did.

--solo dining: stuffed in as much as we could in just 4 days (literally), so suggestions from my limited experience would be Tuck Box and Flying Fish, and Boisiere Patisserie upstairs from Flying Fish (all in Carmel). Tuck Box is kind of a ladies' place (think afternoon tea), so try for a seat outside.

Flying Fish has small, private Japanese-style booths and a v friendly owner (Ken) who likes to chat w/ customers. Highly recommend the Rare Peppered Ahi (yes, it's seared)---really, really good, succulent, fresh and almost buttery---and that's saying a lot since I come from Hawaii. Also the black-bean halibut baked in filo dough.

The Patisserie has upscale sandwiches and hot specials and seems to do a good business lunch business; I think it would be good for solo when it's not crowded. Picked up sandwiches for the flight home here. They're v gracious.

Fishwife was highly recommended but I was disappointed. Maybe it was our choices: calamari salad and fresh salmon w/ tomatillo-cilantro-avocado sauce. Flavors missed the mark for me. But it's a nice, mellow place, albeit w/o a view, and I'd add that to a solo dining list.

Apologies to ccalhoon for hijacking this thread. B, sounds like you're in for a wonderful trip---enjoy!

My apologies also to ccalhoon for hijacking! Sorry!

Thanks Mari for the info on the shuttle from SJC! And thanks for all of the additional information!

Just to clarify, SJO is in Costa Rica; SJC is in Silicon Valley, CA.

The other difference between the areas you mention is that Carmel is higher-end real estate. Monterey has more wildlife-focused sites to visit. Santa Cruz has a more tie-dye and granola feel - with the surfing heritage as well.

The shops at the Pacific Garden Mall on Pacific street have changed quite a bit since the earthquake in 1989, and your mom must see this area.

The primary exhibit at he Monterey Bay Aquarium changes periodically. Even if a person has visited before, it should be different on subsequent visits.

Carmel area offers world class golf with commensurate green fees.

SKIP : Unless your trip is car-centric, skip the 17 mile drive. You pay a fee to see the street view of high-end homes. A helicopter tour of nice homes would better suit this purpose.

ADD : If you're physically able, you can rent a "bike" with four wheels and bench seats to pedal around the path which parallels the perimeter of the Monterey Bay.

You can aviod the $8.50 gate fee for 17 Mile Drive if you ride in on a Bicycle.If you don't have your own bike you can rent one at the Pacific Grove entrance.If you just stay on the oceanside portion of 17 Mile Dr. its mostly a flat ride.

Also if you do pay the gate fee,and you eat at any of the restaurants at The Lodge At Pebble Beach,or The Inn At Spanish Bay they will reimburse the gate fee.

Good points, but why does a person drive a road and look at expensive homes? Is this a vacation item that is practiced elsewhere?