santa cruz
 

Hi, we are going to spend a few days in Santa Cruz visiting relatives can anyone recommend a reasonable place to stay with a pool and some things we should not miss while down there?

If you tell us what "reasonable" means to you, we can reccomend some places. Reasonable means widely different things to different people.

Hi, I was hoping to stay between 75 and 100 a night, I would like to be close to the beach too if possible. Thanks, Kim

Have you taken a look at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for a day visit? Went with my daughter and sister 2 weeks ago. We spent a couple of hours walking around, window shopping, eating (fried twinkies) and admiring the ocean.

This should help you out: http://www.santacruzmotels.com/carousel.html

Definitely see the Boardwalk, have a waffle cone, ride some rides, play some games, wander around.

There are some good views from the wharf, which is close by.

Take a couple hours and wander along Pacific Avenue - eclectic outdoor mall.

West Cliff Drive has some great views and a neat little surf museum at the lighthouse.

Capitola Village is another good place to check out - quaint shops, nice beach.

Go up Hwy 9 into the Santa Cruz mountains - Henry Cowell and Big Basin state parks are great. Next to Henry Cowell is Roaring Camp Railroad where you can take a narrow gage steam train through the redwoods, which is fun.

North of downtown is Natural Bridges State Park. There are great tidepools and a Monarch butterfly sanctuary.

I second a visit to Capitola.

Thanks for all the help!!! Kim

the best western in aptos is very reaonable and surprisingly nice- lovely gardens and a very pretty pool. it is a few minute drive to the beach (lovely beach) mediocre breakfast included