So I'm thinking of going down there this next weekend with my lady for a day or two and was looking for any good info on the area. I haven't been there since I was a kid, so not really sure what's there.

Anywhere else I should be looking at? Carmel? Monterey? A little romance wouldn't be too terrible. Not sure I want this looking like a pre-honeymoon or anything though. A room with an ocean view would be nice.

Anything from hotels to bed and breakfasts any of ya'll may have stayed at and your opinions will do. Just trying to gauge my options.

 

spent my honeymoon at the hotel pacifica. it was an awsome room!! i think it was like 260 a nite or something but it was well worth it.

 

i went to that same hotel 2 yrs ago for valentines day w/ my g/f. it was cool.

 

Definately look into Carmel...it will be awsome and ur chica will love it. Plenty of little shops for her to poke around through, plus the beach is right there, easily within walking distance, and there are plenty of little bed and breakfasts or little hotels right there in Carmel By the Sea. Plus Monterey is right there for some eh, well, decent night life i guess in down town. Alvarado street is where I would suggest to look for some fun if that is what you had in mind. Either way, I love Carmel and will always suggest it to others. A friend of mine actually just got engadged down there and loved it.

 

You say you want some romance? Well Santa Cruz is perfect then..

UNDER THE BOARDWALK
(Resnick/Young)

When the sun beats down
And burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot
You wish your tired feet were fireproof

Under the boardwalk
Down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby
Is where I'll be

(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be having some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking above
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be making love
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)

From the park you'll hear
The happy sound of a carousel
You can almost taste the hot dogs
And french fries they sell

Under the boardwalk
Down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby
Is where I'll be

(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be having some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking above
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be making love
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)

Oh, under the boardwalk
Down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby
Is where I'll be

(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be having some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking above
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be falling in love
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)

Seriously though.. the other ones are right.. Carmel and Monterey have more of that atmosphere about them... don't forget a good credit card though..

 

You are very right. I forgot to mention that part...the area is a bit pricey but well worth it in my opinion.

Patrick

 

Definately take her down cannery rowand lovers point area. There are some good clubs down cannery row too. If you just want to cruise around and check out the area you can also drive past asilomar and into pebble beach.

 

capitola is chill... check out El Salto inn (or B&B) wierd sounding name but it is a really nice place

 

haha if you really want pricey, go further south to ventana inn in big sur. I can barely afford to camp there, but the rooms/cabins above and resteraunt etc. are top notch. carmel is a nice area, little stuffy for my tastes but nice beach. scenic drives around the area too.

 

My Suggestions:
Boat ride on Chardonnay - http://www.chardonnay.com/
17 Mile drive - http://www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?id=1373
Monerey Bay Aquarium - http://www.mbayaq.org/

It really depends on what you are in to.
You could also go wine tasting, go see the birds at Bonfante Gardens - http://www.bonfantegardens.com
You could go to the Mystery Spot - http://www.mysteryspot.com

Thats all I can think of for now.
There are some good restaruants too, Star Bene is nice(http://www.star-bene.com), Restorante Avanti's is awesome(http://culinarysantacruz.com/profile-avanti.php), and there is also the famous crows nest bar and grill(http://www.crowsnest-santacruz.com),
Seabright Brewery(http://www.seabrightbrewery.com),
Engfer Pizza(http://www.engferpizzaworks.com).

I can give more recommendations if you want.

 

let me know what you decide on...I'm like a tour guide.haaa.

monterey...you could stay in that dune's hotel....name slips my mind but they have individual cottages in the dunes....expensive but freakin awesome...specially if you get one with a water view.

as for SC. if you stay in SC go to the tea spas. They are in down down santa cruz next to streetlight records. It's freakin awesome and not terribly priced. Call in...set up an appt. set aside about 4-5 hours for this particular night. Go downtown.....don't tell your girl. Walk around and check out the shops and what not. Then go in to the tea spas...oh hey what's this...lets check this out..maybe we can go later or next time around. Then just walk in for your appt. It works...trust me.

It's an hour massage for both of you...they do put you in seperate rooms though...then it's an hour in a private hot tub with a private sauna, shower and the tea of your choice. It has those rice paper style doors that open up into a sweet bamboo garden. Very very nice...the spas are cleaned after each use. so don't trip on it being dirty.

Cost....$130.

then you can go get some dinner locally. if you want references and address's let me know. One of my personal favorites is Star Bene. Great little Italian joint. Great food. Good wine. Probably run you $100 for 2 nice entres a couple glasses of wine, and desert..>GET desert. they are amazing there. I think my bill was like $84 last time I went there.

If you want something on the water let me know.


EDIT....just noted that star bene was referenced above.....must be good..haa.