Key to Fun - North Monterey Bay
Convenient, scenic lodging along the Monterey Bay

The north part of the Bay is geared for families, and has plenty of moderately priced hotels, from beachfront accommodations to cabins in the redwoods. The main focus of lodging in the north is around the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. If you’re coming with youngsters, you might want to get a room within screaming distance of the Giant Dipper roller coaster. There are several hotels in the area just a stroll away from the beach and amusement park.

Hotels like the Terrace Court sit right across from the beach near the Municipal Wharf. The Court, and hotels like it, can accommodate large groups and often come with kitchenettes. But an ocean view will cost extra.

There are several hotels a bit further inland that are moderately priced. Check out the Carousel Motel, Comfort or Ramada inns. In fact, all the major hotel chains have a presence near the Boardwalk area.

There are several hotels on Ocean Avenue on the way into town. The advantage is also having downtown Santa Cruz nearby, but the walk to the beach is a bit of a huff. Check out several of the Best Westerns.

If your vacation encompasses a wider area, there are several hotels and motels a bit further south. The Capitola Inn is close to the freeway and Capitola Village, just south of Santa Cruz. Rooms have patios or balconies and larger rooms are available.

A bit more dramatic are the Capitola Venetian and the Harbor Lights Motel, right in the village and on the coast. Both are chock full of personality and incredibly reasonable for their Bay front location.

In Aptos, Seacliff Inn offers accommodations close to Seacliff State Beach and the Rio Sands is steps away from the adjacent Rio del Mar Beach. Seacliff, a Best Western Hotel, has a nice restaurant and is close to the freeway. The Rio Sands, an affordable favorite, offers kitchens and extended stay rates and is fairly private for being so close to the ocean. This whole area is away from the Boardwalk, but has wide, sandy beaches.

Sometimes, a visit to the north part of the Bay is not about vacation, but education. If you’re are visiting the UC Santa Cruz campus, the Mission Inn is close by the University at the north end of town. Some suites and in-room Jacuzzis are available as well as hot tub and sauna at this Spanish-style motel.

A completely different kind of experience is available in the wilderness of the redwood-covered Santa Cruz Mountains. Rent a cabin at Fern River on the San Lorenzo River along Highway 9 or check into the Brookdale Lodge, well worth a visit if you like a place with a few stories.

The Lodge was built in 1890 by Judge J.H. Logan at the site of a lumber mill. It’s been the hang out of music celebrities, a U.S. President and movie stars, including James Dean, painted larger than life on the side of the building. A natural brook runs through the restaurant, and a walk around the lodge reveals an underwater view of the indoor heated pool. The place is stuffed with stories, enough for a feature on "Ripley’s Believe It or Not," so be sure to ask for some on your visit.

New to the area is Hilton San Jose South/Scotts Valley. Just off Highway 17 as you enter the mountain community, it announces its presence with a dramatic three-story lobby, spiral staircase and black marble waterfall. The hotel is big, with 160 rooms and 20 suites and offers elegant amenities.