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HWY 1 HOTELS - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Moss Beach/Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is not a classic vacation resort that offers a promenade/boardwalk neither a big nightlife. It’s the opposite: a small and quiet harbor town that spreads over several miles along the shore. Staying here you can enjoy the beach during the day and a cozy dinner at night.
More hotels - not separately listed:
Half Moon Bay: Along HWY 1 you will find a Comfort Inn, Days Inn and Best Western probably with cheaper rates than the inns I listed, but all of them are located along the highway.
More hotels - not separately listed:
Half Moon Bay: Along HWY 1 you will find a Comfort Inn, Days Inn and Best Western probably with cheaper rates than the inns I listed, but all of them are located along the highway.
$Pigeon Point Lighthouse, 210 Pigeon Point Road, Pescadero
http://norcalhostels.org/pigeon/ Starting from $23 per night in a 6-bed dorm room or from $54 for a private room. The hostel is located at the cliff at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The next restaurant is about a 5-10 walk away. You need a car if you are staying here. |
$$$Inn at Maverick’s, 346 Princeton Avenue, Half Moon Bay
http://www.innatmavericks.com/ $199-295. The inn is located close to the inner harbor area. It opens views towards the harbor, the old pier and Maverick’s. The restaurants and shops at the harbor are 5 walking minutes away. |
$$$Cypress Inn, 407 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay
http://www.cypressinn.com/ Starting at $200. This inn is located above Miramar Beach and comes with a total of 18 rooms that are spread over the main, lighthouse and beach house. All rooms have ocean view and the interior matches the atmosphere of Half Moon Bay (incl. fireplace and jacuzzi). The rate includes breakfast, plus wine and appetizers at night. |
Santa Cruz/Capitola
Santa Cruz is a typical Californian beach town with a boardwalk, several promenades and trails along the shore and a busy but cozy nightlife around the city center along Pacific Avenue.
Most hotels are located close to the boardwalk but since the areas differ only a few can be recommended. The thumb rule for the boardwalk area is: the cheaper the hotel rate the creepier the area! If money is the key I recommend a stay close to Pleasure Point or along Mission Street.
More hotels - not separately listed:
Santa Cruz: Between Beach Street and Pacific Avenue and along Ocean Street you will find several less expensive motels and hotels. But you have to know that the area can be awkward and the accommodations are popular with boardwalk visitors, which sometimes comes with a lot of noise.
Although Capitola is a small seaside village you will find several hotels there, such as the Capitola Hotel, the Capitola Venetian Hotel, the Harbor Lights Motel, and the Monarch Cove Inn.
Most hotels are located close to the boardwalk but since the areas differ only a few can be recommended. The thumb rule for the boardwalk area is: the cheaper the hotel rate the creepier the area! If money is the key I recommend a stay close to Pleasure Point or along Mission Street.
More hotels - not separately listed:
Santa Cruz: Between Beach Street and Pacific Avenue and along Ocean Street you will find several less expensive motels and hotels. But you have to know that the area can be awkward and the accommodations are popular with boardwalk visitors, which sometimes comes with a lot of noise.
Although Capitola is a small seaside village you will find several hotels there, such as the Capitola Hotel, the Capitola Venetian Hotel, the Harbor Lights Motel, and the Monarch Cove Inn.
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Mission Inn, 2250 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
http://www.mission-inn.com/index.htm Starting from $75. The motel is located on Mission Street close to Santa Cruz’s city limit. Restaurants and the scenic West Cliff Drive are in walking distance. |
Ocean Echo Cottages, 401 Johans Beach Drive, Santa Cruz
http://www.oceanecho.com/index.html $90-200. The small cottages (with and without kitchenette) are located above Sunny Cove Beach off the tourist tracks in Santa Cruz/Capitola. Most of them come with a private patio that faces the rough surf. Restaurants are in walking distance. |
Santa Cruz Dream Inn, 175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/dream $219-309 per night. The fancy and modern hotel is located above Cowell’s Beach. Each rooms comes with an ocean view. Restaurants, the scenic West Cliff Drive and the boardwalk are just around the corner. |
Monterey/Carmel
Monterey is a small and quaint city in Northern California. It is known for the Cannery Row, its fishing harbor, old town area, and promenade along the shore. No matter if you are staying close to the Municipal Wharf or close to Cannery Row both areas offer many restaurants, bars and shops.
Hotels in these areas can be pricey but there are also cheaper alternatives along
Fremont Street and Munras Avenue. Moreover the hotels in scenic Pacific Grove, which adjoins Monterey behind the Monterey Bay Aquarium are less expensive.
Carmel is a beautiful village south of 17-Mile-Drive with quaint buildings and alleys, a wide selection of restaurants and an amazing landscape and beach. The scenery has its price but it is worth it.
Futher hotels and areas along the route, which are not listed separately
Monterey - Along Munras Avenue you will find several mid-standard hotels and very inexpensive motels. This also applies for Fremont Street. Both areas are located off the center but there is a bus connection, which takes you to downtown. Plus there are many smaller hotels in Pacific Grove, e.g. the Lover's Point Inn.
Carmel – The village offers several very nice and small inns. Looking for accommodations in Carmel, Google will give you good choices. Nevertheless you have to calculate with at least $150 per night.
Vacation rentals in Monterey/Pacific Grove are listed under:
http://www.montereyrentals.com/VacationRentalsList.php
Hotels in these areas can be pricey but there are also cheaper alternatives along
Fremont Street and Munras Avenue. Moreover the hotels in scenic Pacific Grove, which adjoins Monterey behind the Monterey Bay Aquarium are less expensive.
Carmel is a beautiful village south of 17-Mile-Drive with quaint buildings and alleys, a wide selection of restaurants and an amazing landscape and beach. The scenery has its price but it is worth it.
Futher hotels and areas along the route, which are not listed separately
Monterey - Along Munras Avenue you will find several mid-standard hotels and very inexpensive motels. This also applies for Fremont Street. Both areas are located off the center but there is a bus connection, which takes you to downtown. Plus there are many smaller hotels in Pacific Grove, e.g. the Lover's Point Inn.
Carmel – The village offers several very nice and small inns. Looking for accommodations in Carmel, Google will give you good choices. Nevertheless you have to calculate with at least $150 per night.
Vacation rentals in Monterey/Pacific Grove are listed under:
http://www.montereyrentals.com/VacationRentalsList.php
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Otter Inn, 571 Wave Street, Monterey
http://www.otterinn.com Stay in one of the 33 custom designed rooms just right behind Cannery Row. The rate comes with pastries and coffee in the morning and free parking. From $75 per night/room. |
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Comfort Inn, Ocean Ave & Torres St., Carmel
http://www.carmelcomfortinn.com From $95 per night. The Comfort Inn is definitely the cheapest accommodation in Carmel’s city center. Its innkeepers are very friendly, the interior simple but nice, and all shops and restaurants are in walking distance. |
Colonial Terrace Inn, 13th Street and San Antonio, Carmel
http://www.thecolonialterrace.com/ From $150 per night. The inn is located close to the southern part of the beach. The rooms are split over 7 countrystyle buildings that are surrounded by a beautiful and award-winning garden. Some rooms have ocean view. |
Hyatt Highlands Inn, 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel
http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp From $350 per night. The Hyatt is located above the cliffs south of Point Lobos. Most rooms are facing the beautiful shore but view and comfort come with a steep price tag. If this too pricey come here for a drink at Sunset Lounge instead. The bar is open for visitors as well and opens a stunning view over the ocean. |
Big Sur
You will find several amazing hotels along Big Sur but you are definitely paying the location! This could be extremely disappointing if coastal fog is covering the scenery and all you can see is a grayish bleak.
Nevertheless, here are the best accommodations for this section:
Nevertheless, here are the best accommodations for this section:
$$/$$$Glen Oaks Big Sur, HWY 1, Big Sur
http://www.glenoaksbigsur.com/index.html Starting from $155 per night. The Motor Lodge in Big Sur Village is eye candy for design enthusiasts emphasizing stylish interiors. Glen Oaks offers several lodge rooms, river cabins and a 4-room cottage in the redwood forest. Its garden/forest is equipped with open fireplaces perfect for an evening melting s’mores. The perfect place to combine relaxation with Big Sur hikes. |
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HWY 1 HOTELS - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cambria/Morro Bay/Pismo Beach
Many visitors stay in San Simeon overnight after driving Big Sur. From my point of view the village only consists of two hotel rows framing the highway. Its restaurants are overpriced taking advantage of tourists that arrive late from their Big Sur tour and are planning to visit Hearst Castle the next day.
This is why I recommend driving 9 miles further south to Cambria. Compared to San Simeon the hotels are not located next to the highway but nestled along a scenic shoreline. In addition they have a better standard and charge similar rates. Cambria is much nicer and you can explore its beautiful landscape the same evening or next day before continuing the tour.
You even can make the extra mile and stay in Morro Bay (30 miles south of San Simeon and only recommended if you are not visiting Hearst Castle). Morro Bay is a tiny harbor village famous for its huge rock sticking out of the ocean.
Pismo Beach is a classic Californian beach town has many hotels that are lined up along the waterfront. Most rooms are facing the ocean and pier and are in walking distance.
This is why I recommend driving 9 miles further south to Cambria. Compared to San Simeon the hotels are not located next to the highway but nestled along a scenic shoreline. In addition they have a better standard and charge similar rates. Cambria is much nicer and you can explore its beautiful landscape the same evening or next day before continuing the tour.
You even can make the extra mile and stay in Morro Bay (30 miles south of San Simeon and only recommended if you are not visiting Hearst Castle). Morro Bay is a tiny harbor village famous for its huge rock sticking out of the ocean.
Pismo Beach is a classic Californian beach town has many hotels that are lined up along the waterfront. Most rooms are facing the ocean and pier and are in walking distance.
$$/$$$FogCatcher Inn, 6400 Moonstone Beach, Cambria
http://www.fogcatcherinn.com/ $135 spring - $250 fall. The inn is located at the mid part of Moonstone Beach, amenities include a heated pool, ocean view and breakfast. |
$$/$$$Estero Inn, 501 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
http://www.esteroinn.com From $159 per night. The classy inn has 8 rooms that all face the Bay. The inn is located directly at the harbor and the rate comes with breakfast and parking. |
$$/$$$SeaCrest Resort, 2441 Price Street, Pismo Beach
http://www.seacrestpismo.com From $135 (low-season)). The resort is located at the town’s entrance and comes with an amazing views over Pismo Beach. It has patios and BBQs that are located on the cliff, a private beach access and many extras such as complimentary fresh baked cookies, iced tea, and coffee. |
Santa Barbara/Ventura
Santa Barbara is a beautiful Spanish Colonial style beach city with fabulous hotels along Shoreline Drive and Cabrillo Boulevard. The city offers plenty of sights, restaurants and entertainment but the accommodations are pricey.
A cheaper alternative is Carpinteria, 12 miles south of Santa Barbara or scenic Ventura Harbor (30 miles south).
A cheaper alternative is Carpinteria, 12 miles south of Santa Barbara or scenic Ventura Harbor (30 miles south).
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Santa Barbara Hostel, 134 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
http://www.sbhostel.com/ Private rooms from $65 (low season). Great location just 2 blocks away from the ocean. |
Hyatt Santa Barbara, 1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara
http://santabarbara.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html The hotel is located across East Beach and right next to SB Zoo away from the wharfs hustle and bustle. Santa Barbara Trolley connects the Hyatt with the restaurants along the shore and the downtown area. From $150 per night. |
Four Points by Sheraton, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura
http://www.fourpointsventuraharborresort.com From $115 – 150. The hotel is overlooking the scenic harbor and comes with a heated pool, Jacuzzi, spa and tennis courts. Restaurants and bars are in walking distance, as is the ferry to Channel Islands. |
Santa Monica/Venice/Marina del Rey
In Malibu you are going to find as little as 6 hotels and most of them are not recommendable or ridiculously overpriced. A better choice for a stay than Malibu in L.A.’s vicinity is Santa Monica. It’s just a short drive from Malibu but has a larger and better hotel selection.
In Santa Monica you are spoiled with choice when it comes to hotels. The standards range from budget to high end. The area is safe and much more beautiful than staying around Hollywood or Downtown L.A.
Venice adjoins Santa Monica at the shore and merges into Marina del Rey. Both L.A. neighborhoods offer very nice beach accommodations that are less expensive than Santa Monica. Moreover the neighborhoods are safe and close to the beach.
In Santa Monica you are spoiled with choice when it comes to hotels. The standards range from budget to high end. The area is safe and much more beautiful than staying around Hollywood or Downtown L.A.
Venice adjoins Santa Monica at the shore and merges into Marina del Rey. Both L.A. neighborhoods offer very nice beach accommodations that are less expensive than Santa Monica. Moreover the neighborhoods are safe and close to the beach.
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Hostelling International Santa Monica, 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica
http://www.hilosangeles.org/reservations.shtml From $79 for a private room/2 guests. The hostel is by far the most affordable accommodation in expensive Santa Monica. It is located close to Third Street Promenade at Ocean Ave and offers dorm rooms but also private rooms for 1-4 guests. |
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Hotel Erwin, 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach
http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/losangeles/erwin Starting from $179 – 250 (standard room). Half hotel, half gallery and just 1 block away from Venice Beach. Don’t miss the rooftop bar/lounge with city and ocean view! |
Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey
http://www.pacificahotels.com/marinadelreyhotel From $160 per night. The hotel is located right the northern end of the Marina del Rey yacht harbor. All rooms are facing the marina and the cabana pool is heated all year round. The rate comes with a complimentary WiFi. |
Jamaica Bay Inn, 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey
http://www.pacificahotels.com/jamaicabayinn/hotel Right of Washington Blvd just a stone throw away from Venice Beach is the Jamaice Bay Inn. The hotel has an own beach facing the marina and is close to restaurants in the area. Bike rentals are available. From $199 per night. |
Anaheim (Disneyland), Universal Studios
Anaheim is the hometown of Disneyland and located east of L.A. Thanks to the common traffic jams and the long distances in L.A. I recommend staying there over night if you are visiting the Disney theme parks.
The Universal Studios are located north of L.A. A stay in one of the hotels close to the amusement park is only recommended if you visit the theme park since it saves you a bunch of time you would spend in L.A.’s traffic.
The Universal Studios are located north of L.A. A stay in one of the hotels close to the amusement park is only recommended if you visit the theme park since it saves you a bunch of time you would spend in L.A.’s traffic.
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Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim
http://www.anabellahotel.com/ From $99 (low season) - $175 (high season). The hotel is at the opposite of the official Disney accommodations and up to 50% cheaper. Its Hispanic style and the lush courtyard are distracting from Disneyland’s hustle and bustle. |
Hotel Indigo, 435 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim
http://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/anaheim/laxex/hoteldetail From $115. The contemporary boutique hotel is located between Disneyland and Anaheim Garden Walk, the local shopping center. The rates comes with free WiFi. |
The Beverly Garland (Holiday Inn), 4222 Vineland Avenue North Hollywood
http://beverlygarland.com $125 – 180. Nice hotel belonging to the Holiday Inn. Located around the corner of Universal Studios with complimentary shuttles to the theme park. The beautiful courtyard is a great place to relax after returning from the studios. |
Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Laguna Beach
The popular beach town Huntington Beach south of L.A. is nicknamed Surf City. Its beach is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long and features a promenade along the waterfront. In the city center you will find several with shops, malls, restaurants and hotels.
Newport Beach consists of several peninsulas and islands and runs along the shore. My favorite part of the city is Balboa Peninsula with its many marinas. A bay and the ocean on the other side frame the peninsula.
Laguna Beach is an upscale seaside resort with an artist community and the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. The town center is located along HWY 1 offering historic buildings, hotels, shops, restaurants, and a few art galleries.
Newport Beach consists of several peninsulas and islands and runs along the shore. My favorite part of the city is Balboa Peninsula with its many marinas. A bay and the ocean on the other side frame the peninsula.
Laguna Beach is an upscale seaside resort with an artist community and the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. The town center is located along HWY 1 offering historic buildings, hotels, shops, restaurants, and a few art galleries.
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Huntington Surf Inn, 720 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
http://www.huntingtonsurfinn.com/ From $130-180 per night. The Beachfront Inn has contemporary and outlandish rooms. Its located on the PCH on the opposite of the waterfront promenade. |
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The Laguna Beach House, 475 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
https://www.thelagunabeachhouse.com From $159. Located at the northern city limits with awesome views over the cliffs towards Laguna Beach. The inn has a heated pool, whirlpool and sauna and the rate comes with complimentary coffee, cookies, milk, wine hour at night. |
Inn at Laguna Beach, 211 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
http://www.innatlagunabeach.com/ From $195 per night. This beachy 70 rooms hotel is overlooking the Main Beach and is located at Heisler Park promenade. From the hotel’s roof top deck (for guests only) and the many patios you have an unrestricted view over the ocean. The rate comes with free Internet and parking. |
Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, 2510 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
http://www.casalaguna.com/index.htm Courtyard room starting at $159 (low season) - $259 (high season). The Mission-styled inn with its ocean view pools is located on HWY 1 but the rooms are not directly facing the street. The rate includes breakfast and a daily wine and cheese reception. |