Santa Cruz Weekend in May!!!!

Hi all,

I've been meaning to post info on our Santa Cruz weekend in May. I really really hope I get this date correct, but the main day will be Saturday, May 22. I know many people are choosing to get hotel rooms and make it a weekend. The plan is to spend the day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk area. If people could write in and tell me what time we should start the day, that would be great. I am thinking on meet up time in the am for people staying in town and another meet up time around noon for people coming to town that day. Let me know what you think!

For motels and hotels in Santa Cruz;

-Budget
Howard Johnson's Fisherman's Wharf - This hotel was just refurbished. Everything is new, including beds, carpets and so on. They serve a continental breakfast that is mostly carbs, pastries, fruit and cereal.  It's within walking distance of the Boardwalk. It sits on top of a small hill and some of the rooms have balconies with ocean views. Has a Jacuzzi

Maybe budget or a little better
The Carousel Motel is literally across the street from the Boardwalk and beach. It's owned by the same company who runs the Boardwalk. I've been told it's clean and the staff is great. You can also book packages for a room and Boardwalk passes.

-Old School/1920's charm
The Casa Blanca. Sits right across the street from the beach. Most rooms have some sort of view. Some have balconies look out on the beach. Some have kitchens as well. Very close to the Boardwalk

-Quirky modern hotel
The Dream Inn sits right on the beach and is nine stories. I believe all rooms have an ocean view. The higher the floor, the better the view of the wharf and beach. Very close to the Boardwalk. Has a nice heated pool and jacuzzi. Most full service hotel in the area. Has a good restaurant and bar.

-A bit better than budget
The Ocean Pacific Hotel is around a half mile from the Boardwalk. It's definitely walkable. It has a pool and jacuzzi. They serve a free continental breakfast. Very popular with people going to festivals on the wharf.

-A new B&B in an awesome victorian mansion
-West Cliff Inn - Sits up on a hill looking down on Beach Street and across from the Dream Inn. Definitely walkable to the Boardwalk. In an amazing old victorial mansion.

This completely remodeled inn is located within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The stately Victorian with its wraparound porch features a breezy coastal décor.

-Hampton Inn - Not near the beach in terms of walking. You would need to drive to and from the Boardwalk, but a nice hotel with a free breakfast

-Holiday Inn Express - Not near the beach in terms of walking. You would need your car. They serve a decent free breakfast.

There are other hotels, Be careful with where you book them. Anything with an Ocean Street address or something that looks like a budget motel that isn't mentioned above, check with me first. Some of the hotels are not in an area you'd want to stay in.

I hope this is helpful.

MsBlues

Ms. B,

Whoo hoo, can hardly wait!  You know Ron & I will be there.  I think we're going to spend the night on Sat but haven't decided where yet.  We can be there early in the morning and meet up anytime and are flexible.  So excited!

See you in a couple of weeks.

Hugs,
Barb

This sounds like fun--I'm going to be in Costa Mesa for the OH convention that weekend. Darn.

Ms B~,

We will drive down for the day it is only around 45 min for us.  Do we have a lunch location yet?  Or are we going to do a picnic/potluck at the beach?

OOhhh ! I may be able to pull this off!

Hi MsBlues,

I have booked my room already, staying at the Dream Inn. Laurie and Rachel are also staying there. I'm bringing my parents. We will be coming down that morning. I'm pretty flexible too on what time to meet up. I can't wait. I haven't been down to Santa Cruz in years.

Hey! 

I live in Santa Cruz and would love to meet up with some OH people!!! I'm here and can't wait to join in on the fun! 

~ shannon

Sounds like fun! My little ones birthday is that day though, maybe we will come down anyways and have a day at the beach. If not def next time, I am in!!!!

I'm so glad I found this post.  Barb, thanks for telling me that MsBlues had posted this.

I'm going to do my best to get there.  I'll talk to Bonnie and see if she wants to drive down with me. 

Thanks for posting the list of hotels!  :)

Hello everyone!

Bonnie and I are thinking about driving down for the day.  We'd leave early and get there early.  I was wondering what the plans for the day are.

I see that Costco sells two tickets for $54.99.  Is this the best way to get tickets?

Any info appreciated!  :)