Originally Posted By Beast77 Can't help you with a place to stay as we lived not too far away. It's fun as a day trip. Unless things have changed in the last few years they have two coasters, a og ride, a ferris wheel, a sky way, some kiddie rides, and a bunch that are more carnival types. Don't even begin to compare their Haunted House to DL Haunted Mansion. Although I read a rumor years back that their buggies are the origional buggies from the HM. Plus there's the beach. If you go on a Friday night in the summer they usually have free concerts on the beach. There is also the wharf nearby. Plus Neptune's Kingdom miniture golf and games.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ The boardwalk is great fun! <a href="http://www.beachboardwalk.com/" target="_blank">http://www.beachboardwalk.com/</a>
Originally Posted By Misty We can't help with the place to stay either - we live in Sacramento area, and spend a few nights each summer camping in Santa Cruz - near the beach but not too close to the boardwalk. It is waaaay fun if you think of it as a beach boardwalk. Overpriced food, rides, and entertainment, but you are at the beach and the atmosphere is fun. And of course you can actually view, or even visit if brave enough, the Deep-Fried Twinkie Station.
Originally Posted By buzzlyear Can't help with the place to stay, but a good place to eat is here: <a href="http://www.gaylesbakery.com/" target="_blank">http://www.gaylesbakery.com/</a> It took us awhile to find it the first time, but its only about 15 minutes away heading back up Highway 1 towards Monterey. Please post where you decide to stay -we've been looking at the Best Western in Capitola, but there is also a Hilton in Scotts Valley (15 or 20 minutes away). But, we never stayed in Santa Cruz overnight -we just drive home the 2.5 hours. This is a typical amusement park, and the carousel and Big Dipper are really good rides. There is also a bumper car ride at the end of the bottom level of the park near the kiddy rides that is good. The cave train ride might make you laugh - fairly prehistoric to say the most. OVerall, though, we enjoy taking the toddlers there and enjoying the beach atmosphere and nice weather. There are quite a few games (skeeball, electronic games, etc.) that provide tickets ala Chuck E. Cheeses for prize redemption. If you happen to be in the area (e.g. visiting the Monterey Aquarium or San Jose), I would recommend it for an overnight stay at the most.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 Hubby and I stayed here a few years ago. They were so nice to us and even gave us a discount for our anniversary. We only stayed one night but I remember hearing the sounds of the ocean during the night and I loved that! <a href="http://www.seawayinn.com/" target="_blank">http://www.seawayinn.com/</a>
Originally Posted By dlkozy Misty, which campground do you stay at? I know that Newbrighton and Seaclift are there-have you stayed at either of those?
Originally Posted By pirviii I used to live a block from the New Brighton Beach campground and I worked at the Boardwalk one summer after I graduated high School. Since we lived there I never stayed anywhere but home, but I plan on brining my kids for a visit someday and I need to find a place to stay now too since all of my family has moved out of the area.
Originally Posted By Misty Hey dlkozy - sorry for the late response, I have not been on these boards lately. We like to camp at Manresa State Beach. I would love to hear your experience at Newbrighton and Seacliff. Manresa does not have the most private campsites, and you walk your stuff in from a central lot. We have camped at hike-in primative sites to pull-your-car-up here sites and usually enjoy them all! We like Manresa because it has a very cool beach area, has showers for after beaching, and is close to stuff like Santa Cruz and Monterey. Would love to hear your thoughts on the other campgrounds!
Originally Posted By RangerPooh We've camped at New Brighten several times. Most of the sites are of good size and you don't feel like you're on top of the next site over. If you get the ones on the edge of the gounds they have more space and are more private. Plus there are showers (hot ones ) and a short walk downhill to the beach. The sites are pull in car camping. Unlike Sea Cliff these are actually meant for tent camping and RV's not just RV's. They also have a junior ranger program for the kiddies. I have never tried Manressa but have camped at Sunset down in the Watsonville area. It's not too bad but foggy. If you don't mind camping away from the beach there is also Henrey Cowell SP in Ben Lomand and Big Basin SP outside of Boulder Creek. Both are nice.
Originally Posted By Misty Hey RangerPooh, How close is New Brighton to Manresa? Manresa is really really foggy at night. We actually bring an extra tent to stow gear/bikes/etc in since everything is damp in the morning! If New Brighton is close to Santa Cruz and NOT foggy it sounds great. Also, a few of us get quite carsick, so long windy mountain roads don't really work either. Thanks!
Originally Posted By RangerPooh Misty- I can't believe that I'm zoning out on where Manresa is located! I just moved out of the area almost two years ago and am already forgetting. If I am recalling correctly it's about 10 minutes up HWY 1. New Brighten is at New Brighten exit (almost certain). It's one or two exits past Sea Cliff. If you hit 41st Ave you've gone too far. It can also be a foggy place but there's more tree cover than at Manressa. But yes, things still get damp. Plus there's no mountain road to cross, just continue up the highway. FYI, it's one park that you certainly need to have reservations for! As it's right next to Santa Cruz and on the water it's very popular. Gee I miss camping there.
