Santa Cruz, Monterey Bed and Breakfasts Offer Charm, Romance
Many travelers to California head north or south, but forget about all the fun to be found in the middle of the Golden State. Central California offers plenty of interesting attractions, from a historic castle to giant redwoods to miles of unforgettable seashore. There are lots of great Central California bed and breakfasts, as well. Here are some vacation ideas for travelers to this region.
Santa Cruz, a quirky Central California town offers much to see and do. Its famous boardwalk boasts a historic wooden rollercoaster and a carousel that has been in operation since 1911. Santa Cruz County has nearly 30 miles of seashore to enjoy. Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers 80 miles of trails and plenty of 2,000-year-old Redwoods to enjoy. Whale-watching and coastal sailing trips are some other fun options.
If you are searching for a Santa Cruz bed and breakfast, the historic West Cliff Inn is a superb choice. The nine guestrooms are located in a restored Victorian, perched on a bluff that overlooks Cowell’s beach and the city’s famed boardwalk. All of the rooms have a king-size bed and fireplace, and several also have an ocean view and jetted spa tub. Guests are pampered with a full breakfast and afternoon refreshments with wine and hors d’oeuvres. There are plenty of extra amenities, such as a concierge service and wireless internet access. Games, movies and books can be borrowed from the inn’s lending library, as well.
South of Santa Cruz, you’ll find all the fun of the Monterey Coast. This region of Central California includes the picturesque towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and Pacific Grove. In Carmel, you’ll find plenty of boutiques and galleries, as well as some unique local architecture. Monterey is famous for Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as for its beautiful coastline. The famous 17-Mile-Drive between Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove is a must-see experience. Pacific Grove, home to dozens of historic Victorians, is also home to several excellent Central California bed and breakfasts.
If you want romance, history and spectacular scenery, look no further than the Green Gables Inn. This Pacific Grove bed and breakfast is located in a charming, 1888 Queen Anne Victorian that is directly across the street from Monterey Bay. The guest rooms have been decorated individually and each is unique. Some have window seats, others have a fireplace, and some offer an ocean view. The rooms in the Carriage House each include a fireplace, king bed and jetted spa tub. All the rooms feature luxury linens, fluffy robes and baths stocked with fine European soaps, bath salts and shampoos. A full breakfast is served each morning, wine and hors d’oeuvres are presented in the afternoons and the evening brings a delightful turndown service featuring La Belge chocolates.
The Gosby House is another one of Pacific Grove’s restored Victorians. This Monterey Peninsula bed and breakfast has more than 20 guest rooms, each with private baths stocked with soft robes, luxurious soaps and shampoos. Each of the rooms is decorated with period touches, some have a fireplace or perhaps a private deck. All guests enjoy full breakfasts, afternoon refreshments, freshly baked cookies and treats, as well as chocolate turndown service. There are plenty of add-on packages, such as a bottle of champagne or wine, or gift certificates at local bistros.