The aquarium in Monterey is VERY worth going to. It is world class. However, you do not have to choose where to stay based on the aquarium, as Santa Cruz and Monterey are only about 45 minutes apart.

In Santa Cruz, in addition to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an old fashioned, classy amusement park 101 years old, and a steam train, Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad, near Henry Cowell ,which makes trips up the hill through redwoods, as well as making trips into town to the Boardwalk. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching.

There is a popular surfing spot at Lighthouse Field. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff.

In addition, between Monterey and Santa Cruz, you should visit Elkhorn Slough, where you can either rent kayahs or take a 'safari' boat trip out into the slough to see the vast amount of sea life.

Here are some links to look at....

http://tinyurl.com/cy7nl3c

http://www.elkhornslough.com/

We were in CA last June and stayed in Santa Cruz, and visited the Aquarium. With the ages of your children, I highly suggest Santa Cruz, due to the amusement park right on the beach, the beach itself and the cute shops on the wharf. Henry Cowell is 15 minutes away. It is worth a half day plus to go to Monterey, see the acquarium, Cannery Row, have lunch then go back.

Thank you so much for the advice, I think my kids will probably be ready for more beach and less scenery so we will stay in Santa Cruz. I will definitely check into the train ride. I think my kids would love it.

Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. I have the time but worry about the length of the car ride. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1?

Thanks again!

I would take Hwy 101 north to San Luis Obispo and pick up Hwy 1 there. The most breathtaking part of the drive is through Big Sur, which is the stretch of coast between Cambria and Carmel. Hwy 101 is nicely scenic though too. Once you hit Ventura, then you'll be on the coast through Santa Barbara. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. This is a much nicer route than I-5, which is really boring. On I-5 from Pasadena, you'll have to go over the Grapevine, which is what I-5 is called where it goes through the mountains just north of the LA basin - every semi-truck in the Western US seems to go over this pass.

I concur with november moon. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5.

-Mr. Toy

http://www.montereypeninsula.info

Our Trip started in Santa Monica ending in SF. It was incredible. As a matter of fact I purchased the ProShow Gold DVD slideshow software and made a 35 min show with music and gave to my kids on Xmas. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. 400 plus pictures, but I digress.

We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Take that one, as its beautiful and different from Highway 1. We stayed in Cambria overnight, it took about 4hours to get there. We saw the Hearst Castle. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. I can't tell you the length of time from Cambria to Santa Cruz as we stopped along the way for pics and had lunch at Nepenthe. If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. You won't regret it.

Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours.

Amy,

As you look for lodging for your trip, please come back and let us know what you find, so that we can give you advice on locations.

In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. My biggest problem is finding rooms that accommodate 6. Do you have any recommendations? Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. What do you think? It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Would you recommend one? Thanks!

I always put up overflow family at the Holiday Inn Express during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is only a few years old and is a very nice hotel. There are several Best Westerns in town. There is one near the Holiday Inn Express, which is on Ocean Street which leads into town and one at the Boardwalk. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. I do not recommend staying at a hotel right near the Boardwalk, but there are some good ones nearer the Municipal Wharf, specifically the joie d'vivre Dream Inn, the Seaview Inn, the West Cliff Inn (a Victorian Bed and Breakfast) and a couple more. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name..

Yes, finding a room which would hold a family of 6 is definitely a problem. You might want to consider two adjoining rooms.