OT: DS wants to come ck out UCSanta Cruz - any locals here?

[bjakmom]

DS is looking at colleges and wants to check out UCSanta Cruz- any locals here on the DIS who could make any recommendations re: hotels, airports, getting around, etc? We'll probably come for a week and fly in near Santa Cruz for a campus tour - then hop down to UCSB (we have family who live/work there and are familiar with that area) - then down to UCSD as he is also interested in seeing those campuses. Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[Marilynbn]

Bjackmom- I live in Santa Cruz. There are a lot of beachy hotels here but I would not recommend anything down by the Boardwalk. There are nicer places South of there in either Capitola or Aptos area... Seacliff Inn or Seascape (pricey). The closest major airport is San Jose and about 45 minutes or so from downtown Santa Cruz. The road from San Jose to Santa Cruz is the notorious Highway 17! Very winding road where locals drive too fast so take it slow and easy on that. I am not sure what other info you need... Marilyn

 

[jenpace]

Bjackmom- I live in Santa Cruz. There are a lot of beachy hotels here but I would not recommend anything down by the Boardwalk.

I'm also in Santa Cruz and agree with Marilynbn on this one, the hotels/motels down by the Boardwalk or on Ocean St. can be very frightening. The one exception that comes to mind is The Coast Hotel on Westcliff Dr. overlooking the wharf and Cowell's beach. It's on the westside of town so UCSC isn't a big trek from there so you can avoid Highway 1 alltogether to get up to the campus.

http://www.coasthotels.com/home/sites/santacruz/

Have a nice visit!

Jenn

 

[bjakmom]

Thanks! What is so alarming about the boardwalk/beach area? DS is a surfer and had big plans to spend some time enjoying the beaches. We live only a few miles from OC beach and boardwalk where he works and plays very safely - we're also not far from AC boardwalk which is quite a bit seedier, but we feel quite safe there as long as we're not alone at night. Your area looks so gorgeous! - is it just one unsafe area that students would know to avoid?

 

[jenpace]

Thanks! What is so alarming about the boardwalk/beach area? DS is a surfer and had big plans to spend some time enjoying the beaches. We live only a few miles from OC beach and boardwalk where he works and plays very safely - we're also not far from AC boardwalk which is quite a bit seedier, but we feel quite safe there as long as we're not alone at night. Your area looks so gorgeous! - is it just one unsafe area that students would know to avoid?

Hi Bjackmom,
It really is just one part of town that's kind of seedy. That area happens to be down by the Boardwalk and lower Ocean St. (which leads to the Boardwalk area). It's the turist/amusement park area so it can attract "undesireable" activity sometimes much like the areas surrounding Disneyland until not too long ago.

While you're here, make sure to take a walk along West Cliff Drive and check out the lighthouse. Your son might really like it there.

Another B&B type place to stay that is nice is The Darling House

http://www.darlinghouse.com/

Jenn

 

[samkj]

I have two cousins at UCSC! They love it there!

 

[dis-happy]

UCSD is my alma mater! Although I laugh now---it's become a lot more competetive to get in, and I probably wouldn't be admitted if applying today. Good luck! My dd is starting to look at colleges as well.

 

[bjakmom]

Thanks for the help, everyone! Looks like DH and DS will be making the trip alone in early May - I'll have to miss this trip, but I'm already coming to CA in Aug with DNeph. Looks like DH wants to stay at the UCSC center so DS will be as close to 'on campus' as he can to get the feel of the place. I gave them the heads up about the boardwalk area (there were many tripadvisor reviews who mentioned similar problems, broken into cars, section 8 hotel occupants, etc.) My guys are really looking forward to the trip !