Santa Cruz?

[lenny2011]

Going to SF for 3 nights with DH and 3 kids this summer. Trying to have as few stops as possible as know will be draining. Last 4 nights in San Diego. Then one night in LA as we fly home from here.
If possible only want one more stop- Husband wanted Yosemite but I know we will have to stay outside the parks and I think it will be boring for my children (moaning) especially after all the walking in SF.
I think going down coast would be better option. Want to go to Monterey for whale watching- could we stay in Santa Cruz and travel there one day for this?
Found a nice hotel on beach in Santa Cruz but is it an ok town to spend few days in. Kids want pool, fun etc. I want less packing and unpacking - DH would like a different place every day if possible. Kids 11,10 and 6

We just got back from a road trip SF to LA. Monterey is great, really good aquarium but also lots of nice touristy shops and attractions, nice atmosphere for the whole family. Santa Cruz was obviously off season in January so all shut, but it was a real seaside Blackpool/Bognor Regis amusement arcade atmosphere, ok if you like that and quite a unique style, but more one dimensional. I really rated Santa Barbara, great shops and restaurants and quite upmarket, they called it the 'riviera' which I thought was a fair description, although maybe a bit less for children. Big sur was amazing if you want the wilderness/national park feel without heading to Yosemite, gorgeous scenery and lots of child friendly outdoor activities. I'd do Monterey then down to big sur, it's only about an hours drive south. Have a great trip!

Thank you Katonic. I don't like the Blackpool resort feel at all so thanks for your advice. It was very helpful!
Few years ago we were in Florida and went to Coco Beach - it was horrible. Beach itself lovely but all cheap souvenirs shop lined the roads so want to avoid that.
Children want to be close to beach/pool though and I would like nice restaurants, bars in area.

We didn’t rate San Diego. Santa Barbara is lovely. We also stayed at Carmel. Really great place. Monterey is good for the whales but the area can be foggy in the summer, especially San Francisco. There are fantastic scenic places such as Big Sur and other small coastal towns. Pasadena is interesting too - lots to see but very hot! St Louis Opisbo is a good stop over on the coast.

We didn’t stay in San Diego but stayed in La Jolla. I think SD would be better in summer but all the areas we were told about such as Balboa Park were a let down and the old town is more of a theme park with shops and restaurants. Beaches good though.

Really didn't like Santa Cruz at all. Monterey is perfect as is Santa Barbara.

Thank you! Santa Barbara sounds good - will look into it. Do you think it would be fun for kids though if it's more classy?

Depends what your kids want! It’s not a theme park but it has a mission, beaches, great restaurants, scenic drives inland, and you could drive down to Malibu and go to the Getty Villa where you might learn something!