Travel
There are a handful of towns nearby (see below) to look for hotels. You can also look at Airbnb or Vrbo for alternative options (or Hipcamp if you're wanting some more nature experience). Reach out if you'd like to look at the guest list for friends who you could book with (save money and increase fun!)
Traffic Beware:
September is the end of the busy season for beach vacation,
so you may see traffic on HWY 17 and HWY 1.
Driving Note:
If you're driving southbound on HWY 17, take the Summit Road exit and continue to Soquel San Jose Road, do not turn on Morrill Cutoff Road.
Travel Note
Lodging Areas
(1) The Soquel/Capitola/Aptos/East Santa Cruz area is a good place to look for lodging that is close and not as impacted by traffic. (2) Scotts Valley is another option but is further from the beach. (3) There will be a lot more lodging options in Los Gatos/Saratoga/San Jose area, however there is an increase chance of running into traffic.
Flight
San Jose (SJC)
This is the closest airport (<1 hour).
Flight
San Francisco Airport (SFO)
Further away (>1 hour), but may have more and/or cheaper options.
Flight
Oakland Airport (OAK)
Further away (>1 hour), but may have more and/or cheaper options.
For all the days along the way