Whenever we stay in SF we always book in here: http://www.metrohotelsf.com/ It's basic, but cheap, clean and near public transport, you can be in Union Square downtown in about 20-25 mins on the metro. Never had a bad experience there in three or four stays.
In Santa Cruz, if after an afternoon on the beach and boardwalk you want a beer (or many, many more) hit up http://www.99bottles.com/
The Aquarium in Monterey is OK if you like fishy things. I went a few months ago and it was just ok imo.
For your 2, 3 night stays between LA and SF. You'll need to stay where there's enough to do for 3 days. Santa Barbara and Monterey/Carmel are good choices. The good thing about Monterey and Carmel is that they are close enough so wherever you stay you'll be able to take in both places. Carmel has a nice beach and is quaint. Monterey, not so quaint but hotels should be cheaper. It also has its own Fisherman's Wharf.
I used to live in Santa Cruz while I was working at eBay. A good place to stay but you already know that as you've been there before. Further up the PCH is Half Moon Bay which is worth a visit as you pass through.
A couple of other places that you could see on your way up from LA.
Solvang, a quaint little place just up from Santa Barbera is worth a look. A pretty little town taken straight out of somewhere in Denmark. As you pass further up the highway you'll go past the elephant seal beach which is worth stopping at. Also, Hearst Castle is worth a visit if you have 3 or 4 hours to spare.
We stayed at the Hotel Diva. Boutiquey, if not quite as good as the website looks.
If you're a vegetarian, or even if you're not, the best meal I'v ever had is at a restaurant called Millennium (looks like they've moved to Oakland). 100% worth a visit.
Fishermans Wharf Marina Blvd end, plenty of half decent hotels, easy walk to all the Piers, up Lombard St, Financial District, Tram cars, Ferry to Alcatraz. Get across as well to see Sausalito and Tiburon via the Golden Gate (cycle it fantastic views). I spent 5 nights there last year in August, you will enjoy the misty mornings and hot afternoons.
It aint cheap, but not overly expensive, not that you'd be buying a house (well you might) because they are damn expensive, hotels are pricey, its the new Sillicone Valley with lots of Tech outfits moving in and with that prices go only one way. I know someone who lives out there and reckons you need to earn a minimum $100K a year just to have a half decent life style. There is plenty of choice and places to eat n drink whatever your budget is so dont fret - you will love it.
We stayed here a couple of years ago: https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/parc-55-san-francisco-a-hilton-hotel-SFOSFHH/index.html The hotel is very central and you can de everything on foot. If ou stay here ask for one of the rooms on a higher floor to get fantastic views over the city. They used to advertise their special offers for followers on Facebook and we got a fantastic deal there, less than $100/night. Be careful if you are travelling there by car. Hotel parking in SF is really, really expensive (we got the room for less than $100, but the parking cost over $50/night!.
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In Santa Cruz, if after an afternoon on the beach and boardwalk you want a beer (or many, many more) hit up http://www.99bottles.com/
For your 2, 3 night stays between LA and SF. You'll need to stay where there's enough to do for 3 days. Santa Barbara and Monterey/Carmel are good choices. The good thing about Monterey and Carmel is that they are close enough so wherever you stay you'll be able to take in both places. Carmel has a nice beach and is quaint. Monterey, not so quaint but hotels should be cheaper. It also has its own Fisherman's Wharf.
I used to live in Santa Cruz while I was working at eBay. A good place to stay but you already know that as you've been there before. Further up the PCH is Half Moon Bay which is worth a visit as you pass through.
Solvang, a quaint little place just up from Santa Barbera is worth a look. A pretty little town taken straight out of somewhere in Denmark. As you pass further up the highway you'll go past the elephant seal beach which is worth stopping at. Also, Hearst Castle is worth a visit if you have 3 or 4 hours to spare.
http://www.upout.com/blog/san-francisco-3/an-exclusive-look-inside-san-franciscos-most-expensive-hotel-room
If you're a vegetarian, or even if you're not, the best meal I'v ever had is at a restaurant called Millennium (looks like they've moved to Oakland). 100% worth a visit.
I take it san Francisco is not a cheap place to stay
https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/parc-55-san-francisco-a-hilton-hotel-SFOSFHH/index.html
The hotel is very central and you can de everything on foot. If ou stay here ask for one of the rooms on a higher floor to get fantastic views over the city.
They used to advertise their special offers for followers on Facebook and we got a fantastic deal there, less than $100/night. Be careful if you are travelling there by car. Hotel parking in SF is really, really expensive (we got the room for less than $100, but the parking cost over $50/night!.
Cracking view of the bay though.
Not me going , wife's going Vegas for a 40th then onto san Francisco