A Family Road Trip to Monterey-Carmel | Places We Visited | Exploring California Coastal Towns

A Family Road Trip to Monterey-Carmel | Places We Visited | Exploring California Coastal Towns | Hyatt Regency Monterey | Old Fisherman's Wharf | Carmel Mission Basilica | Dennis the Menace Playground | Hyatt Vacation Club Carmel Highlands Inn

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course

Located on a hill in Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey sits on 22 acres of a secluded property that includes Del Monte Golf Course. The hotel is located just off Pacific Coast Highway 1, about a 10-minute drive southeast of the famous Monterey Bay Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Hotel is not quite in the downtown Monterey area or the by the ocean, but it’s only about a 10-minute drive to Monterey Bay Fisherman’s Wharf and a 15-minute drive to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

There was ample free parking in the large parking lot area (as there are 560 different guest rooms and suites), and we always found parking close to our room.

Although the hotel was showing its age a bit, it appeared to have been newly remodeled/refreshed particularly their guest rooms. Everything seemed to have a shiny new coat of paint, new lighting, and new carpeting.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, and we recommend it for families with kids and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

One of the reasons we went to Fisherman’s wharf is to check out the California sea lions rafting on Monterey Bay. It’s one of the coolest behaviors to watch as they all float together with flippers up. And Monterey Bay has huge numbers of sea lions so you can see them quite easily from the shore and from piers.

The flipper position helps them thermoregulate as they’re resting on the water. This behavior is also called sailing. When a number of sea lions group together and exhibit this behavior, sometimes sleeping with their noses just above water, it is termed “rafting”. By extending their flippers out of the water, the blood in that less insulated part of the body absorbs heat from the sun and circulates through the body to their internal organs.

Carmel Mission Basilica Museum

Just outside the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll see the beautiful grounds of the Carmel Mission, originally built in 1770. The mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra, making it the second of the 21 California missions.

The mission serves as a museum, preserving wonderful collection of art and religious artifacts. It is also an active parish church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey.

A must see if you are ever in Carmel by the Sea, this tour is inexpensive but very informative. The Carmel Mission Basilica offers a fascinating glimpse back to some of California’s earliest roots through the eyes of the Catholic community. You’ll learn not only about the mission’s rough history but also about the people who passed through the mission and how the California community has helped restore it.

Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel

Also known as Nuestra Senora de Belen, the oldest statue of Mary in California and the second oldest in the United States. Carved in the 15th century Spain, this life-sized statue accompanied St. Junipero on his journey from Mexico in 1769.

Dennis the Menace Playground

A trip to Monterey isn't complete without a visit to the Dennis the Menace Playground. The park is located about 5 minutes from Cannery Row and is part of the El Estero Park which also has a lot of fun activities.

This playground was designed by Hank Ketchum, the creator and illustrator of the comic strip Dennis the Menace. This urban park provides a picturesque and serene setting in central Monterey, perfect place for outdoor play for kids and families.

Hyatt Vacation Club Carmel Highlands Inn

Before heading back to our hotel in Monterey, we decided to check out this property. We heard that the lobby of this hotel has a glass-enclosed panoramic views overlooking the California coast. What a spectacular view of the Big Sur Coastline. Known as a destination restaurant, this restaurant offers spectacular views along with exceptional menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What a spectacular view and this place is just so relaxing to dine in.

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