Seven Sights You Must See Near Carmel-By-The-Sea California

One of our first trips as a couple, once our kids were grown, was a quick trip to Northern California. After flying into San Jose International (SJC), we rented a car for the leisurely hour and a half drive to Monterey, where we began with a search for clam chowder and sourdough bread.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

As we were walking along the pier at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, we decided to try Shake’s Old Fisherman’s Grotto (mainly because of their “Children’s Policy”).  It states: “No strollers, no highchairs, no booster seats. Children crying or making loud noises are a distraction to other diners and as such are not allowed in the dining room.”  This policy is prominently displayed at the door and for us, traveling without any kids, it was perfect. As if on cue, a young mother was throwing a tantrum in front of the restaurant after being asked to leave her stroller outside.  

For our part, we enjoyed the peaceful, quiet meal. We were seated at a table overlooking the water and enjoyed a delicious meal of clam chowder and sourdough bread (I later learned this restaurant has been voted “Best Clam Chowder in Monterey County” every year since 2004). It did not disappoint.  

Lovers Point Park

Next up was a ten-minute drive to Pacific Grove, California, where we found parking along a side street and stopped to take some photos of the ocean from Lovers Point Park. Pacific Grove, nicknamed “Butterfly Town USA,” is a stopping point on the migration path for swarms (officially called a ‘kaleidoscope’) of Monarch Butterflies that arrive in town every October.

 

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn

Another 30 minute drive south and we arrived at our lodging for this stay.  For this trip, we were staying at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn, just a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn is located on a coastal hillside on the Big Sur coast, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.  

From our king-size bed, we had a clear view of the turquoise-colored ocean each morning.  

In addition to standard suites, this property also features “ocean-view townhouse spa suites” which is where we stayed. This was a spacious one-bedroom unit with amazing views. It was a two-level townhouse with a full kitchen, dining room, and living room with a wood-burning fireplace on the upper level. Down a set of stairs was the master bedroom and bathroom with a jetted soaking tub.  

 

 

Gorgeous full ocean views from both the living room and the bedroom encouraged lingering with a cup of coffee. Because of World of Hyatt status, our stay included a full-service breakfast at the on-property restaurant, California Market. We never ended up using our kitchen. The crab eggs benedict with ripe avocado was a super way to start each morning.

The property is hilly with walking paths between units.  There are fire pits with great views available for use. Occasionally, a thick fog rolls in.

 

 

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn is situated only 4 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quintessential beach town. Downtown Carmel has great restaurants, quaint shops, inviting bakeries and coffee houses. We spent an afternoon there exploring and had a tasty Greek lunch at Dametra Cafe. A short walk downhill brings you to the beach.

Alhough it seems like it would be easy to head into town to grab a bite to eat, this was not the case. The traffic along Highway 1 was intense and often moved at a snail’s pace.  With no traffic it should only be a ten-minute drive from the hotel to downtown Carmel, but when we would check it was often a 40-minute drive. Due to these traffic conditions in the late afternoons/evenings, we opted to stay on property for the remainder of our meals. Fortunately, the hotel restaurant has killer views and a large outside patio for al fresco dining.

Bixby Bridge

For another short excursion from the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn, head south on Highway 1 towards Big Sur.  You will come to the famed Bixby Bridge, an amazing photo spot.

 

McWay Falls – Big Sur

If you want more amazing scenery, from the bridge, continue heading south on Highway 1 for about 24 miles. A little past the entrance to Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, you will find McWay Falls. There is some parking along the highway but it is safer to pull into the lot and pay the fee.  A short walk from the parking lot leads you to the overlook where you can see a small waterfall emptying into the ocean! There is even more to see in the Big Sur area, just make sure to head back to the hotel before the late afternoon or you will be sitting in traffic for a good portion of the return trip.

Look closely at the McWay Falls photo, the falls are the 80-foot tall, thin stream of water pouring into the ocean below.  It is McWay Creek emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Here is a video so you can see it in action.

Point Lobos State Reserve

I’ve saved the best for last! Plan on spending at least half a day at Point Lobos State Reserve.  The park is about one and a half miles north of Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn. It is free to walk or bike into the Reserve, with parking along the road for about 25-30 cars. If you are able to score a spot there you can hike into the park, but they fill up quickly.  We opted to pay a small per-car fee and drive into the park. Note that it is quite a long walk from the highway to the scenic portions of the park, so unless you are looking for the exercise, I recommend paying the fee and driving in.

 

The scenery along the coastline at the park is breathtaking. The water is an unnaturally vibrant blue in spots, and the cypress and craggy rocks along the shore are uniquely photogenic. The fierce waves crashing into the rocky shoreline are exciting and amazing.

 

The coast up in Northern California is very different than the beaches of Southern California. We live closer to Southern Calfiornia so we vacation there regularly. Both are beautiful. I’m very glad we took this trip. 

In the evenings a gorgeous sunset can be enjoyed from the balcony of the patio off of the living room.

Here is an image from Google maps so you can see the locations we visited.

 

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