Visiting Pismo Beach, San Luis Obisbo, Carmel and Monterey for a Family Feature (Lodging, Dining and Attractions) “2/12”
What a great roadtrip is is from Los Angeles heading up north to the Monterey/Carmel area. We made a stop in Pismo on the way there and San Luis Obisbo on the way back to break up the drive. Below you will find our top places for lodging, dining and activities.
Lodging–
The Shelter Cove Best Western located in Pismo Beach overlooking the Ocean was the perfect way to start the trip.It is approx. 188 miles so without traffic on the 101, it takes a little more than 3 hours.The room was very nice with a spectacular ocean view and a walkway down to the beach. Located right near downtown Pismo, we highly recommend the stop and visit. Complimentary continental breakfast, a heated pool and fitness center are some other great amenities worth the visit.The view alone hearing the waves and peacefulness was very enjoyable.Enjoy the beauty of lodging in Pismo Beach, California at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Shelter Cove Lodge.
Towering above the Pacific Ocean on its magnificent cliffs, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Shelter Cove Lodge is an oceanfront hotel spanning four-acres of handsomely manicured grounds and exudes a sense of peace and tranquility in an absolutely stunning ocean side hotel setting. The secluded beach and sheltered cove provide a quiet hideaway at our Pismo Beach hotel. All 52 of the guest rooms at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Shelter Cove Lodge in Pismo Beach, California have been completely redesigned from floor to ceiling to reflect our guests’ sophisticated tastes.All of the Shelter Cove Lodge’s guest rooms feature the finest amenities including Serta® Perfect Sleeper pillow top mattresses, crisp linens and cozy duvets, and appliances including microwaves and mini refrigerators.BEST WESTERN PLUS Shelter Cove Lodge is an ocean view hotel offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from each of our guest rooms and our oceanfront gazebo gives our guests panoramic views that are unmatched.Relaxing sounds of the ocean can be heard from your own private balcony or patio; you may even see a group of dolphins or whales swimming in the ocean below!The BEST WESTERN PLUS Shelter Cove Lodge is located just blocks from the Pismo Pier and downtown Pismo Beach in the heart of San Luis Obispo County.Enjoy the area’s natural attractions including championship golf courses, hiking and biking trails, kayaking, Pismo Beach and other area beaches, wine tasting, Hearst Castle, Oceano Dunes and more. This place was great for kids and right on the beach. More at www.bwsheltercove.com
Next stop was the Hofsas House in beautiful Carmel.Located on a residential street and only blocks from downtown, this place was fantastic. The hospitality, friendliness and welcoming by the owner Carrie is alone worth it.Besides the complimentary continental breakfast and newspaper in the lobby, the Hofsas House offers a great view of the sunset and ocean, free wifi, pet-friendly rooms, a heated pool and suites.This place is great for families with kids and family reunions.There is a rec room adjacent to the pool you can rent out with a full kitchen for family get togethers along with showers and a sauna.The spacious rooms of this pink-colored Inn provide a very comfortable feeling during your stay.It is one of the few places in Carmel that offers suites and and rooms with multiple bedrooms to accommodate anyone visiting. Since my wife and I were traveling with our 2 yr. old daughter, this place was the perfect spot.
The Hofsas House Hotel is a boutique family-owned inn with 38 uniquely decorated, spacious rooms, many with ocean views overlooking the pines in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Dutch doors appoint each room allowing our guests to enjoy the fresh ocean air. Our guests watch glorious sunsets over the Pacific Ocean from the privacy of the inn’s decks or rooms. Some rooms and most suites have fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars or kitchens.One unique experience is to get the firewood/smores package with the hotel, which allows you to build a fire on the beach on the left side of 10thstreet if you are looking at the beach.The hotel provides all the fixings including the firewood, fire starter, blankets, and sweets.
To see more, go to www.hofsashouse.com
Monterey Hyatt-This resort has it all on an enormous piece of property located 5-10 minutes from downtown Monterey and Cannery Row.The spacious rooms and suites make it so comfortable especially having kids to separate the bedroom.There are many activities including swimming pools, ping pong, 24 hr. fitness center, free ipad usage in the lobby,live jazz in the lobby on the weekends, Knuckles Sports Bar and great dining at Tusca. If you have kids, Camp Hyatt is the way to go to give you free time while their staff (Mandy and Jeff) are incredible with kids keeping them busy with so many options of activities.The Regency Club is an upgraded suite you can pay extra for but has food throughout the day and a nice environment to watch tv, go on the internet or relax.
Transcend the ordinary at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course. Multi-million dollar renovations elevate Monterey’s largest luxury conference hotel to a new plateau of excellence. A spacious new lobby invites relaxation with a soothing fireplace and cozy seating areas – perfect for conversations or listening to live jazz. Restyled accommodations in our pampering Monterey hotel and spa redefine luxury with patios, flat screen TVs, walk-in rain showers and more. 550 renovated guestrooms32″ LCD flat-panel TVs / iHome stereo with iPod® docking stationHyatt Grand Bed™ with luxurious linens / In-room safes and refrigerators Lavish baths with walk-in rain showers and deluxe products.They are still working out some kinks with the staff as we evidenced by a long, unorganized check in, but overall, the place is great. We had incredible massages at the spa while enjoying the steam room during our visit.
More at www.monterey.hyatt.com
Our last stop on the way back was about half way back at the famous Madonna Inn. It may not be for everyone but I thought it was great an the most unique place you will stay at.The steakhouse offers great food in their colorful ambiance with booths and décor.We experienced some tango and swing dancing while we walked in as they have that arranged on certain nights. The pool was spectacular heated at 86 degrees with a Jacuzzi in the fantastic setting including a huge waterfall. The Madonna Inn offers an unforgettable experience with fine dining & entertainment, unique overnight lodging, banquet rooms for intimate weddings & receptions, exclusive clothing, gift & wine shops and limo service. Located on the grounds: 110 rooms each with a special theme, a picturesque European-style pool & state of the art exercise room, a celestial Day Spa and the largest convention center on the Central Coast. Enjoy these impressive amenities…attracting visitors looking for a resort-style retreat just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo. We stayed in the exotic Jungle Rocks room (pictured below) that felt like we were actually in the jungle especially with all the rocks in the room and bathroom/shower.
For more information and to see photos of all the rooms, go to www.madonnainn.com
Dining Suggestions-
Lido’s at the Dolphin Bay Resort in Pismo Beach- Besides the incredible sunset that you can see right from your table, the food was delicious.Try the abalone to start but any of their fresh fish is fantastic.The manager Todd was extremely hospitable and welcoming as well as the full staff. Every Tuesday, they have a wine company come in to sample a variety of wines while there is very nice background guitar music while you eat.
Giuseppes in Pismo Beach- Don’t miss the incredible pizzas with crust that is crunchy. The clam pizza is off the charts and the pasta with shrimp was cooked al-dente and served piping hot to perfection. The flavors and creative preparations make this place a must visit. This was one of my favorite Italian restaurants I have dined at in a long time. So many other great options to choose from. The decor was very nice and the service and staff were top notch including the manager Paul who was very accommodating. More on their website at www.giuseppesrestaurant.com
Mundaka (a Spanish Tapas restaurant) located a few blocks from the Hofsas House in Carmel. Chef Brandon Moore is very creative with his small tapa dishes. Our favorite was the cracked crab entree.www.mundakacarmel.com
Fandango in Pacific Grove near Carmel-High end dining on the more expensive side but very nice atmosphere and the food was very good. Our suggestions here are the giant calamari and seafood paella.http://www.fandangorestaurant.com
Tusca at the Monterey Hyatt- Great breakfast buffet and fine dining right at the hotel.Dinner choices include the scallops, fresh fish of the day and their variety of salads.http://monterey.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
Wild Plum Café– One of the best breakfasts we have ever had with organic and healthy options. The pancakes, muffins and frittatas are out of this world. Other great choices include steamed eggs, breakfast burritos, waffles, scrambles and bagel and lox. So much to choose from and every dish was amazing.They are open for lunch and dinner.
http://www.thewildplumcafe.com
Pacific’s Edge at the Highlands in Carmel (Pictured below)l- Our favorite restaurant in Carmel/Monterey with the best seafood including abalone, shrimp and other fantastic fresh fish.Amazing wine selection to enhance your dining experience.The view is not too miss overlooking the ocean so make sure you get there before sunset.Here are some photos of the restaurant.www.pacificsedge.com
Abalonetti on Fisherman’s Wharf- The freshest shellfish you will get around located on Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.The clam chowder was to die for and the abalone, shrimp, calamari and other selections were top notch. This is a definite visit. www.abalonettimonterey.com
Ciopinot in San Luis Obisbo- The best Ciopino and shellfish you will find. The restaurant was spectacular, service was great and the décor was beautiful (black and red modern look with dimly lit lamps). You will never want to order Ciopino anywhere else after tasting theirs. The portions are very nice and the atmosphere is romantic and modern. They have a nice selection of other fish dishes and a wine list to accompany your fantastic dining experience. By far the best Ciopino I have ever had and it comes full of fresh shellfish. www.ciopinotrestaurant.com
Attractions/Activities:
Santa Barbara Zoo- This is a great stop on the way up north from LA.The zoo is very quaint with beautiful animals including elephants, lions, monkeys and more.Giraffe feeding is available and take the train ride around the zoo to get a nice look at everything.www.sbzoo.org
Carmel Beach- What can you say about one of the best beaches you will ever visit.The waves, white sand and relaxing atmosphere make this a must stop.http://www.carmelcalifornia.com
My Museum in Monterey- What a place to take your kids on your next visit to Monterey.This place is amazing and will keep your young ones entertained with a variety of hands-on exhibits from building a house, visiting a hospital, dressing up for your own theater show, minature golf, stuffed animals, puppets and a make believe kitchen to cook to name a few.
Monterey Aquarium- Wow. It has to be the best aquarium you will visit.A grand selection of all types of fish, sea creatures and more.From sharks, penguins, sea otters, jellyfish, etc.They have tours and daily activities, programs and feedings to visit.You will not be disappointed.
Monterey Bay Kayaks- .The rental shop is located right on the way to downtown Monterey. This is the best place to rent your kayak for a beautiful ride right in the harbor all the way to the aquarium.Head out in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. www.montereybaykayaks.com
Lastly, I wanted to give a big thanks to Marci Bracco Cain who helped originate this press trip finding us and putting together a great itinerary with all of her contacts. She is very professional and the most prompt PR person you will deal with.
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