Traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco, there are plenty of beach towns in which to stop along the way. When you’re ready to rest for the night, plan to stay at the delightful La Playa Carmel in Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County.
The mansion was built in 1905 by artist Christian Jorgensen as a gift to his wife Angela, a member of the Ghiradelli family — and what a gift it was! With views of Carmel Bay and Pebble Beach, the home was a popular destination for artists and writers of the era, and even boasted the first swimming pool in Carmel.

Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, California. Photo: Mikalai Dushkou | Dreamstime
In 1922, after several years as a boarding house, La Playa became a full-service hotel, and today the 75-room historic hotel is found tucked into its residential neighborhood and still known as the “Grande Dame of Carmel.”
During your stay, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the hotel’s close proximity to Carmel Beach, perfect for strolling or maybe even a dip in the water, if you’re daring enough to brave the cold. If you’re planning to spend the day, coordinate with La Playa’s team and they’ll pack a gourmet picnic basket for you to take along and enjoy. On the other hand, the boutique shops, galleries and restaurants of Carmel-by-the-Sea await.
Back at the hotel, many of the comfortable guest rooms are available with either one or two luxurious beds and views of the ocean, or the hotel’s lush grounds and courtyards. If you’re traveling with little ones, consider a garden patio room on the ground floor from which it’s easy to run around or head straight to the pool to burn off some excess energy. When the sun sets, snuggle into a cozy cotton robe for the night and watch a movie, and as the next morning breaks, enjoy a sumptuous Champagne breakfast served daily. Just the right way to fuel yourself for the day ahead.
When it’s time to leave La Playa Carmel for your next stop along the Pacific Coast Highway, chances are you’ll already be planning your return visit to the “Grande Dame of Carmel.”
Read This Next
Cape Resorts Launches Month of Love Programming
Hotels
Jan 22, 2025#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Apr 17, 2025Orlando World Center Marriott Announces New Family-Focused Offerings
Family travelers, these recent announcements from Orlando World Center Marriott are designed with you in mind. Following its success in 2024, the hotel continues its partnership with Mermaid Elle and her friends to host a Mermaid & Glow Party on select nights at Falls Pool. Here, mermaids splash and swim around the lagoon for meet-and-greets alongside live music, glowing pool inflatables, bubble machines and dance activities — all led by the resort’s recreation team.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Slideshow
Apr 17, 20256 Egyptian Tomb Sites for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Egyptian tomb sites with us.
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 20254 Interactive Wildlife Conservation Experiences for Earth Day
Calling all animal-loving family travelers! This Earth Day, consider a visit to one of these destinations offering interactive wildlife conservation experiences.
Destinations
Apr 16, 20255 Places Around the World to See Holy Week Observances
Holy Week, the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, is observed in a variety of ways throughout the world, often with colorful pageantry mixed with solemn reminders of the week before Christ’s crucifixion. Tourists are welcome at most observances, some of which take on a festival air, especially on Easter Sunday. Here are some places family travelers might consider traveling.
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 2025North America’s First National Park City Named
The National Park City Foundation just designated Chattanooga, Tennessee, as North America’s First National Park City, and family travelers will quickly discover why. Already named Tennessee’s Most Scenic City, Chattanooga takes a new title thanks to its appreciation of all aspects of outdoor life, from preserving lakes and forests to being stewards of native plant species.
ShareThis