Crafting your California road trip with Hyatt points

While many countries, including Greece and various EU nations, are reopening their borders to vaccinated travelers, not everyone is quite ready for a long international flight. However, if you can make your way to California—or are fortunate enough to call the Golden State home, like I do—a road trip through this beautiful state could be the perfect choice for your next getaway.

Plus, you can redeem World of Hyatt points for accommodations at every stop along the way.

Hyatt offers a wide range of hotel options, from family-oriented brands like Hyatt House with full kitchens to upscale Park Hyatt locations in cities like Sydney, Paris, and New York.

However, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a Hyatt experience, as there are numerous properties available for your California journey. Here’s a look at some I’m excited to explore on my next road trip.

Resort at Squaw Creek

The Resort at Squaw Creek is part of Destination by Hyatt and is located just moments away from North Lake Tahoe, a renowned spot for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, as well as various outdoor adventures in the summer. Notably, Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Summer Olympics, making it an excellent launch point for your California road trip.

Regardless of the season, there’s always something to enjoy, whether at the resort or in the surrounding area. One of my favorite relaxed activities in Lake Tahoe is to discover a serene beach and soak in the breathtaking blue waters of the lake.

While paid rates often exceed $400 per night, you can secure a standard room for just 25,000 World of Hyatt points.

Alila Napa Valley

The Alila Napa Valley is a new gem in Hyatt's collection, located right in the center of the famous wine region. Just a two-hour drive north from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Napa Valley offers much more than wine tastings and vineyard landscapes. It also features luxurious spas and other distinctive experiences, such as the hot springs found in nearby Calistoga.

After enjoying a rejuvenating spa session and a wine tour, your next destination should be one of the incredible restaurants in the area. Notable dining spots like the French Laundry often book up months ahead, so planning ahead is essential. However, if you happen to be in Napa without a dinner reservation, you might be fortunate enough to find availability through the American Express Global Dining Collection.

While the cash rate at the Alila Napa Valley can exceed $800 per night, you can book the same room for just 30,000 World of Hyatt points.

El Capitan Hotel

Although there aren't many points-based hotels near Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, an independent hotel within Hyatt's JdV brand, is conveniently located close enough to be featured in our list of Hyatt properties for your California road trip. This newly opened hotel in Merced, CA, can be reserved for only 8,000 World of Hyatt points for a standard room (or treat yourself to a suite for just 13,000 points). If Yosemite is a bit far for you, the hotel is also perfectly situated for exploring the Merced National Wildlife Refuge.

Staying at the El Capitan Hotel is a bargain at 8,000 Hyatt points per night, especially when the standard room rate is around $180. It’s also an excellent choice to utilize a free-night certificate from the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Mar Monte Hotel

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is situated on California's Central Coast, where the Mar Monte Hotel is found. This lesser-known wine region offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a few tranquil days and nights during your California road trip.

Mar Monte is a charming boutique hotel just steps from the beach and is part of Hyatt's expanding Unbound Collection brand. At only 20,000 Hyatt points per night—compared to cash rates that often exceed $300—it's an unbeatable value, especially with the stunning view from your room's balcony.

Andaz West Hollywood

No trip to California is truly complete without a visit to Hollywood. The iconic Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, and Universal Studios are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the experiences awaiting you in the Los Angeles area. The Andaz West Hollywood serves as the ideal home base for your adventures in La La Land.

You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points for a standard room, or splurge up to 40,000 points for a premium suite at this hotel. Alternatively, a standard room can also be booked for around $230 per night in cash, although prices can soar past $300 during peak travel seasons.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa

Recently renovated, the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is a must-visit for your Southern California itinerary. TPG's Chris Dong stayed at the hotel earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The resort features two pools — one designated for families and another exclusively for adults aged 18 and older. Additionally, there’s a fitness and recreation center, along with several tennis courts. For those looking for a unique experience, you can even hire a surf concierge for private surfing lessons right on the beach.

If you're eager to discover the surrounding area, Carlsbad is less than an hour's drive north of stunning San Diego, known for its warmer ocean temperatures and the renowned San Diego Zoo.

This property offers great value, with a standard room available for just 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, compared to its usual cash rate of $600.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

As you head further south, consider booking a stay at the newly opened Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas. This Hyatt location, nestled between Carlsbad and San Diego, offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the coastline, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property that continuously showcase the stunning beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Having just opened its doors to guests earlier this year, you can reserve a room for 25,000 World of Hyatt points or an impressive $800 per night.

Honorable mention

California is fortunate to host other remarkable Hyatt properties worth considering for your road trip. Ventana Big Sur, another Alila property that joined Hyatt in 2018, has been praised as the finest resort in North America within the program. The resort has recently transitioned to an all-inclusive model, and with rates starting at $2,000 per night or 30,000 Hyatt points, it offers an exceptional value.

Hyatt has also introduced two new locations in Oceanside, another charming beach town situated between Carlsbad and San Diego. Both the Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific began welcoming guests in May 2021, and they are classified as Category 5 properties, requiring 20,000 points for a complimentary night in a standard room.

Bottom line

California is the ideal road trip destination, offering a diverse landscape and a wide range of potential stops — from mountainous retreats and beach getaways to urban escapes. Plus, there are numerous Hyatt properties spread across the Golden State to ensure comfort and care at each stop.

From Squaw Creek to Napa Valley, and Santa Barbara to San Diego, a Hyatt property awaits at every corner.