Archer Park and Hoffman Park

Not necessarily the greatest of parks, but there is one fairly appealing perk… Park size is just under 2 acres, but when you reserve/​obtain a permit, it’s ALL YOURS… Basically, a private park (at least BBQ/​Picnic Table-​wise), with all the standard bells & whistles…
The rest of the park is up for grabs for visitors, though during our visit, drop-in’s were relatively scarce. There’s a fairly decent size field to play ball/​Frisbee, or whatever… One level up from the picnic area is a full-​sized basketball court. Up further is a kiddie-​playground & just across the way (via a private walkway, adjacent to Archer) is another kiddie playground off Hoffman St. No porta-​potty, though (another plus) as there is a fully functional & CLEAN, unisex restroom (sans paper towels, but does have a modern hand dryer).
Considering you’re at the top of McClellan Ave., in certain areas you can actually see Monterey Harbor from a distance (as well as feel the cool ocean breeze). Some items required securing to the table as it did get a bit windy at times. The breeze though? Brrrrrr… I used to live in this area wayyy back in the day & assumed I could get by in a short-​sleeve T… Nope… After about 2 hours, I jumped in the car & took the short drive down to Lighthouse (corner of Prescott, across from Gianni’s Pizza) & picked up a sweater from OTB Surf Shop. Yes, I probably could’ve gotten by & roughed the cold, but (subconsciously), I think I just wanted to visit the old surf shop at its newer & larger location… Ahhh, memories…
All-​in-​all, it was fairly sufficient/​adequate. Not entirely blown away, but having the VIP feel of our own personal park/​bbq/​picnic tables was a definite & obvious plus. Park as a whole was clean & relatively well-​kept. They’re literally a hop, skip & a jump away from Cannery Row as well which is another plus… Being at the top of this hill though with the typical overcast sky & chilly ocean breeze had us looking like a family of Eskimo’s fairly quickly. That being said, don’t forget your jackets!
Biggest negative I’d say is the placement of the playground in relation to the picnic area. If you have younger kids, you’d definitely need to supervise as they’d literally be out of site/​earshot. (though that’s what Grandparents are for) ;-)