3–2–1: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
3 different itineraries over 2 nights in 1 City.
Northern California is known for its access and close proximity to impressive weekend getaways to idyllic places such as wine country, the Sierra mountains, Yosemite, San Francisco and the coast. Carmel or “Carmel-by-the-sea” is about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco and 5.5 hours from Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast (in case the “by-the-sea” didn’t clue you in). The terribly obvious add-on to the city name was originally used for for promoting the town but today, you can just call it Carmel. The Silicon Valley crowd can drive there in about 90 minutes and the nearby Monterey airport is only 15 minutes away but you’ll want to drive. The small coastal town is only one square mile and has a population of about 3,800. The town gained momentum as an artists colony at the turn of the 20th century but nowadays is known for it’s adorable hobbit-esque thatched roofed cottages, dog friendly businesses and white sand beaches. The fairy tale cottages with rolled overhanging roofs and rounded doors set the stage for both romance and fun for couples, groups and families. Depending on which hat you’d like to wear for the weekend, choose one of these three separate itineraries.
The Lazy Lovers:
Friday
Relax. It’s the weekend and you’ve come here to reconnect as a couple. Check in at the Tickle Pink Inn located strategically on the outskirts of town. If its name doesn’t scream intimacy to you, maybe the sweeping coastal views, champagne upon arrival and en suite bathtubs will. Head out for dinner at Casanova Restaurant and transport yourself back to a small town in France and ask to see Vincent Van Gogh’s table that was shipped all the way from France where the artist himself sat during his final months.
Saturday
Sleep in late and pamper yourself with breakfast delivered to your room or get dressed at enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast on the cliffside deck. Once you’ve fueled up, hop in your car for the picturesque drive 25 miles south down Highway 1, the pacific coast highway. Take your time on the meandrous road as it winds along the rugged coast through the acclaimed area of Big Sur. Once you’ve taken your fair share of landscapes and selfies, stop for lunch at Nepenthe, a restaurant on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where the wines are all deliciously local and the view will make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the world. After lunch stop by the bohemian gift shop before heading back to Carmel for some relaxing at Refuge. Book massages to start then meet your other half by the pools for a few cycles of hot and cold plunges. Rest in a hammock or by the fire pit in between cycles. (tip: leave cell phones and chit chat at the door, this is a quiet place) Now that your body has been detoxed and rejuvenated, make your way over to Carmel Cheese Shop for some picnic grub. Load up your fixins in a bag and retire to the Carmel Beach with your blanket and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Nothing says romance like snuggling with your sweet one on a white sand beach listening to the waves crash in front of you.
Sunday
After another lazy morning, explore the town and do a little shopping on the quaint streets of Carmel. Alleyways and flowers will guide you through art galleries, wine tasting rooms, clothing stores and chic home stores. (tip: There are no parking meters and businesses don’t have street numbers and locals will likely give you directions using cross streets) If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon The Pilgrim’s Way bookstore where you can search for a great read on the way home and stroll through the adjacent serene Secret Garden which will serve as a symbol of your tranquil and relaxing weekend.
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The Group Getaway
Friday
Log out of your computer, join up with your group and caravan down to Carmel-by-the-sea. Check into the trendy Carmel Mission Inn and scope out the heated pool, hot tub, patio, spa and fitness center before heading back up to your room to get dressed for dinner. Mosey on down to the bar for happy hour as you wait for the rest of your group to join. There is a free snack buffet with purchase of drinks.
A short 10 minute drive will get you into town so that you can share some sangria and spanish tapas at the vibrant Mundaka. After dinner walk to the late night bar, Brophy’s tavern, to hang out with the friendly locals. (tip: Don’t wear high heels, it is too treacherous on the cobblestone streets and there is law prohibiting heels higher than 2 inches)
Saturday
After a casual morning, round the troops and depart for brunch at Little Swiss Cafe. The hearty breakfast will get you fueled up and the painted murals of european countrysides will get you in the mood for the Wine Walk. Head over to the Visitor’s Center and purchase your Wine Passport. For $65 you will get 9 tastings to use at any of the 14 tasting rooms all within a few blocks of each other right in town. If you start to get hungry, order little bites from the tasting rooms. (Tip: The passport doesn’t expire and only three of the tasting rooms have bathrooms: Caraccioli Cellars, Vino Napoli and De Tierra)
After the wine tasting, grab a blanket and your bluetooth speaker and escape to Carmel Beach where you can enjoy your wine buzz on white sand with an ocean view. Tell stories, reminisce about old memories or burn off some calories by strolling the beach. After the sunset, head back to the hotel to shower up and then go to a late dinner at Dametra Cafe where you’ll be treated like kings and the chef and owner may even come out to sing to you! The Mediterranean menu has something for everyone and won’t disappoint.
Sunday
Roll out of bed and down to the hotel’s Fuse Lounge for breakfast. You’ll want to stay close to the hotel because Los Lobos National Park is only 2 miles away. The park features hiking trails, coastal views and dive sites for those interested in seeing the protected marine life. The full trail loop can take you around 5 miles and you will be repeatedly rewarded with wildlife and amazing views of the ocean blues. You’ll likely come across sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions in the wild. Whales and dolphins can also been seen from the trails, especially during migrating months between December and May. (Tip: During Summer months, parking inside the reserve tends to fill up around 11am so get there earlier for a spot. Beware of poison oak, it is wild there!)
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The Happy Family
Friday
Try to beat the Friday traffic by hitting the road early and heading down to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arrive at Carmel Cottage Inn and check into your private cottage. These cottages are a little pricy but it will be worth it to have more space and only have to lug beach toys one block to the beach. There are only 5 cottages on the property so be sure to book early. For dinner, head to Little Napoli for some pizza and italian cuisine. They have a children’s menu to choose from and you can dine alfresco on their patio or will do take-out if you’d rather eat back to your cottage.
Saturday
Walk into the courtyard of Carmel Belle, open at 8am, and order some farm fresh breakfast. Let the kids spread out on the large patio and order them the green eggs and ham for a silly surprise! After breakfast, grab some food to go at Fifth Avenue Deli and walk down to the white sand public beach at Carmel City Beach. Let the kids explore the 1 mile long stretch of beach with the famous Pebble Beach golf course at one end and Monterey Cypress trees at the other end. (Tip: Public restrooms are located by the parking at Ocean Ave and dogs are permitted without leashes) After the beach, mingle with other families at the family friendly Forest Hills Park. There is a playground and you’ll probably get to talk to some locals while you are there.
For dinner, cruise into town to the restaurant owned by Clint Eastwood at Mission Ranch Inn. The patio offers gorgeous views of the ocean and the grazing sheep will keep the children entertained. The patio is huge and there is live music from the piano bar. (tip: Don’t ask if Clint Eastwood is still the mayor, he ended his 2 year reign in 1988)
Sunday
Wake up and walk to From Scratch restaurant for some pancakes, eggs and good ole’ American breakfast. After that if the weather is nice, rent bikes from Bay Bikes and breath in the salty fresh air on the coastal bike paths. Or if you have older children, go horseback riding at Pebble Beach Equestrian Center or learn to surf at Surf School. After all of that exercise, make one final deserved stop at Cottage of Sweets for some homemade candies, fudge and licorice or Thinker Toys for a new game or toy to savor as you retreat back home.
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When to Go: Average year round temp is between 60–71 with Aug and September having the warmest weather. Average low is between 43–53 F with Jan and Feb having the coldest lows. Rainfall is minimal but Jan-March has the most.
