Carmel, CA
Follow us to the enchanting town of Carmel, with it's stunning beaches, sweet little boutiques & galleries, incredible food, and, of course, a visit to the iconic Pebble Beach.
To see other itineraries that include Carmel check out: California & San Francisco.
Day 1
We flew into San Francisco and hit the Pacific Coast Highway for a breathtaking drive—windows down, ocean views for days! Once in Carmel, we checked into elegant, yet charming La Playa Carmel, an historic boutique gem with lush gardens and a location that just can't be beat...just steps from the beaches as well as town.
That afternoon we headed to the beautiful but very chill Folktale Winery, where we toured the vineyard, sipped local wines, and enjoyed a fresh, seasonal lunch in the dreamy Carmel Valley sunshine. To top off the day, we indulged in dinner at Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch—a farm-to-table feast with the perfect mix of cozy and chic.
Itinerary:
Hotel: La Playa Carmel
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Dinner: Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
We kicked off Day 2 with breakfast at La Bicyclette, where the vibe is as charming as the food is delicious. Their avocado dishes were next-level, and paired with a steaming cup of expresso? Absolute perfection to start the day in Carmel!
After breakfast, we wandered along Carmel Beach, soaking up the ocean breezes before heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Just 15 minutes north, it's an absolute must-see, with its mesmerizing jellyfish displays, playful sea otters, and jaw-dropping views of the bay.
In the afternoon, we visited the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Course. Even if you're not a golfer, the views alone are worth it! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even arrange to play a round through your hotel. We wrapped up the day at The Tap Room, where we watched the sunset with a glass of wine in hand—absolute perfection.
Itinerary:
Breakfast: La Bicyclette Restaurant Carmel
Reviews: TripAdvisor
After breakfast headed to the beach and then head back into town
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Pebble Beach Golf Course
Dinner: The Tap Room
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
Today we decided to venture south to Hearst Castle, where the stunning architecture and epic views of San Simeon totally blew us away. A guided tour gave us a peek into the glamorous history of this coastal estate...think the west coast version of The Great Gatsby!
Back in Carmel, we wrapped up our final night with dinner at Mission Ranch. Between the cozy, rustic vibes, the amazing food, and those postcard-worthy views of the coastline and grazing sheep, it was the perfect way to end the trip.
Itinerary:
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Dinner: Mission Ranch
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
On to the next adventure...
