Dining

Stationaery - farm to table neighborhood restaurant *our favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Carmel *reservation recommended

Carmel Belle - quick but delicious coffee and breakfast

Katy's Place - classic American breakfast, make sure you’re hungry or hungover :)

Hay's Place - located in Pebble Beach on recently designed short course with Mexican inspired menu. *reservation recommended

Grasings  - upscale locally sourced California cuisine with great cocktails

The Pocket - casual yet elegant contemporary dining, great atmosphere 

La Balena - artisanal Italian dishes and wine, mostly outdoor dining 

Dametra Cafe - Lively atmosphere with Mediterranean dishes, located right on Ocean Ave

Mission Ranch - a Carmel classic with beautiful views of Point Lobos and Carmel River Beach, pianist and lively bar in the evenings (great place to propose ;))

The Bench - located in Pebble Beach overlooking the iconic 18th hole, upscale American with great views and drinks *reservation recommended

Activities

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea Walking around Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must! There are wine tasting rooms, wonderful restaurants & coffee shops, art galleries and shops.

Walk Carmel Beach - Nothing better than some fresh ocean air and sand in your toes. This is especially fun for dog lovers as you will be greeted by all of Carmel’s furry residents. You will also often spot some marine life, including jelly fish, sea otters, and dolphins! 

Golf - While Pebble Beach Golf Links requires a two night stay in order to book a tee time, if you aren’t staying at the hotel, they will allow reservations 24 hrs in advance (to the extent available).  If you want to play Spanish Bay, Del Monte, or The Hay (9 hole) you can make a reservation 6 months in advance (so starting in March 2023).  For Spyglass you can make a reservation starting 3 months in advance.  We love The Hay which is a fun 9 hole, par 3 course, located just up the hill from Pebble Beach. It’s $65, and they have complimentary clubs for you to use.

Point Lobos  Just a five minute drive from Carmel, Point Lobos is a stunning nature reserve that has served as inspiration for Ansel Adams & Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”

Drive to Big Sur - The Big Sur coast starts just a few miles south of Carmel, but you don’t get the dramatic cliffside views until you pass Point Lobos State Park and the Carmel Highlands, about 5 miles from Carmel. Once in Big Sur, we suggest visiting the Big Sur Bakery, and Ventana for lunch or a drink.