It’s been awhile since I’ve given my Carmel City Guide a refresh, and with summer vacations just around the corner I thought it was about time to update it. I’ve been visiting Carmel by the Sea 1-2x a year for about thirteen years, ever since my mom and stepdad started spending their summers there! It’s such a beautiful place to be anytime of year, but especially in the summer when it is unbelievably hot everywhere else in the country. If you or someone you know has a trip coming up, keep this guide handy – these are tried and true places we gravitate to every time we’re back!
THE BEST CARMEL CITY GUIDE
WHERE TO STAY
VILLA MARA CARMEL
What once was a sleepy seaside motel called The Sandpiper Inn, has now blossomed into the most beautiful and luxurious boutique hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea! This little spot got completely overhauled a few years ago and is now my favorite recommendation to give to people. This small spot is located on the same block as a home my mom and stepdad used to own, so I’ve walked by it dozens of times! It’s just two blocks from the beach and about a 20 minute walk from the center of town where all the restaurants are! It’s quiet, comfortable and wonderfully appointed. What it lacks in size (there are only 16 rooms) it makes up for in style! Grab breakfast at the bar or at one of the small tables near the fireplace.
LA PLAYA HOTEL
If you want to be closer to Ocean Avenue, this is my recommendation! Here you’ll find comfortable suites with ocean views, just a few steps away from the center of town. They also have an expansive patio with a pool and life-size chess board, if you’re in the mood for a game!
Traveling with some big golfers? This would be a real treat if you’re planning to spend more of your time in Pebble Beach than Carmel by the Sea. They’ve been undergoing major renovations over the last few years, so I expect the rooms are looking refreshed! They have an amazing spa + several restaurants, so you can do a lot on property.
LINCOLN GREEN INN
This charming little set of cottages is sweet if you’re looking for a bed and breakfast experience! A close walk to the beach, but about a 20 minute walk to town – it’s close, but definitely in the more residential area of Carmel by the Sea. They have beautiful landscaping and gardens for a truly peaceful stay.
THE INN AT SPANISH BAY
This is another wonderful spot if you’re wanting a more big hotel feel and going to be playing any golf! They’ve got an amazing outdoor patio with fire pits, and have a Roy’s restaurant in the hotel.
BERNARDUS LODGE
If you want to be near Carmel but prefer a warm weather location, Bernardus Lodge is just about 20 minutes inland in Carmel Valley! It’s a stunning hotel featuring a pool, spa, blooming gardens and more. A lot of the accommodations in Carmel by the Sea feel sort of outdated and sleepy – this hotel is vibrant, modern, luxurious and warm!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
STATIONAERY
For breakfast/brunch, my favorite spot in town is Stationaery! The menu is consistent but they often rotate flavors on dishes like the potato pancake depending on what’s in season. Highly recommend trying one of their seasonal lattes and getting a biscuit too! Delicious! Make a reservation or be prepared to wait. Most of the tables are outside, so keep that in mind with the weather!
VILLAGE CORNER
Another great breakfast/brunch/lunch spot is Village Corner. The menu has more of a diner feel with benedicts, omelettes & scrambles, skillets, pancakes, french toast and so much more! A great casual spot to take the kiddos too.
EL BISTRO BY THE SEA
This is a more recent discovery that we LOVE! It’s very casual and kid-friendly (lots of stroller space inside). The menu is huge! Part of it leans Mexican, with huevos rancheros, tacos, burritos, queso, etc, while the other leans more classic American brunch with pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, and more. I ordered the queso fundido skillet and it blew. my. mind!!!!
SO tasty – it featured a layer of refried beans, queso fundido, grilled chicken, onions and some jalapenos, and served with the most deliciously fluffly corn-flour hybrid tacos. We also ordered a massive Nutella French toast for the table – also amazing, but so rich.
LAFAYETTE BAKERY
If you just need something quick or want to pick up something to take home, Lafayette Bakery is amazing! They’ve got incredible baked goods, pastries (and so much variety!!) and delicious coffee. They also do sandwiches and salads for lunch! Just take Ocean Avenue to the 1, and go south a few minutes to Carmel Valley Road – it’s in The Barnyard Shopping Village shopping center.
GRASINGS
This is a solid spot for a nice lunch! We always request to sit on the back patio, which backs up against our favorite jeweler (Cayen). I recommend the fried leeks as an appetizer – this one is a crowd pleaser! Also worth noting this place is very dog friendly… they even offer little dog beds and a special dog menu!
PORTA BELLA
This is another lunch spot my mom and stepdad love! Cozy Italian right on Ocean Avenue. I’ve gotten the mushroom risotto (top notch) and the fresh Tuscan papardelle, served with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, peas and basil in a house-made marinara sauce. Yum!
LUCIA AT BERNARDUS LODGE
If the weather is looking particularly forlorn one day, consider making a reservation for lunch at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. It’s about 20 minutes away and the change in climate/temperature will astound you. It can be freezing and rainy in Carmel, while being 80 and sunny in Carmel Valley! The marine layer makes all the difference. It’s a really beautiful hotel with a pool & spa, flower garden, etc, so lots to explore on a bad weather day. The food is yummy and they have a solid espresso martini too!
CASANOVA
For a nicer dinner or date night, get a reservation at this Italian favorite! The covered back patio is where I’d recommend sitting – the vibes are on point in that space. Definitely don’t miss their Gnocchi Casanova to share as a starter – our group usually gets two or three orders of it, depending on how many people are with us (or how hungry we are that night)!
LA BICYCLETTE
Another favorite spot for lunch or dinner is La Bicyclette! This restaurant is very small, so I definitely recommend reservations. When my mom and I go for lunch we usually each get a salad and then split a pizza. You really can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas! Their crust is divine. Also if you have a sweet tooth, get the chocolate mousse and thank me later!
L’ESCARGOT
My mom and stepdad love this spot for a special occasion! They always do their anniversary dinner here. It’s definitely the priciest spot on this list, but for good reason. The service is impeccable and the food is terrific! My mom usually gets the beef Wellington, which they often have as a special!
STICKS AT THE INN AT SPANISH BAY
Make a reservation at Sticks to enjoy the iconic Spanish Bay Bagpiper at 5:45pm! He plays rain or shine every day, but I’d recommend going on a beautiful sunny afternoon for the best vibes and views. Sit at one of the fire pits and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites while you take in the sunset and festive music.
THE BENCH AT PEBBLE BEACH
This is a go to spot for happy hour drinks for us! Situated overlooking the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links, this is a winner in terms of views, people watching, and yummy drinks + bites. Make a reservation or plan to go early to snag one of the spots with a fire! Per the website, The Bench is temporarily closed until June 2025 due to ongoing renovations.
THE TAP ROOM AT PEBBLE BEACH
This popular steak house spot is housed within Pebble Beach Golf Resort. It looks like they’ve moved the location since I was there in December (they’ve been undergoing renovations), and the vibes look similarly casual to the original. It’s always a fun spot for dinner though! Amazing apps, steaks and sides!
BUD’S CARMEL
If you happen to be in the vicinity on Sunday at 5pm, stop by La Playa hotel for Dime Time – a ten minute period where drinks are sold for only a dime! The tradition was started by the former owner, Bud Allen, and they’ve kept it going to this day!
THE PIANO BAR AT MISSION RANCH
Looking for after-dinner fun? Head to Mission Ranch and sit at the Piano Bar! While you can definitely sign up to sing, a lot of the locals come weekly and are usually very good. It’s a little intimidating!
THINGS TO DO
While shopping may not be the first thing you think of when Carmel comes to mind, it’s something we tend to do a lot of when in town! Shopping is a great activity to have in your back pocket if the weather is acting up, which it often does. The marine layer can hang around and bring with it clouds + drizzly weather that only a great shopping outing can cure! Below are some of my favorite spots in town for some retail therapy:
GIRL BOY GIRL (GBG)
In terms of clothing boutiques, this one has the best selection of high contemporary pieces! They carry labels like Zimmermann, Veronica Beard, SPRWMN, FORTE FORTE and more. I always find something here! They also have a sister store called Paloosh, which is cute but not as much my vibe.
JENNI KAYNE
You’ll find this one in Carmel Plaza, a cute little shopping center at the tippity top of Ocean Avenue! Lots of easy, comfortable wardrobe staples and effortless home decor + tabletop items.
BROCHU WALKER
Another store I always find something in! So many cozy cashmere sweaters, high-quality blouses and dresses and sleek faux leather styles.
C CARMEL
If you’re in the mood to shop designer resale, this place is my fave! They have the most fabulous selection from designers like Chanel, Prada, Celine, Libertine and more!
FOXY COUTURE
This is another great designer vintage spot! The store is very small, so there’s often a wait to get in. I’d recommend going on a week day vs a weekend if you can!
CAYEN COLLECTION
This is actually a collection of three different boutiques, all situated right behind the restaurant, Grasings. There’s a space dedicated to furniture, the middle store features some decor and some jewelry at more approachable price points, and then the boutique on the far end is their fine jewelry collection. SO many incredible pieces here! I’ve purchased a number of amazing pairs of earrings in the $1,000-$3,000 range in the middle boutique over the years.
FOURTANÉ
This is another fine jewelry boutique we have shopped in over the years. My mom and sister both have several pieces from there, and my diamond hoops are from Fourtané as well.
HOUSE OF CARDOON
Originally in Carmel Plaza, this cute interiors store has moved to the same little center as Stationaery! Expect colorful art, glassware, table linens and more decor + tabletop finds with a lot of pizazz and personality. They have so many cute things – it’s so bright and happy in there!
SHOSHIN
An incredibly chic interior design boutique featuring fabulous furniture, decor items, pillows, artwork and more! We love this spot.
JAN DE LUZ LINENS
A great spot for gifts, get beautiful table linens embroidered and monogrammed here!
If you want to get some exercise or simply want to take in the breathtaking surroundings, take a hike at Point Lobos! This State Natural Reserve is just a short drive away and perfect for a beautiful weather morning. If this is definitely on your list, I’d plan your schedule around it and identify the best weather morning for it – because it can totally make or break your visit.
I’d only recommend it for a morning you KNOW it’s going to be sunny! There are several trails through this reserve, but I’d definitely recommend starting at China Cove, where you can often see seals being birthed (depending on the time of year), or simply swimming and sunbathing on the beach! For more visitor information, check out the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve website!
In a similar vein with beautiful views and physical activity… My mom and I always love taking morning walks along the beach in Carmel. We used to be able to just walk from her house down to the beach trail, but now we just park in the lot on Ocean Avenue down by the beach and walk over a block to the entrance to the beach trail.
While you can walk on the beach, it’s not a straight shot – we stick to the Carmel Beach Trail which is parallel to the street. There are such pretty views and homes to look at as you walk! I’m always snapping photos. The trail ends right before you get to Carmel State Beach, and then you can just turn around and walk all the way back on the same route. Or you can mix it up and walk through the neighborhood on the way back for a different scene!
If you’re interested in trying your hand at golf but don’t want to commit to a full 18 hole day, make a reservation at The Hay! This is a shorter course at Pebble Beach that I’ve played with my family a few times and it is SO much fun. It’s only 9 holes, which goes by pretty fast, and there’s also a putting course that’s set up like it’s own little game. We usually play a round then go have lunch at the Hay’s Place restaurant! Such beautiful views from this course too.
If it happens to be raining, take a little drive down to Monterey and check out the aquarium! It’s a fun activity that both kids and adults would enjoy when the weather is not cooperating. On a trip years back my mom and I spent the better part of an afternoon examining the electric jellyfish and other beautiful sea life. See pics from my trip to the aquarium here!
In need of relaxation? The Spa at Pebble Beach is fantastic! I’ve gotten countless massages and facials there over the years. It’s the perfect rainy day treat! They have a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, hot tub, and ionization room as well in the women’s facility. They also have a full service salon with hair stations, mani/pedi stations and a makeup room if you’re in need of glam! Reservations are definitely required.
Finally, be sure to take the 17 mile drive. It’s recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world and takes you on a tour of the luxurious Pebble Beach neighborhood, as well as some of the most beautiful parts of the California coast. Here you’ll find The Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and more points of interest. This is something I’d recommend doing on a beautiful day, otherwise the views will not be ideal! It’s also a super windy drive, so not the easiest/safest if it’s raining a lot.
PS: There are a bunch of other Carmel hotels, restaurants and shops I’ve featured here, but my very favorites are here in this blog post. You can always find a bulleted list for ALL of my travel recommendations on this page – just select where you’re going and you’ll find all my favorites!
