Gracie & Alex
Things To Do
Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
We never miss an opportunity to spend time downtown when we’re in Carmel! Start at Ocean Ave and Junipero Ave and stroll all the way down Ocean Ave until you reach the beach. Along the way, you’ll find cobblestone sidewalks, charming shops, cozy coffee spots, pastries, and art galleries. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also known for its whimsical, fairytale-like cottages, so be sure to wander down the side streets too.
17 Mile Drive
A gorgeous way to see the coastline! Drive the windy streets (and pull over MULTIPLE times, trust me) while catching views of the Pacific crashing against the cliffs. And don't miss the Lone Cypress, the most famous spot on the drive. This is a private street and costs $11 at the gate.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
An absolute must-see when you’re in the area and our favorite place to hike in town. Wander along the scenic trails that hug the coastline and discover breathtaking views, hidden coves, and tide pools teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for sea lions, harbor seals, and even sea otters! Note that it costs $10 to park inside the park, otherwise you can park on the side of the road and walk in for free.
Cannery Row
Once the heart of Monterey’s sardine-packing industry, it’s now lined with cute shops, cozy cafes, galleries, and restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront, soak in the lively vibe, and don’t forget to pause for those perfect ocean views!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Truly one of the best aquariums in the world. Spend some time wandering through the exhibits filled with colorful sea creatures, mesmerizing jellyfish, and of course the famous sea otters.
Bixby Bridge
If you’re up for a scenic drive, head south on Highway 1 toward Big Sur to see the iconic Bixby Bridge. The drive itself is just as breathtaking as the destination, with dramatic coastal cliffs and sweeping ocean views around every turn.
Refuge Spa
A spa that we love to visit when we're in town! For around $65, you can enjoy all-day access to their thermal cycle experience, which includes hot and warm pools, steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges, and plenty of cozy spots to relax - think hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and fire pits tucked throughout the property.
Beach Time
There are so many beautiful beaches to explore around Monterey Bay. A few favorites: • Carmel Beach – Soft white sand framed by bluffs, with easy access from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. • Asilomar State Beach – A scenic boardwalk winds along coastal dunes, making it especially lovely for a sunset stroll. • Lovers Point Beach – A protected cove with calmer waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing by the shore. • Pfeiffer Beach – If you’re up for a little adventure, take a drive down Highway 1 into Big Sur to discover this hidden gem, known for its dramatic rock formations and unforgettable views.
Our Favorite Monterey Bay Coffee & Casual Bites
Coffee & Sweet Treats • Cafe Carmel —great cup of coffee • Carmel Bakery — best sweet treats • Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. — Gracie's favorite coffee • Ad Astra Bread Co. — coffee and a treat • Alta Bakery & Cafe — coffee, pastries, cute patio • Dutch Door Donuts — fresh to order, served hot Breakfast & Brunch • Katy's Place — incredible breakfast • First Awakenings — popular brunch spot • Stationæry — modern brunch in Carmel Valley Casual Bites & Local Favorites • Hogs Breath Inn — Clint Eastwood tribute restaurant • Alvarado Street Brewery — local beer + bar food • Baja Cantina — Alex's favorite Mexican spot
Our Favorite Monterey Bay Dinner & Date Night Spots
Dinner Spots • Il Fornaio — great Italian • La Bicyclette — delicious wood-fired pizza • Mission Bistro — upscale dining • Cella — modern Italian + craft cocktails • Stokes Adobe — seasonal California cuisine • Casa Nova — cozy Italian in Carmel • Tarpy's — rustic American in historic roadhouse Classic Monterey Dining • Sardine Factory — historic Monterey seafood institution • Antone & Michel — classic waterfront seafood • Grasings — classic Carmel fine dining • Fish Hopper — seafood with oceanfront views Date Night / Special Occasion • Maligne — seasonal coastal cuisine • Seventh & Dolores — steakhouse • Mission Ranch — iconic views + classic dining • Valley Kitchen — our first Monterey Bay date • Roy's — incredible ocean views • Saltwood — wine bar + coastal small plates
Wine Tasting
• Folktale Winery — beautiful gardens + lively tasting experience • Bernardus Winery — elegant estate wines in Carmel Valley • Georis Winery — charming vineyard courtyard setting • I. Brand & Family Winery — small-batch, winemaker-driven wines • Galante Vineyards — bold reds + classic Carmel tasting room • Scheid Vineyards — estate-grown wines + scenic views