Dan & Alison
Things To Do
Carmel Beach
This is a beautiful beach just down the street from downtown Carmel, with views of Pebble Beach. It’s a special place and we recommend that everyone go at least once while you’re in town!
Shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Walking around Carmel is one of our favorite things to do when we are in the area. We love to pop into the local shops, art galleries, and restaurants as we make our way to and from Carmel Beach.
Tasting Rooms of Downtown Carmel Valley
Most of Carmel Valley's wine tasting rooms, such as Bernardus Winery, Holman Ranch Vineyards and Joullian Vineyards are located just a short stroll from each other in downtown Carmel Valley.
Lodge at Pebble Beach
We recommend going to The Lodge at Pebble Beach for breakfast or lunch. The Main Building is undergoing renovation, so some of their usual restaurants are closed until November. The Tap Room restaurant has moved to the Fairway One Patio, overlooking the first hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. There is a heated patio and an indoor dining room that provides incredible views of the first green at Pebble Beach.
The Links at Spanish Bay Bagpiper at Sunset
The Spanish Bay Bagpiper is a local tradition, with a daily bagpiper performance that begins on the first tee at The Links at Spanish Bay in front of STICKS. They finish 45 minutes later at the Spanish Bay fire pits by the second green. We recommend getting to STICKS early to grab a cocktail a seat by the fire pits. The bagpipers start right at 5:45 pm in October.
Golf at The Quail Lodge
Annually awarded “Best Playing Conditions” for all of Central California, the Robert Muir Graves golf course in Carmel covers 6,500 yards of pristine fairways & greens, boasting playability that offers a challenge to all golfers regardless of skill level
Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Lucia Restaurant & Bar is located at Bernardus Lodge and features a seasonal menu in an indoor-outdoor setting. This is one of the more popular restaurants in Carmel Valley and reservations are recommended.
Dametra Cafe
Our favorite restaurant to visit in Carmel! This is a Mediterranean restaurant with great food and a very fun atmosphere. They have live musicians that come around the restaurant throughout the night and encourage everyone to dance throughout their meal - it’s a great time!
La Bicyclette Restaurant
One of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the area, La Bicyclette features European cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are necessary, and we recommend making them well in advance.
Seventh & Dolores
This is a popular, high-end steakhouse in downtown Carmel. Reservations are recommended.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This is a world-class aquarium with over 200 exhibits in nearby Monterey.