Things To Do
Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage
$$ We were a hair away from booking this cute wine tasting room for our welcome drinks! Albatross is 1 of 4 wineries located together in a plaza. We recommend budgeting a couple hours to bounce around. Note that this cottage is a bit removed from the Carmel town, but is worth the short Uber ride for wine-lovers!
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
$ Beer-lovers unite! Alvarado is a fantastic spot for happy hour, and they have tons of amazing beers on tap (our personal favorite is the Alvarado Pils). (P.S. We had one of our earliest dates at this restaurant, and we can't beer not sharing it with you too!)
Barmel
$$ For our friends who love to party! Barmel is the place to be for nightlife in Carmel. They serve a mean cocktail and are the perfect spot to dance the night away. This spot starts popping at night with a live DJ and a fun crowd!
Anton & Michel Restaurant
$$$ This is a lovely restaurant right in the heart of Carmel. We recommend sitting outdoors if the weather allows, to enjoy views lit by string lights and warm firepits.
Aubergine the restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel
$$$$ This one's a special one for us - we had our engagement dinner here! Objectively (?) speaking, it was one of the best meals we've ever had!! The wagyu was out of this world. If you want to keep your fancy clothes on for an extra night, this is the restaurant for you (just make sure to reserve in advance!)
Big Sur Bakery
$ This bakery is a must-go stop when visiting Big Sur! They are famous for their wood-fired pizzas, baked goods, and coffee. A haven for nature lovers resting their legs after a day of hiking in the park!
From Scratch Restaurant
Welcome to Flavor Town! This restaurant was featured in Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives! We've dropped by plenty of times for a hearty homestyle breakfast. Spoiler-alert: it's just as good as Guy Fieri says. Located in the shopping village right behind Carmel Mission Inn.
Mission Ranch Restaurant
$$$ Tomorrow is promised to no one! Why not wine and dine next to gentle grazing sheep at Clint Eastwood's ranch restaurant in Carmel? We love this place for the views and the vibe. Fun fact: Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1986, and rescued this landmark resort from condo developers.
Stationæry
$$ This is our favorite spot for brunch in Carmel! For anyone looking for a quick hangover-fix on May 5, the steak & eggs are sure to do the trick. Tip: We recommend making a reservation in advance, as they do get packed around brunchtime.
Big Sur Campground & Cabins
$$ This one's for the outdoorsy folks who want to extend their weekend! Big Sur is one of the most legendary national parks in the U.S., and naturally they have tons of amazing camping options. We personally love Big Sur Campground for the views and the vibe (the hot showers don't hurt either)!