Things To Do
Activity: Monterey Bay Kayaks
A great way to enjoy the Monterey Bay, and there are so many otters and seals to see!
Activity: Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the first dates Dillon and Claire went on, we truly love the aquarium as it holds a special place in our hearts.
Activity: Cannery Row
Once the heart of the sardine-packing industry, Cannery Row is now a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Pacific Biological Laboratories.
Activity: Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Monterey Bay is a prime location for whale watching, with various tours available to witness the majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Activity: Carmel-by-the-Sea Plaza and Shopping
We highly recommend taking a stroll down Ocean Avenue to look at all of the shops along the cobblestone streets. Plenty of fantastic restaurants as well.
Activity: Carmel Beach
At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is a beautiful white sand beach, surrounded by Monterey Cypress trees and the iconic California Coastline.
Activity: 17 Mile Drive
Take a drive through scenic 17 Mile drive. This iconic road hugs the coastline and is well known for its beautiful golf courses, including Pebble Beach and the Links at Spanish Bay.
Activity: Golfing
There are so many fantastic golf courses around the Monterey Peninsula. The reception venue Carmel Valley Ranch is a fantastic option. The Hyatt where the room block is reserved also has a great course called Del Monte. Also, if you are interested in the 17-mile drive area, of course there are the world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course, Spyglass Hill, and the Links at Spanish Bay, but a smaller executive course called The Hay is a great option for a quick round of golf!
Activity/Restaurant: Cocktails and Bagpipers at The Inn at Spanish Bay - Roy's Restaurant
Enjoy cocktails on the patio at The Inn at Spanish Bay, where there are fire pits the overlook the golf course and ocean. Just before sunset (around 5:45 pm), a bagpiper comes to perform. After, enjoy Roy's at Pebble Beach for a lovely Hawaiian-fusion dinner.
Activity: Adventures by the Sea (Multiple Locations)
Rentals for Biking, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Surreys.
Activity: Carmel Mission Basilica
Mission Carmel was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra. You can now tour this mission, visit the museum, and attend Mass on Sundays at 9am or 11am.
Activity: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
A great place to go for a hike on the California coast and explore all of the wildlife and ecosystems unique to the area. Also a popular spot for diving if you are into SCUBA!
Activity: Wine Tasting (Various Locations)
There are so many tasting rooms throughout Carmel as well as vineyards in Carmel Valley to enjoy.
Restaurant (breakfast): Stationæry
Great modern brunch spot to fill up before a busy day of adventures on the Monterey Peninsula.
Restaurant (breakfast): Katy's Place
Classic and super charming local breakfast spot that accepts cash only.
Restaurant (breakfast): Wave Street Cafe
Located in Monterey, this is a classic breakfast spot to grab coffee and a hardy breakfast of eggs and toast!
Restaurant (breakfast or lunch): Parker-Lusseau Pastries
A perfect place for grab and go coffee and pastries, or to sit down for a relaxing morning indulging in delicious bites.
Restaurant (lunch): Coniglio Brothers Italian Deli
Delicious Italian Deli in Cannery Row, perfect for an on the go sub.
Restaurant (lunch): 5th Avenue Deli & Catering Co
This deli in Carmel has a wide variety of sandwiches and other picnic essentials.
Restaurant (lunch or dinner): Little Napoli
Lively Italian trattoria in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering classic Southern Italian dishes, fine wines, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the village. We enjoy coming here for lunch and highly recommend the arancini!
Restaurant (lunch or dinner): Sandbar & Grill
Waterside restaurant in Monterey that has great options for the seafood lovers out there.
Restaurant (lunch or dinner): Tap Room
This cozy steakhouse located at the scenic Pebble Beach Golf course is perfect for golf and beer lovers.
Restaurant (lunch or dinner): La Bicyclette
Cozy European-style bistro in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh local ingredients, and charming, rustic ambiance—perfect for a relaxed meal in the heart of town.
Restaurant (dinner): Casanova
A French-Italian restaurant serving amazing meals in the most charming setting, right in the heart of downtown Carmel.
Restaurant (dinner): Mission Ranch Restaurant
Picturesque restaurant overlooking a pasture of lambs and the ocean in the distance. One of our favorite places to grab a cocktail and dinner. (Note: No reservations, based on first come first serve).