Things To Do

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lies the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Walk, shop, taste wine, grab a canoli, visit some art galleries, go check out all the sweet houses TIME BUDGET: Never ending! There is so much to see, hear, smell, and taste--take all the time you want :)

Drive Highway 1 - Big Sur

This would be our #1 if your were to rent a car. Our way of doing it: Pack a picnic, hop in the car, and head south on Highway 1 starting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Drive the coast and take your time going south, it is much easier to stop going that direction than on the way home. Lower the windows, turn up the toons, and cruise. As you are driving keep a look out for Point Lobos state park, the north end of the coast, Garrapata State park (we got engaged here!), Big Sur state park, Big Sur cows, Andrew Molera state park, and many more. We like to take about an hour and a half going south to COAST or Nepenthe restaurants and turnaround there and head back. Sunset chasing never disappoints either, we dare you to find a bad spot. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Put the windows down and cruise TIME BUDGET: at least 90 min

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Plan to spend 2 hours here depending on your walking speed and intent on watching the marine animals. Parking on the road just outside of the park is free, though it does add another 10ish min walk each way. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Walk around the perimeter of the park on the Point Lobos Loop Trail, while the distance is longer this is a much flatter walk and you get views of Carmel, and down the Big Sur coast. TIME BUDGET: ~2 hours

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Get your arms stretched, this is where you should try to hug some California redwoods and explore the lodge and/or hike inland. We hiked the Valley View Overlook, and while it isn't on the coast offer's great forest and Pfeiffer views of the park, warning this is an all up hill going in and all downhill going out type of hike though approachable with 600ish feet of elevation. OUR RECOMMENDATION: at minimum, driving to the lodge allows you to see and smell the redwoods and grab a bite to eat TIME BUDGET; 1 hour each way of drive time, +30 min of exploring at the Lodge, +90 min if you'd like to hike

Garrapata State Beach

We got Engaged here! If you want a 20min destination from town that you can experience the best of the Big Sur coast without fully driving--this is your destination. Take the short walk down to the water, sit, and relax. Fun fact: this is the Big Little Lies Beach and yes Jarod didn't know this until after the engagement OUR RECOMMENDATION: wear tennis shoes so you can walk the cliff paths and explore! TIME BUDGET; 20 min drive each way, +30 min of beach time (or longer if you'd like to relax)

Garrapata State Park - Hiking Trail

There are a few trails in this park one of which hikes back into a redwood valley and the other is more sea-side trails. The redwood valley trail is on the east side of Highway 1 and is about 2 miles each way. If you are a ocean crashing type and just want to watch the waves take shape, head towards the water, and just roam on the paths. If you hike to the top of the hill, you can see a long ways and after staring long enough might either see a whale or convince yourself a rock is a whale (@Maggie, ugh). OUR RECOMMENDATION: The redwood valley trail surprised us with how cool it was, many different types of ecosystems in a short 2 miles (out and back). TIME BUDGET: 1 hour

Andrew Molera State Park

Further down the coast find a sun filled bluff hike that runs parallel to the ocean. Creamery Meadow, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Trail Loop was one we loved for a little longer morning hike. This loop is 8 miles in total taking about a total of 3.5ish hours. Park on the road lot for free parking and wade across the river to the start of the loop. If you want to see a few surfers catching a wave, head to the surf beach .75 mi straight from the river! OUR RECOMMENDATION: Take the half day 8mi loop hike if you're feeing aggressive, if you want to see the secret surf beach, that is quicker TIME BUDGET: 60 min each way to the state park, hike and beach will be extra

Bixby Creek Bridge

The iconic Bixby Bridge is a MUST SEE! Featured in many movies and tv shows (cough cough, Big Little Lies as they casually drive to school). The view of the bridge, through the bridge, behind the bridge is all incredible. One of the best photos is if you head across the road to the back side (inland) and take a picture from there looking through the bridge out into the water. OUR RECOMMENDATION: MUST DO! Simply stop, gaze, snap a pic, and keep on goin. TIME BUDGET: 30 min drive down to the bridge, we would recommend spending 15 - 20 min here

COAST Big Sur

COAST is a super neat art gallery, shop, and cafe all in one! This place offers a breadth of fresh air, with the cool breeze hitting your face while baking in the sun. OUR RECOMMENDATION: having a chill glass of wine, light snacks or pick up something from the artisan shops down stairs TIME BUDGET: 75 min each way, spend 45 min there

Nepenthe

Head down the coast for a good dinner with a wonderful view, though if you plan on going during the weekend call to make a reservation before you leave Carmel, you may not have service while driving the coast. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Dinner was fabulous, expensive, but fresh and a SUPER cool restaurant in general TIME BUDGET: 75 min drive each way, 30 min for a drink or 90 min for dinner

Pinnacles National Park

We visited Pinnacles National Park twice and had a blast each time. There are 2 entrances, West and East, the West entrance is closer to Carmel and unfortunately you cannot drive through the park. The park is smaller in size but has some crazy rocks, caves, forests, and waterfalls due to tectonic plates shifting. It's also home to majority of the endangered giant bird, the California Condor. OUR RECOMMENDATION: go in the morning, pack lots of water and a picnic lunch, and to do the High Peaks trail TIME BUDGET: half a day (90 min drive each way, ~3 hours of hiking)

Chalone Vineyard

If you have the pleasure of taking the time to go to Pinnacles National Park, go early enough to hit Chalone Winery on the way back though the park entry gate. Rest your feet and sip on their 100 year old Chenin Blanc wines, this was one of our most recent discovery favorites. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Do a morning hike at Pinnacles National Park (8-12), and then get a 1pm reservation at Chalone. Can also bring your own food in! TIME BUDGET; 90 min drive each way, tasting usually lasts 60 min

Pebble Beach Club

Well this place speaks for it self! Regardless if you enjoy golf or not Pebble Beach is a MUST DO while in the area! If you are doing 17 Mile Drive (by car or bike), take 30 min and walk around the property, stop for a light snack, and look at one of the most pristine and picturesque golf courses in the world. OUR RECOMMENDATION: It's very expensive to play golf here, but it is public, so you could. If paying $600+/round is not your style, driving up there and walking around the property is awesome as well. TIME BUDGET: Less than an hour will be needed to walk around and enjoy

17 Mile Drive

If you have 3-4 hours and love to bike, do this. We recommend ending in Carmel and completing the bike ride in the morning if at all possible. Enter though the Pacific Grove gate and weave through the world famous golf courses and beautiful houses right along the coast. There is no shame grabbing an E-bike for this one as there are definitely some up hill spots. Tight on time? drive this puppy. Again roll the windows and just emerse your self. End with a brunch in Carmel and fill up for the rest of your day. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Wake up early and get on the main road in Pacific Grove, bike south to Carmel. TIME BUDGET; 3 Hour Bike, 1hr Drive

Carmel Beach

This is a MUST DO! Carmel Beach is walkable from the hotels we're recommending and part of the downtown Carmel scene. Don't say we didn't warn you that you have to walk back up a big hill to get back to the hotels haha. Have a dog? Want a Dog? Want to just watch Dogs play? Go to Carmel Beach and pick your favorite dog and or people to meet! Hahaha. This beach is AWESOME to go hang out casually on or take a walk North towards Pebble Beach, or south down towards Carmel Meadows. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Grab a coffee and or pastry from Carmel Belle or any of the shops in town and go enjoy the beach. Walk down the beach south, then walk Scenic Drive back up and you won't be disappointed. TIME BUDGET: as long as you want!

Dametra Cafe

Shoooot what can I say - Go back twice? If you are hungry for medi style food go here immediately. They offer the classics and everything we have tried is exactly what you want. We recommend also doing pickup from this restaurant and taking it along your drive south. OUR RECOMMENDATION: get the gyro platter or gyro with hummus and pita. TIME BUDGET: dinner lasts about 60-90min here.

Alvarado Street Brewery

If your are from Minneapolis, think Modist meet's West Coast. Not joking this duo paired up for a collaboration served in Mn. We would recommend their hazy IPAs though their other options are fun to try if you are looking for something different. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Head to the brewery to try a couple of drinks and take a 4 pack back to your hotel to accompany you on your adventures. TIME BUDGET: Couple of drinks and/or apps worth.

Scenic Road

This road was one our most frequented walking paths around the area. Start at your hotels or drive down to the parking lot at the bottom of the hill and meander from there to Meadows Beach and back. Take in the crashing of the waves and beautiful homes. TIME BUDGET: 1hr or so depending on your look-lew status

Carmel Mission Basilica Museum

Mission Ranch Restaurant

This restaurant is on an awesome setting. Picture a sheep filled pasture at the south end of Carmel. Grab a nice dinner here and enjoy the live music on the weekends. Warning the breeze of the ocean does get cool so bring a jacket. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Get the Chicken Sandwhich and Silvestri Pinot TIME BUDGET: MR doesn't take reservations so head down the hill around 430/5 and put your name down and either chill or head back up to Carmel for a drink before dinner.

Carmel Valley

To be honest with you, Carmel Valley is our place and where we stayed for the winter; more specifically a few doors down from Folktale Winery. Couple of thoughts for you if you end up having an extend stay here, Sunday the farmers market is in Mid-Valley and I would recommend buying in season fruits, sourdough from Ad Astra to take home, and a coffee from the Carmel Valley roasters. Oh and if your hungry while your there Artisan Grilled Cheese hits the spot. OUR RECOMMENDATION: If you have a car take a drive to the back to Carmel Valley and schedule a wine tasting or two to meander and see the small town nestled in the hills. TIME BUDGET: 30min drive each way + activities.

Hahn Estate

Hanh winery is one of the better known names in the area they specialize in the local favorite chards or pinots, though we continually go back to their Pinot Gris, light crisp and refreshing. Hahn has a tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea and on their estate on the wine country slopes of Salinas valley. Plan to spend 45min - hour here and while we didn't get to do an atv tour of the estate it is on our list for when we go back. OUR RECOMMENDATION: If you are wine tasting in Carmel Valley or in the Santa Lucia Highlands stop here. then take the long way back through Arroyo Seco and through the back way into the valley. TIME BUDGET; 90 min drive each way, tasting usually lasts 60 min; If you drive the long way plan an extra 30-45min on the drive.

Joyce Wine Company

This was the very first and very last tasting room/winery we visited while in California. If you want to spend a day away the more touristy Carmel by the Sea head to Carmel Valley and do a wine tasting day. Joyce has a quite a few pinots all from different regions that each have a unique flavor though we continue to order the Gabalian and Tondre. If Kerry or Hannah are behind the bar ask them the questions you have and they can help you find what you would like. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Take a few min to do a flight tasting of these wines because they are all unique. TIME BUDGET: Drive to Joyce is 30min each way; tasting is 30-60min.

I. Brand and Family

I brand was a tasting room we didn't find till our second to last day in California and were sad we didn't get more time to enjoy this place. Secret tip they have a back patio in the sun that you should ask to sit at if you go. OUR RECOMMENDATION: They have some differnet wines than the traditional area favorites, if open try the movedre TIME BUDGET; 30 min drive each way, tasting usually lasts 60 min

Folktale Winery & Vineyards

Folktale was only a few steps from our winter cottage. They have a beautiful outdoor patio and fire pits to warm up if the bay is cool. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Go for their live music on the weekends and enjoy a margarita pizza and wine. TIME BUDGET; 15 min drive each way, tasting usually lasts 60 min

Refuge

We've been recommended this place so many times but have not been! A one-of-a-kind valley escape :) Could take the shuttle here if you don't have a car. "At Refuge we aim to provide affordable relaxation through use of our Refuge Thermal Cycle. Our silence policy, our exceptional massages, and our beautiful natural setting contribute to an unrivaled relaxation experience. Enhancing the lives of our guests with excellent customer service and exposing them to the life changing effects of true relaxation is our daily mission. In a world where technology has allowed stress to become a constant companion, we hope to offer a moments rest."

Pacific Grove Golf Links

Want to play golf on the coast and likely pay less than normal course in your area? This is the place. While the front 9 winds through the houses along the coast, the crown Jewel is the back 9 as you play a dunes style course right on the ocean. We played this course a few times while we were out there, but didn't score well, must have been the views distracting us. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Grab a twilight round starting at 2PM and get around. TIME BUDGET; 3-430 depending on how busy the course is.

The Great Tidepool

Need a place to poke around and look for a starfish? This is the spot. There is a rumor going around that Jarod dropped Mags here for a few hours after they were "couped up" for too long inside to keep her busy. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Walk along the coast from lover's point to this area or drive right there! TIME BUDGET: spend 15-30min here

Lovers Point

Take a walk along the coast from Cannery Row in Monterey along the coast to lover's point. You will see some of the best coastline Monterey Bay has to offer and likely see some seals swimming right near by. lover's point has a nice grassy area to sit and relax as well as a few restaurants if you need an afternoon snack or pick me up. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Walk the coast to lover's point. TIME BUDGET: Walk is probably about 2 hours out and back from Monterey depending on your speed.

Cannery Row

See the old factories and grab lunch along the water, highly recommended to visit the aquarium at the end. Rumored to be one of the worlds best. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Walk through and grab a shrimp/fish taco on the boardwalk. TIME BUDGET: 30min - 1hr if just going to check it off the list.

Captain + Stoker

Our favorite coffee shop in Monterey, I specifically recommend the Stoker blend and splitting the avo toast. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Park at C & S and walk down to Monterey Bay beach and enjoy your coffee/breakfast. TIME BUDGET: coffee shop 15min; with walk up to a couple of hours.

Ad Astra Bread Co

Check them out at any of the farmers markets in the area, but the picture and taste speaks for themselves. Their bakery is located in the back of other brother beer company. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Pack 1 or a few loaves of sourdough in your suitcase to take home with you.

Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching

Well, we saw Whales! This is the company we used to go whale watching and the crew was welcoming and made sure we had a great time. TIME BUDGET; We did the 4hour morning cruise and leaves from Fisherman's Wharf.

STICKS

Want a semi casual dinner with a fire place and sunset? This is your place. This is located on 17mile drive, if you go to the restaurant tell them you are not doing the tour and you won't have to pay. The Tacos and or club is our recommendation.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This place is a great 1.5-2 hour activity. See and interact with some of the larger animals in the great pacific ocean. Their largest tank holds 1.3 million gallons and houses sea turtles, yellow fin tuna, sharks, mahi mahi and many more. Mags loved it here!