Amy & Mark
Things To Do
Pebble Beach GOLF- 17 Mile Drive & The Lodge
Just a walk around the Lodge is worth the trip over not to mention 17 mile drive! Costs $10.50 to enter - but show your receipt if you buy a drink and get reimbursed.
Mission Ranch Hotel
I believe this is SACRED ground- truly. The majesty of the eucalyptus trees and oh, the view! Restuarant opens at 5 pm but line starts at 4pm- they do not take reservations! Worth the wait! Maybe you'll bump in to owner Clint Eastwood.
Nepenthe
Not to be missed! Get there early and expect to wait a while to get a table. Very cute shop too! About an hour drive south of Carmel.
Discovery Whale Watch
Wear layers. And bring a rain coat. This can be wet and cold but absolutely off the chain AMAZING!
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve HIKING
The area's #1 attraction. Draws a crowd and has very limited parking- you may have to hike in off of Highway 1. Hike these glorious trails that are coast side. Whaling mini-museum. Best to go early in the morning. Closes at dusk.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World class aquarium on popular cannery row (shops & restaurants)
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Seafood dining and small touristy shops. Whale watching tours. Sailing, kayaking. Lots to do!
Spanish Bay
Nightly bagpiping at sunset. Make reservations thru pebble beach. Tableside with cocktails and nibbles available. Gorgeous- I always get goosebumps when I hear the bagpipers!
Garrapata State Park
Closest Big Sur park - lots to explore. majestic coastline . Garrapata Beach is the last marker. Gorgeous.
The Spa at Pebble Beach
Afternoon delight!
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
About a half hour east of Carmel in Carmel Valley.
Fairy Tale Houses of Carmel by the Sea Tour
Downloadable audio tour of the famous Comstock Cottages that has enchanted people from all over the world and influenced the local architecture! You are going to want to hear this story!
Ventana Big Sur
One of our favorite place to grab lunch or a drink on the terrace then head down to hug the redwoods and say hi to the airstream in the tucked away camping grounds!
Carmel Food Tours
Nibble & sip...no better way to spend an afternoon!
Folktale Winery & Vineyards
SO many amazing wineries and tasting rooms in Carmel and Carmel Valley. Folktale is one of our favorites!
Pfeiffer Beach
Tucked away beach with majenta sand.! Be sure to set your directions before leaving because there is NO cell Service in Big Sur! This is about 2 bumpy miles off of Pacific Coast Highway 1 but totally WORTH it! Limited parking- best to go early! ($10 to park)
Sierra Mar Restaurant at Post Ranch Inn
Upper crust - and often star studded. Amazing views. Best Inn & food in Travel & Leisure many years in a row. They have a lovely prix fix lunch menu with wine pairings. We love touring the potager garden afterwards. Must have reservations to enter property ( and keep in mind, no cell service in Big Sur so make reservations before leaving. ) This is a leisurely lunch that is INCREDIBLE.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Feel the need for speed or just want to eyeball the world famous track or buy a corkscrew t-shirt? Just plain fun all the way around. Check the website for events. Scheduled is: September 17-19 – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey CAMPING is also available at Laguna Seca.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH OPTIONS
We want to take the guess work out of where to grab breakfast. (Especially since Carmel doesn't allow franchises or chains in town Carmel.) There is a Starbucks at Crossroads. Rise & Roam is off the chain delicious on the Corner of Mission & 7th to grab quiche, avocado toast, and so many options! Mark's favorite Breakfast burrito is at Cafe Carmel on Ocean & Mission Northside of Street. Favorite splurge brunch is at: 7D , Pangea Grill or Mission Ranch. Favorite Burger is at Cypress Inn (may ) Mark loves their happy hour special wings)
Carmel River State Beach
Take Scenic drive just past the 90 degree turn and the view of Carmel State beach unfolds before you overlooking Point Lobos. Take a quick left on OCEANVIEW Avenue and park your car there. There are steps right at Oceanview and Scenic- and a great way to get down to the beach. (This is our secret parking spot!)
McWay Falls
One of our favs. This is a bit of a drive...almost 2 hours South of Carmel in Big Sur. (Remember: No CELL Service in Big Sur...so set your map marker on your phone before you leave Carmel!)