The Ultimate Carmel-by-the-Sea Weekend Getaway Guide: 2-Day Itinerary

There’s a reason why people flock to Carmel-by-the-Sea…there truly is something special about this tiny town on the Central Coast! I’ve always enjoyed my visits to the serene, ultra-charming destination. From the picture-perfect beaches and natural scenery, the fairytale-inspired architecture, walkable town, and the amazing restaurants and excellent wine scene, there really is so much to love about Carmel!

Whether you’re visiting from nearby San Francisco or checking out the town on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, this Carmel itinerary covers all you need to know to plan the perfect quick visit. 

My Carmel-by-the-Sea weekend getaway includes must-see spots like Point Lobos, the 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Beach, the many architectural gems, and more. Of course, you’ll also get to explore the next-level dining scene, as well as the incredible shops along scenic Ocean Avenue! 

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is chock-full of charming boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and beautiful Vrbo vacation rentals. Generally speaking, I suggest staying in town so that you can easily walk to the local shops and restaurants. That said, if that’s not a huge priority, there are plenty of gorgeous properties on the outskirts of town, just a short drive away. 

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in and around Carmel, but here are a few accommodation options worth considering for your stay: 

• Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave: I stayed at this Le Petit Pali property during my most recent visit, and loved the luxury touches, boutique hotel feel, friendly staff, central location, and eclectic design. 
• Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave: This additional Le Petit Pali location is right down the street, and offers a similar experience to the 8th Avenue location. 
• L’Auberge Carmel: If you’re looking for a luxury stay, it doesn’t get better than this 5-star hotel, which is located in the heart of town. 
• Vagabond’s House Inn: This highly-rated 4-star hotel is tucked away from the center of town, but is still conveniently located within walking distance of Ocean Avenue. 
• La Playa Hotel: This beautifully designed hotel is located just three blocks from the beach, and also has a pool on-site. 
• Villa Mara: This gorgeous boutique hotel is tucked away in a residential area, and is just a block away from Scenic Road and the beach. 

Friday Night: Dinner and Drinks in Town

Kick off your weekend in Carmel with dinner and drinks. I highly recommend getting dinner at Cultura Comida y Bebida (pictured below on the left), an upscale Mexican restaurant and mezcal library (and easily one of my favorite Carmel restaurants!). Their plantain tacos are especially delicious, and you can’t go wrong with any of their tequila and mezcal cocktails. For something a bit different, try El Sergio Leone – a mezcal cocktail with amaro, pineapple, and chocolate bitters. There are plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. 

If you want something a bit more casual, I also love Alvarado Street Brewery (pictured below in the center). Their artichoke tempura sandwich is a personal favorite, and of course, they also have a great beer menu. The menu has lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. 

After dinner, consider getting drinks at Bud’s at La Playa Hotel (pictured below on the right). The beautifully designed, dimly lit bar is known for its once daily “dime time” tradition, when a bartender will decide that – for just ten minutes – drinks are only 10 cents. Note that you must pay with exact change, so come with some nickels and dimes! If you’re lucky enough to visit during this time, be sure to tip your bartender for the full cost of the drinks. 

Start the Day with Breakfast

Before you get going, grab breakfast at an eatery in town. Some popular options include:

• Stationæry: This cozy restaurant serves a great range of breakfast dishes, including potato pancakes, chilaquiles, shrimp and grits, avocado toast, and more. 
• Carmel Belle: This laid-back eatery has plenty of delicious breakfast dishes, including breakfast sandwiches and burritos, hot polenta bowls, pastries, poached eggs, a tofu scramble, and much more. There are options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. 
• Rise and Roam: This bakery and pizzeria is a great option if you’re looking for a pastry and coffee type of breakfast. They also have tartines, frittatas, and quiches. The menu features options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. 
• El Bistro by the Sea: This restaurant has an international menu with a focus on Mexican cuisine dishes. They have a huge selection of French toast options, as well as pancakes, omelets, breakfast skillets, and more. 
• The Little Swiss Cafe: Head to The Little Swiss for a classic breakfast experience. They are famous for their blintzes and buttermilk pancakes, but there are plenty of other traditional breakfast items on the menu, as well.  

Check Out the 17-Mile Drive

After breakfast, hop in your car and make your way just north of town to visit the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. This scenic drive takes visitors along the gorgeous, rocky coast, and cuts through beautiful forested areas that are home to native Monterey cypress trees. 

You’ll enter through the Carmel Gate (located on the northern edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea), where you’ll pay the per vehicle admission fee. There are plenty of amazing stops on the 17-Mile Drive, but some highlights include the Lone Cypress, Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, and Crocker Grove. 

Once you’ve completed the drive, you have two choices. You can either make your way back towards Carmel, or you can exit through the Pacific Grove Gate (on the northern end of the drive) to make a quick stop in Pacific Grove (a neighborhood adjacent to Monterey) for lunch. 

Visit Carmel Beach and Walk Down Scenic Road

Of course, a trip to Carmel isn’t complete without spending some time by the water. Make your way down to Carmel Beach – a stunning, white sand beach. Spend some time walking along the shore, or bring a towel or chair to soak up the sun. 

After visiting the beach, continue enjoying the coastal views by walking along Scenic Road (there are numerous stairways that will take you from the sand up to the road). There is a walking path that goes right along the street, starting at 8th Avenue and ending right by Martin Way. This path is lined by cypress trees, and offers beautiful views of the rocky coastline. 

As you stroll down this path, you’ll be able to see the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Clinton Walker House perched on the coastal cliff. If you’re an architectural fan, you can walk a third of a mile past this home to check out the exterior of the Butterfly House, designed by Francis W. Wynkoop. 

Do an Easy Hike Through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (located 10 minutes south of Carmel-by-the-Sea) is a must-visit when vacationing in Carmel. This reserve is known as the crown jewel of the California State Park system, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. Note that it costs $10 per vehicle to enter the reserve. 

There are a variety of interconnected trails throughout the area. I recommend hiking the Cypress Grove Trail (0.9 miles), and then either hiking or driving down the road to hike the Bird Island Trail (0.8 miles). 

If you’d prefer a guided experience, I recommend booking a 2-hour nature walk through Point Lobos. On this tour, an experienced guide will take you to the best areas for seeing wildlife, including seals, otters, deer, and more.

Visit the Carmel Mission 

Learn about California’s history by visiting the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (more commonly referred to as the Carmel Mission). This mission dates back to 1771, and was the second mission built in the state. 

To enter the grounds and visit the museum, you can buy tickets in person. Even if you don’t want to enter the mission and museum, I still recommend stopping by on your way back from Point Lobos to get a look at the beautiful exterior. 

Get Lunch

After the mission, rest your feet and take a lunch break. You can head back into town and check out any of the spots from yesterday’s itinerary (Toro Sushi and La Bicyclette are both also open for lunch if you didn’t check them out for dinner!). 

Alternatively, consider stopping by the Mission Ranch Restaurant (located right by the mission) for a stunning dining experience. This property overlooks a meadow, where you’ll spot sheep grazing in the grass. On Sundays, the restaurant offers an extensive brunch buffet. Note that the restaurant serves brunch until 1:30pm on Sundays, and then closes before dinner service. This may not fit in your itinerary if you got a late start to the day!

Enjoy a Local Wine Experience

End your weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea by exploring the local wine scene. There are a few different ways to do so, so you have a couple options. 

Option 1 is to drive about 15 minutes towards Carmel Valley to visit the charming Folktale Winery (pictured below). Sit on the outdoor patio and soak up the sun while enjoying a flight or a glass of wine. They also have live musicians performing on Sundays. If you want a snack to enjoy alongside their wine, I highly recommend their salt and vinegar potatoes. This is a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation. 

Option 2 is to stay in town and check out a few of the wine tasting bars. Carmel has more than 15 wine bars, with a few highlights being De Tierra Vineyards, Blair Estate, Scheid Vineyards, and Galante Vineyards.