With its European-style streets, secret courtyards, and fairytale charm, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the coastal escape you didn’t know you needed. No street addresses, no chain restaurants—just hidden gems, world-class art, and unforgettable bites. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, history, or wine tasting, this itinerary will take you through the perfect day.
Morning
Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast at Village Corner, a cozy café that feels like an extension of Carmel’s old-world charm. Grab a seat on the European-style covered patio and sip locally roasted coffee. Traveling with a four-legged friend? Carmel is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country, so like many of the local hotspots, Village Corner lets you dine al fresco with your pup. Order a savory dish like the Carmel eggs benedict or pastrami hash and eggs, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the brioche French toast.
Take a short drive to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for an early-morning hike with unparalleled views of dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and white-sand beaches. Walk the 0.8-mile Cypress Grove Trail to surround yourself with lush cypress trees. Stop by China Cove for postcard-worthy shots of the sea caves and sparkling waters. Keep an eye out for sea otters and harbor seals lounging in the coves or migrating whales breaching offshore. The small parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early or park outside the entrance.
Step back in time to circa 1770 at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a beautifully preserved Spanish-style mission. Admire the arched bell tower, golden sandstone walls, intricate woodwork, peaceful courtyards, and vibrant gardens. Marvel at relics like a 400-year-old bible, California’s oldest functioning pipe organs, and the burial site of the controversial Father Serra. The Carmel Mission is still an active parish, so be sure to plan your visit outside of weekly services.
Take a self-guided tour of Carmel’s enchanting fairytale cottages, and you’ll quickly see why the quaint town has long been a haven for artists, poets, and writers. Designed by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s, the whimsical homes have become one of the area’s most beloved sights. Gaze at the thatched roofs, colorful shutters, crooked chimneys, and arched doorways that look like something out of a Disney animation. Start your journey at Santa Fe Street and Ocean Avenue, then wander through peaceful side streets to find gems like the Hansel and Gretel houses.
Afternoon
Refuel with a laid-back lunch at Mulligan Public House, an Irish-American gastropub tucked away from the main tourist sites. Dig into comforting dishes like the Kobe beef sliders or a Philly cheesesteak. Pair your meal with a bacon beer flight to sample three beers and three kinds of bacon. Prefer something lighter? Grab lunch at the bright and airy Cafe Carmel for artisan sandwiches, salads, and quiches. Try the roasted beet salad with fig vinaigrette or the TLT Carmel – a roasted turkey sandwich with heirloom tomatoes and tomato jam.
Head to Dolores Street for some gallery hopping to find out why Carmel has been an art lover’s paradise since the turn of the century. With nearly 100 art galleries within a single square mile, the town has more art per capita than anywhere else in the United States. Admire bronze masterpieces at Steven Whyte’s Sculpture Studio and world-famous photography at the Weston Gallery. Discover coastal art inspired by local landscapes at Gallery of the Sea, and don’t miss the live painting demos at the Carmel Art Association.
Immerse yourself in Carmel’s vastly underrated wine scene by visiting Scheid Vineyards, conveniently located just a block from Ocean Avenue. This sustainable winery helped put Monterey County on the map as a wine region, with estate-grown wines from ten vineyards to choose from. Step inside the storybook-esque tasting room to sip a flight of standout wines like the Reserve Pinot Noir and Bordeaux-style Claret.
Grab a bottle for the road, then take a quick walk over to Ocean Avenue to explore the wide array of independently owned boutiques. Many of the shops are hidden inside storybook courtyards, so finding them is half the fun. Shop for funky artwork and home goods at Somewhere in Carmel, handmade truffles at Cottage of Sweets, and unique gifts at Elizabeth W. Peruse the antiques and vintage gems at Jane Austen at Home or browse rows of fine cheeses at The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza. Looking to treat yourself? Stop by Natalie Baroni for couture gowns or Fourtané for rare Rolexes and estate jewelry.
Evening
Settle in for an indulgent dinner at Seventh & Dolores, an upscale steakhouse housed in a restored mid-century bank building. Don’t let the word “upscale” scare you—the coastal-chic decor and open dining room keep the atmosphere warm and inviting. Start with the charred octopus or the Grand Seafood Tower for a worthwhile splurge. For the main event, dig into a rack of lamb or a dry-aged ribeye topped with freshly shaved truffle.
If steak isn’t calling your name, snag a table at Flying Fish Grill instead for an irresistible fusion of Japanese, Korean, and Californian flavors. Hidden below street level in Carmel Plaza, this intimate spot is one of Carmel’s best-kept secrets. Order mouthwatering seafood dishes like the Alaskan black cod, pepper-crusted ahi tuna, or the black bean halibut. Coming in for a romantic evening? Don’t miss the seafood clay pot for two, cooked tableside.
No perfect day in Carmel-by-the-Sea is complete without dessert, and Cafe Dal Mare is just the place to satisfy your craving. Most Carmel cafes close early, but this one stays open late to catch the after-dinner crowd. Embrace the low-key atmosphere and nautical-inspired decor. Indulge in housemade pastries, like cannolis and tiramisu, along with creamy gelato imported straight from Italy. For a true Italian dessert, try the affogato—gelato drowned in hot espresso.
Not quite ready for the night to end? Grab a nightcap at Barmel and pair your drinks with captivating live music. Expect a rotating lineup of blues, jazz, rock, and indie bands in an unpretentious bar setting. Inside the dive-bar-meets-music-venue, you’ll find walls lined with vintage posters and eclectic art. Reflect on the day’s adventures from the heated patio, or sip whiskey inside the bar where locals and tourists come together over good drinks and great music.
