Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small, artisan community located a few hours down the coast from San Francisco. It’s the rare mix between rocky coastline, California beaches, and redwood forest. It is perfectly placed a quick 120 miles from the Bay Area, a scenic 330 miles from Los Angeles. It’s long been a favorite getaway for us around the holidays. We’ll talk secret alley coffee spots, overrated pizza places, and fairytale wineries.

Where to Stay

Carmel Mission Inn
https://www.carmelmissioninn.com/

Bernardus Lodge & Spa
https://www.bernarduslodge.com/

Mission Ranch
https://www.missionranchcarmel.com/

Carmel Valley Ranch
https://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/

What to Do

The Cheese Shop
http://www.thecheeseshopinc.com/

Nielsen Brothers Market (great cookies, great wine/liquor selection, outdoor grill, cute building)
http://www.nielsenmarket.com/

Stationaery
https://www.thestationaery.com/

Point Lobos
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
https://www.pebblebeach.com/17-mile-drive/

Nearby Day Trips

Santa Cruz
Monterey
Pacific Grove
Big Sur
Carmel Valley

Where to Drink

Hogs Breath Inn (formerly owned by Clint Eastwood, 4-5:30pm w/ $6 wines, $5 beer, $5-8 bites)
https://www.hogsbreathinn.net/

Barmel (3-5pm w/ $5 beer and wine deals, bar bites)
https://www.facebook.com/BarmelByTheSea/

Starlight Rooftop + Vesuvio Restaurant ($7 martinis, $6 wine, cheap pizzas, heated rooftop)
http://chefpepe.com/restaurants/starlight-rooftop-lounge/

Mission Ranch Restaurant (great view of the sheep at sunset from their patio)
https://www.missionranchcarmel.com/restaurant.htm

Where to Eat

Aabha Indian Cuisine
http://aabhaindian.com/

Sushi Time in Seaside, CA (dozens of rolls, half-priced sake on Tuesdays, great service)
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-time-seaside

Crown and Anchor (in Monterey, fish and chips joint)
https://crownandanchor.net/

Dametra Cafe
http://dametracafe.com/