Visiting Carmel
ON THE ROAD AGAIN:
CARMEL (MONTEREY, AND PEBBLE BEACH)
Welcome to my series ‘Poppie Lady On The Road Again,’ where I am sharing the most recommended tips and places to visit (children optional) in my favorite cities in California. You can view more photos and videos of these tips under my highlights ON INSTAGRAM.
Carmel-By-The-Sea really has it all: coastal views, a quaint cobblestone downtown with great shopping, amazing food, and hiking trails that are quintessential California. We feel incredibly lucky to head to Carmel when it heats up and it never gets old.
DOWNTOWN CARMEL
All of the following places are walkable to each other and the Carmel beach
RISE AND ROAM
Incredible coffee, freshly made pizza, bread, and tasty pastries. We come here every time we’re in town to get coffee and a snack for our mid-morning pit stop.
It’s a good idea to go early to Rise and Roam in Carmel, California, as their pastries are so popular and sell out!
Rise and Roam in Carmel, California has the most amazing pastries and pizza (along with coffee to satisfy every coffee enthusiast).
THE CHEESE SHOP IN CARMEL PLAZA
Every kind of cheese you could imagine and a variety of wine and small selection of accouterments. The Koko’s Coconut Gouda is my personal favorite! This is in Carmel Plaza, which is their big outdoor mall. There is an Anthropologie on the top floor, be sure to pop up!
The Koko’s Coconut Gouda is my personal favorite from the Cheese Shop in Carmel, California.
The Cheese Shop is on the first floor of Carmel Plaza downtown, which is also the home of Anthropologie!
DEVENDORF PARK
Located across the street from Carmel Plaza, you can bring your wine and cheese from the Cheese Shop, or takeout pizzas from La Bicyclette (or a frisbee and a ball) and relax for a bit in this quaint area for the kids to run around. Be sure to pack a blanket to sit on!
Pizza that you will never forget. Small, rustic, delicious and right in the heart of downtown Carmel.
La Bicyclette fills up with reservations, so se sure to call to snag a table at this charming eatery.
The mushroom pizza is a personal favorite from La Bicyclette in Carmel, California.
THE COTTAGE OF SWEETS
A fairytale-like cottage filled with sweets, need I say more? The whole downtown area looks like Hansel and Gretel may wander by along with the tourists.
The whole downtown of Carmel, California is reminiscent of your favorite fairytales.
CARMEL BELLE
Located in the Doud Arcade building, it’s tucked inside but ready to serve great salads, smoothies, sandwiches and a small selection of wine. We love to get the apple gorgonzola salad and add chicken. They also have Revival Ice Dream and the Bee’s Knees mini sandwiches are a favorite.
Don’t miss Revical Ice cream from the Carmel Belle in Doud Arcade! Bees Knees is my Favorite.
BLACKBIRD STUDIOS
Housing all of my favorite paintings by my absolute favorite artist, Erin Lee Gafill, Deborah has a very well curated selection of colorful gifts for home and self.
Blackbird Studio is one of my favorite shops and is home to some on the most inspiring paintings I have ever come across by Big Sur Artist, Erin Lee Gafill.
HEAVEN CHILDREN’S WEAR
This boutique has the largest selection of Maileg Mice that I have seen. If you are a fan of the tiny wonders, this is a must visit!
We love to add a friend or two to our mousehouse when we visit Heaven.
COASTAL BEACH WALK
We love to walk from Downtown along the Coastal Path to Stewart’s beach, see how the 1% live and the insane views of the coast. Both the beach at the start of Downtown Carmel and Stewart’s are great options to spend some time in the sand.
Fully experience Carmel-By-The-Sea by walking along the coast to Stewart’s Beach.
I always feel like I’m looking at a painting while walking along the coast in Carmel By the Sea.
This is one of my favorite homes on the Coastal Walk to Stewart’s Beach. It looks like a ship and has classic Mid Century Monterey vibes.
UPSCALE DINING
Apps and Drinks are a great way to experience!
The Inn at Spanish Bay
Especially romantic (kids are OK too!). Sit out of the patio for apps and happy hour and enjoy the scenic view of the ocean and sound of bagpipes played at sunset!
Grab a drink and listen to the bag piper play at sunset! “The bagpiper has played along the Pebble Beach coastline every day, rain or shine, since The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987.”
THE BENCH
Some of the most incredible food of my life, their Bolognese is the pasta of my dreams ($30). The best part: With a reservation, you have access to the swanky and idyllic 17 mile drive.
The Bolognese is mind blowing and the views cannot be beat. Very Americana.
Their Lavender Lemon Drop is the perfectly sweet cocktail to dive into a fabulous dining experience.
ROY’S
V. Upscale Hawaiian themed. Super swanky for dinner and more accessible ($) for cocktails! Love their Mai Tai!
I have also heard great things about Casanova in downtown Carmel!!
ACTIVITIES
HIKE AT POINT LOBOS
We like to park on the road and walk into the park. We love to start at Whaler’s Cove and walk up the stairs to the North Shore Trail. You could also try to start farther south and make it to China Cove (famous for it’s crystal blue sea waters). There are different sections that have stairs, but overall our 3 year old can walk/hike it just fine.
You can hike Point lobos to Crystal Cove, which is famous for the crystal blue waters.
Hiking Point Lobos, the day before Sadie was born (and of course my toddler insisted Mommy wear him).
THE REFUGE SPA
#GOALS! Confession: I’ve never actually been there, but it’s been a dream of mine! You can pay for admission ($52) which includes six hot and warm pools, four Nordic cold plunges, outdoor fireplaces, and relaxation areas and book online.
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
Truly a must-see. The facility and location are something very special. I’ve been to a few aquariums and this is truly world-class. You can pack your own lunch and eat outside, overlooking the bay!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see if you are visiting the peninsula.
SEAL ROCK CREEK BEACH
Private, lovely beach with a small creek that runs through. (We liked to toast here at sunset).
DENNIS THE MENACE PARK
An amazing park more geared for elementary kids, they also have swans-for-rent at an hourly rate that were really fun to take the kids on.
HYALL CARMEL HIGHLANDS
Located right Next to Tickle Pink; has an amazing bar, happy hour, and Great Room where you can enjoy local musicians with incredible views.
The Hyatt Carmel Highlands has incredible views, including this one that you can access from the bar!
SEVENTEEN MILE DRIVE
Great Gatsby Vibes. There is usually a small fee (like $10) to gain access to this famous stretch of California coast. Roll down the windows, turn up the music, and enjoy cruising.
WHERE TO STAY
Note: we usually drive down for the day because we are too poor to stay here! But my in-laws did treat us to a stay at Tickle Pink and it was incredible.
SADDLE MOUNTAIN RANCH: Carmel Glamping at it’s finest!
MISSION RANCH: My friend, Kaela, stayed here and said if she could go back with her kids, she would choose the Honeymoon cottage or the Meadowview Fourplex.
TICKLE PINK: The site of former Senator, Mr Tinkle, the property has breathtaking views, an awesome ‘wine and cheese on the deck’ situation and feels a lot like staying with (very rich) family friends. (note: the reservations were completely booked when I checked for months ahead, so plan your trip in advance!).
Don’t take my word for it! 9 year old Alicia explains why Tickle Pink is such a nice place to stay;) There is a notebook in each room and it’s fun to read through all of the other guests’ entries.
A few more recommendations from the gals!!
Between the sweeping coastal views, old-time charm, and lots of amazing places to enjoy a picnic or fancy cocktail, you can’t go wrong. It’s also very versatile And both a family friendly place to explore nature or doll it up and enjoy the finer things in life.
My favorite part about tHe area is that it convErts everyone visiting into an artist. it’s easy to observe and appreciatE The charming sIgns for each house (my favorite is ‘Wit’S END’), endless Alleys to tuck into, and breath taking views. I hope you’ll consider this phenomenal location for your next trip!
-Traci (@PoppieLady)
