Local Eateries
Carmel-by-the-Sea
La Bicyclette: Cozy European bistro with incredible food! We especially liked the oysters with harissa butter, the champignons primavera pizza, and the gnocchi—but you're in good hands and we guarantee everything on the menu will be delicious. Also made famous by Taylor Swift's 2024 visit with Travis Kelce. ◡̈
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro: Fantastic modern brewery and restaurant. Stuart highly recommends the Mai Tai P.A.
Flaherty’s Seafood: Beloved local hangout serving fresh-caught seafood in downtown Carmel.
The Hog’s Breath Inn: Great casual spot with outdoor fire pits. Established by Clint Eastwood in 1970.
RG Burger: An Embury family favorite for years, this casual burger joint serves great burgers and milkshakes! It is also conveniently located across the street from the Carmel Mission Inn.
Carmel Valley
Earthbound Farms Farm Stand & Cafe: Experience farm-to-table dining at its most authentic, with breakfast and lunch featuring ingredients picked mere steps from your table. If the weather is nice, opt to sit in their outdoor patio with stunning views of the valley.
Monterey
Old Monterey Cafe: Tried-and-true locals breakfast spot—check out their benedicts and home fries.
Activities
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea: Check out the art galleries and specialty shops along Carmel-by-the-Sea’s iconic Ocean Avenue.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk: Embark on this self-guided tour through Carmel’s charming tasting rooms. This free mobile guide lets you explore over a dozen local wineries offering exclusive tastings from premier Monterey County vineyards. Sign in with your email and zip code, then redeem special offers like complimentary reserve tastings and 2-for-1 deals.
17-Mile Drive: This beautiful stretch of road in Pebble Beach winds past dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, and the iconic Lone Cypress. Make this a Meagan Miranda Special™ and grab a milkshake from RG Burger to enjoy on the drive!
Hiking: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley are great places to get outside. We recommend Point Lobos State Reserve, Garland Ranch Regional Park, and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: One of the best aquariums in the world with a three-story kelp forest tank, charming sea otter exhibit, and interactive touch pools. For lunch, we recommend grabbing a sando from nearby Coniglio Brothers Italian Deli to enjoy picnic-style at the scenic Great Tide Pool overlook.
Whale Watching: October is peak-season for seeing blue whales and humpback whales breach and feed in Monterey Bay. Tour boats leave regularly from the harbor, and chances are you’ll see sea otters, seals, and dolphins as well!
Day Trips
Big Sur: An hour south of Carmel, you’ll find iconic California coastline views, including McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and the famous Bixby Bridge.
Pinnacles National Park: Check another national park off your bucket list! An hour-and-a-half drive from Carmel, Pinnacles is a great spot for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching.
Half Moon Bay: A two-hour drive north of Carmel Valley, take a visit to Michelle’s old stomping grounds! Grab a sando at Sen Benito House (their fresh-baked Dutch crunch bread is legendary) before popping over to Kelly Beach for the afternoon.