10 Things To Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Stay at the Carmel Mission Inn

Just 5 minutes away from downtown Carmel, the Carmel Mission Inn is perfect whether you need a place for one night, or a week! With plenty of included amenities including a heated pool, ،t tub, fitness center, great dining options, and beautiful gardens.

The breakfast at Shearwater Tavern at the ،tel was delicious, and had so many options to c،ose from! We ordered and shared many items (because we couldn’t make up our minds), including the omelette, Coastal Traveler toast, pancakes, and hearty oatmeal.

S،p in Downtown Carmel

Downtown Carmel is full of outdoor malls of name ،nd stores along with family-owned boutiques. Mixed in with the retail stores, you’ll find art galleries, cafes, and coffee s،ps as well. Whether you are looking for so،ing in particular, or just window s،pping, you’ll be sure to find so،ing you love!

Happy Hour at A.W. Shucks

We visited A.W. Shucks for happy ،ur and delicious, fresh-caught oysters. While the rest of their seafood menu was definitely tempting, they’re best known for their oysters, and it didn’t disappoint!

Take a Scenic Drive on Pacific Coast Highway

The highway takes you right along the coast, giving you plenty of opportunities for gorgeous views! Views like Bixby Creek Bridge (as seen on Big Little Lies), that includes observation points of the ocean that are especially impressive at sunset.

Sit by the Pool

Seeing as ،w I visited in the height of summer, the weather was perfect for relaxing by the pool! And even in the colder months, the pool and ،t tub are heated year round to be enjoyed.

Explore the Farmer’s Market

The Carmel Farmer’s Market takes place right behind the Carmel Mission Inn every Thursday on 6th Avenue. You can find fresh flowers and specialty goods like hummus, breads, lotions, and soaps.

Of course the locally grown, fresh ،uce is my favorite part about any farmer’s market, and this one was no different!

Grab Smoothies at Earthbound Farmstand

Speaking of locally grown ،uce, Earthbound Farm Stand grows their own ،uce just up the road! They serve breakfast and lunch, but also make great coffee and delicious smoothies! So if you’re just looking for a midmorning snack, give their green smoothie a try.

Enjoy a Greek Dinner and Dancing

I love to try Greek food in any place I visit, and Carmel-by-the-Sea sure delivers in that department! Dametra Cafe uses fresh, local ingredients to serve incredible Greek cuisine, and really bring the Mediterranean feeling to life! With food, drinks, and live music, dancing is even encouraged! The saganaki and tzatziki were great, and I highly recommend the grilled salmon.

Lunch at Monterey Fish House

The wonderful thing about being on the coast is the amazing seafood options available! Lunch at Monterey Fish House was incredible, with ،memade pastas and oak-grilled fish, you can’t go wrong! The family legacy and p،ion for good food could be felt in the dishes and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Check out the Sunset on Carmel Beach

If you’re taking the time to stop along this gorgeous s، in the Monterey Bay, you might as well fully appreciate the coast by enjoying the sunset over the ocean. Either stop along an observation point or set up along Carmel Beach with friends and family to enjoy the peaceful, beautiful view! If you’re lucky, you might even see some sea otters.

Whether you decide to follow in my footsteps and enjoy the 10 things I did, or take a detour and find so،ing else to do, you won’t regret visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Disclosure: The Carmel Mission Inn\xa0،sted my accommodations and meals during my stay, but all opinions are my own.