This past weekend, we traveled to Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, and it was an absolute dream come true! I have wanted to travel here for as long as I can remember and it felt like a bucket list trip!
We flew into San Jose airport (you could easily do SFO as well!) and drove straight to play golf at Half Moon Bay. This was the most incredible golf course I have ever seen, with breathtaking views every way you looked. If you have a golf lover in your life, I couldn’t recommend it more! We ate at the restaurant attached to the clubhouse right before we played golf, and I really loved the Maui wings. This is a very random recommendation, but just know that I loved them.
The next morning, we started our drive down the coast, and it was so beautiful! There were so many farms you could stop at, and I genuinely loved the drive. If you have time and have never been to Santa Cruz before, you could go walk around the pier there as you pass it! I went and visited a friend in Santa Cruz, but you could easily go explore the beach area for fun!
As we approached Carmel, we went to see the pier in Monterey (if you have time, I’ve heard their aquarium is one of the best in the world!) and then drove straight into Pebble Beach to eat lunch at The Bench. Another great recommendation if you have a golf lover in your life! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand and then go wander around all of the shops after.
Following lunch, we drove the 17 Mile Drive along the coast and loved it! Read the brochure all along the way and learn the history and facts. Once the 17 Mile Drive is finished, you are led right into Carmel-by-the-Sea, and that’s where we stayed the night!
Friday evening, we ate at Dametra Cafe, and it was an absolute highlight of the trip. I was recommended this restaurant by a local, and it did not disappoint. I thought the Greek food was incredible, and at 8 pm, they did a giant dance party in the restaurant. Be sure to get a reservation because this was a must for me!
Saturday morning, we woke up early and started our drive into Big Sur! It is a breathtaking drive, and you’ll see gorgeous views constantly, and Bixby Bridge, etc. Be sure to stop into Point Lobos and see Whaler’s Cove, walk along the Cypress Trail, etc.
Big Sur itself is home to several state parks, and I wish we had more time to explore them all! I would’ve loved to go on more hikes, possibly spend a night in Big Sur, and explore it more. If I ever go back, I’d allot hopefully 1-2 full days to explore Big Sur. We only really had the morning!
Saturday afternoon, we grabbed sandwiches from Bruno’s and then walked around all the shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and I could’ve walked for hours. There were so many great shops, and I seriously need to drive a U-Haul next time because the antique shops were next level!
Saturday evening, we ate at La Bicyclette, which is where Taylor Swift ate last year! It was super delicious, and another restaurant you absolutely need to make a reservation for. I believe this is one of the harder restaurants to get into, so be sure to call them (yes, call!) once your trip is booked.
After dinner, we walked down to see the sunset on Carmel Beach, and I’ll never forget it. It was one of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen.
Sunday morning, we went to Stationaery for breakfast, which was all over TikTok! I would make a reservation here as well and be sure to order the cinnamon roll.
I am no expert in the area, but I really loved our itinerary and would recommend it to ANYONE! My one main regret from the trip is not booking The Refuge on Saturday night after we watched the sunset. It’s a silent spa with a sauna, cold plunge, etc., up in Carmel Valley, and it is open until 10 pm! It would’ve felt incredible to end our trip in this way (especially after walking 21,000 steps on Saturday!), but it was booked when we tried calling. If you ever go, I would absolutely book it in advance to relax the night before you head home. I have heard incredible things!
Before we drove to the airport, we went to see Mission Ranch because that was another restaurant we wanted to try, and I heard the setting was incredible! I would try to go for a Sunday brunch because I heard they have live music. Carmel Valley was also very pretty to drive around.
And that was our trip! As I mentioned previously, I am no expert, but I genuinely loved our entire trip and am so grateful we were able to do it.
-Liv
