3 Days in Carmel: A Seaside Escape Filled with Food, Wine, and Calm

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Cobblestone lanes, the smell of the ocean, and the sound of clinking glasses at golden hour create the kind of excitement that makes you forget what day it is. Here’s how to spend a long weekend soaking in the best of this California coastal gem.

Day 1: Arrival in Carmel and First Impressions

Check into the Carmel Plaza Hotel, an ideally located boutique stay that puts you in the heart of downtown. Drop your bags, pour yourself a coffee from Carmel Valley Roasting Co., and take a stroll through the village. Every corner feels like a postcard.

For lunch, ease into the weekend with wood-fired pizza and a glass of wine at La Bicyclette, a French-inspired bistro that captures Carmel’s rustic charm. Spend the afternoon exploring the shops at Carmel Plaza. Sample local cheeses at The Cheese Shop and indulge in a donut from Dutch Door Donuts while you browse.

As the sun dips low, head to Vesuvio for cocktails and small bites on the rooftop... the truffle gnocchi is a must. For dinner, make your way to Anton & Michel, where tables overlook a softly lit courtyard fountain. End your evening with a nightcap at Sade’s, a tiny, cash-only lounge that feels delightfully timeless.

Day 2: Exploring Carmel's Ocean Air and Wine Country Charm

Start your morning with breakfast at Stationæry, where locals linger over farm-fresh plates and perfectly made lattes. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more nostalgic, try Tuck Box, a tiny English-style cottage serving homemade scones and jam.

Spend mid-morning walking along Scenic Road, where ocean views and cypress trees frame the coastline. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, continue to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a hike among sea cliffs and tide pools.

Back in town, stop by Nielsen Bros. Market to grab sandwiches and a bottle of wine, then head to Carmel River Beach for a laid-back picnic by the waves.

Later, take a drive down Carmel Valley Road, where vineyards roll into golden hills. Stop for a tasting at Folktale Winery, one of the most picturesque spots in the valley, before returning to town for a pre-dinner drink at Terry’s Lounge in the Cypress Inn, known for its live music and lively locals.

Dinner tonight is at The Pocket, an intimate, modern restaurant tucked into the heart of Carmel. Afterward, wander down to the beach and watch the sunset, with the soft colors of the Pacific at dusk.

Day 3: A Relaxing Farewell to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wake up early for one last walk through town and a light breakfast at Carmel Belle, where you can sip coffee and people-watch as the village wakes up.

Before heading out, treat yourself to a morning of relaxation with massages at Bernardus Lodge — about a 20-minute drive into the valley, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. If you have time, stop at Scheid Vineyards on your way back for one last tasting.

Check out and make your way home, but not before one final stop at Mission Ranch, where the views stretch across open pastures to the sea. Order the ribeye and savor it slowly. It's the kind of meal that defines a perfect weekend in Carmel.

Three days here are never enough, but that’s the beauty of Carmel: it leaves you wanting to return. Between the walks, the wine, and the endless ocean air, this tiny coastal town reminds you what slowing down really feels like.