Hey there, Kat and Matt here once again! We know many of y’all are plenty familiar with what to do in Carmel, but for those who haven’t spent much time (or any!) time in the area, we thought we would share some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, stomp around, and hang out around the Monterey Peninsula.

where to grab your grub

  • In Carmel-by-the-Sea: Rise and Roam, Carmel Belle, Stationaery, Carmel Valley Roasting Co.

    In Monterey: Captain + Stoker, Happy Girl Kitchen (just a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium!)

  • Carmel Belle, Elroy’s Market in Monterey, Rise and Roam, Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley

  • La Bicylette for French/Italian, Il Fornaio, Nicolas Cocina in Carmel for some amazing elevated Mexican fare, Casanova for a classic romantic Carmel experience, L’escargot for Bob Kavner’s favorite French fare, Passionfish in Pacific Grove for delicious seafood, Fishwife for the best ever calamari (another Bob Kavner specialty), Bud’s for great cocktails and bar food (located in Carmel inside the La Playa hotel)

  • Sushi Heaven. Extra points if you can find the photo of 8 year old Kat on the wall. Double points if you can find both photos of Kat’s brother Reed on the wall.

where to hang out

  • So many excellent choices! Carmel Beach is a classic. We love going on walks around Carmel Point…you can walk the length of Carmel Beach and then continue along Scenic Drive, stop by Carmel River State Beach, and then loop back.

    Walking along 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is really pretty…very rugged ocean views. Park at one of the pull offs near Bird Rock and wander down to Asilomar State Beach (then eat calamari steaks at Fishwife!).

    Lover’s Point in PG is another classic. There’s a great walking path that you can take to tromp around in Monterey/PG. A great additional pit stop if you’re planning a visit to the Aquarium.

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium. The best and only place probably!

  • Drive south on the 1 to explore Big Sur (perhaps make Big Sur Bakery one of your destinations for a pastry and cup of coffee!) or drive north on the 1 to check out Capitola and Santa Cruz. Head east on Carmel Valley Road into Carmel Valley Village to check out some art galleries, taste some wine, or go for a hike at Garland Ranch.

  • Wander the many fine art galleries in Carmel (and count how many impressionist paintings of Carmel Beach you can find!), pay a visit to the Monterey Museum of Art, or take a trip out to Salinas to visit the Steinbeck Museum.

where to go if you’re bringing your dog

  • Carmel Beach - hands down. A must for any dog that likes a good romp with other dogs.

  • In case you’re wondering, yes, there is more than one! I think there are three in Carmel-by-the-Sea alone. Diggidy Dog is the spot for free treats!, toys aplenty, and ice cream for dogs.

  • Cyprus Inn in Carmel

The whole Monterey Peninsula is a gem and we hope you have some extra time to explore and enjoy! Just make sure you leave yourself time to rest up for Saturday because you’re gonna need a full tank to boogie on the dance floor all night long.