Carmel is one of our favorite weekend getaways. It’s an adorable European-inspired town that makes us feel like we’re a world away!

So, in partnership with Visit California, Zory and I headed over to Carmel and Monterey County for a weekend! It was such a fun adventure-filled trip where we saw fairytale-like houses, white sand beaches, art galleries, magnificent ocean views, and ate at some incredible restaurants.

As part of the California Responsible Travel Code, we were extra careful to be responsible travelers by supporting local businesses and checking local health regulations. It took some extra work on our part, but it was very much worth it!

So after a weekend in Carmel and Monterey County, here are our best tips:

Rent an e-bike - Carmel is located in one of the prettiest parts of the Pacific Coastline and there isn’t a better way to tour it then by e-bike! We went with Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop and couldn’t have been happier! They have a wide variety of great looking e-bikes to pick from that range from vintage to sporty.

You can choose to rent them and go off on your own or ride with a guide. We chose to ride with a guide through the 17 Mile Drive, which was one of the most stunning rides I’ve ever done!

Carmel Beach - There’s nothing we love more than a white sand beach.. except for a white sand beach at sunset! Carmel Beach faces directly into the setting California sun over the Pacific Ocean which results in some of the most golden, spectacular sunsets every day.

Monterey Bay Kayak - Located in Monterey, the kayaking experience was easily one of the highlights of the trip! Our guide was extremely helpful and knew so much about the history of the whole area. During the kayak trip, we saw sea lions, floating otters, jellyfish, starfish, and harbor seals up close! The kayaks are easy to maneuver and are great for all levels and ages!

Afterward, make sure to walk around the history Cannery Row.

Art Galleries - With Carmel’s large percentage of artists, there are nearly 100 art galleries within one square mile. It’s very inspiring to walk around, peruse the art, and do a little window shopping.

Adorable Houses - Carmel is full of adorable storybook houses, many with their own names like ‘Hansel’ and ‘Gretel’. You can spend half a day or more just walking around the city trying to find all the cute houses!

Drive Down Hwy 1 to Big Sur - Carmel is right on the doorstep of one of the most scenic and famous road trips in the world down Highway One into Big Sur. A great day trip would be to drive from Carmel down to McWay Cove and back.

Stationaery - Stationaery is an intimate cafe specializing in quality comfort food plated ever so beautifully. They are tucked away inside an adorable alleyway with plenty of outdoor seating and are open for brunch and dinner.

We stopped by for brunch on a sunny day and loved their menu drawn from local, seasonal ingredients!

Cultura Comida y Bebida - Cultura Comida y Bebida merges the tastes of Oaxaca, Mexico with California coastal flavors. You can pick from an excellent array of street tacos, mole based dishes, and other Oaxacan influenced dishes.

Passionfish - Passionfish, while not technically in Carmel, is just a quick drive to Monterey and had to be included due to their amazing seafood selection.

They’ve been serving sustainable seafood for nearly twenty years with a fantastic California seasonal menu.

Alta Bakery - Located in the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe in Monterey - Alta Bakery was created by Ben Spungin, formerly of Post Ranch Inn. They are famous for their delicious pastries!

There is a lovely outdoor courtyard in the back where you enjoy your flaky croissants, lemon verbena doughnuts, and fresh pizzas in the California sunshine.

Lucia Restaurant - Located in the up and coming Carmel Valley area, Lucia Restaurant is a well regarded culinary destination amongst those in the know. It’s headed by Chef Cal Stamenov who honed his culinary techniques in famous kitchens like Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire. He’s also mentored many chefs in the Central Coast and Bay Area.

Hofsas House - Located conveniently with just a 5-minute walk to the restaurants and shops in downtown Carmel, the family-run Hofsas House boasts large comfortable rooms, views of the Pacific Ocean from the back patios, a heated pool, and Bavarian-themed art in select rooms.

The co-owner, Carrie Theis, is a big supporter of local artists and commissioned the brilliant and colorful artist Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham to paint murals and decorate certain rooms in a modern touch but still true to the Bavarian roots of the Hofsas House.

You can read more about Marie-Clare and the ongoing art project at Hofsas House here.

La Playa Carmel

One of the closest hotels to Carmel Beach, this Mediterranean and Spanish-styled villa offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, upscale ambiance, and beautifully terraced grounds.