When it comes to exploring, there are places—and then there are destinations. Any city or town can have a great restaurant or a special history, but a destination is somewhere that checks all the boxes. With endless options for leisure, dining, art, history, and scenic views, Carmel is undoubtedly a destination. People come from all over the world to play golf at Pebble Beach’s iconic courses, stroll miles of white sand, appreciate timeless art collections, and eat at some of the best restaurants California has to offer.
If you’ve been to Carmel, you know what a special destination it is. And if you haven’t, it’s time to experience it for yourself. If you’re looking for itinerary ideas, we spent the day enjoying some of the best activities, food, and culture that quaint Carmel has to offer.
For a glass of wine with stunning views, visit Mission Ranch. Clint Eastwood rescued this parcel of untouched acreage when he heard it was headed in the direction of a housing development. Instead, the notorious conservationist preserved the property and built a small, tasteful hotel with an indoor-outdoor restaurant, so that everyone could continue to enjoy this special California landscape. Go for a glass of wine and lite bites, but linger for the tranquil ambiance and beautiful views.
Swim and stroll with the kids at Carmel Beach. An endless stretch of sand, Carmel Beach curves along the coast as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect place to walk off all your delicious meals, let the kids get some fresh air, and even hop in the water. (Just be prepared—the Pacific is quite cold along the Central Coast.) It’s also a perfect beach for a picnic!
Take a step back in time at Tor House. Completed in 1919, Tor House was built by writer Robinson Jeffers as a seaside retreat. He and his wife hosted many big names, such as Sinclair Lewis and Charlie Chaplin, in the stone structure. And Jeffers eventually added Hawk Tower to the property, as a retreat for his wife and kids. Today, Tor House is open to the public and hosts many literary events.
Go to a local theater production at one of Carmel’s two theatres. The arts are a heavy attraction in Carmel. And while the rows of art galleries may get more attention, the town has also embraced theater. The Golden Bough Theatre is used for larger contemporary and classical performances and musicals, and the Circle Theatre is a unique venue unto itself. Both are intimate spaces that offer a wonderful way to spend a cultured evening.
Treat yourself and the kids to a sweet treat at the famous Cottage of Sweets. With a playful curlicued roof and storybook architecture, this candy story is worth the visit just to see its fun Hansel and Gretel feel. They’re famous for their homemade fudge and licorice, and we love the rainbow sprinkle pretzels!
Picnic at Devendorf Park. If you prefer grass to sand, Devendorf is the central park in town, and it offers hurried tourists and locals alike a place to slow down and smell the roses. And there’s no better place to enjoy your own little charcuterie basket while people watching.
For award-winning breakfast or lunch, stop by La Bicyclette. Owning up to its name, La Bicyclette will make you feel like you’re in France, enjoying some of the best croissants on the planet. The décor is charming and simple, the pastries are to die for, and the brunch menu offers staple egg dishes with creative flare.
Stay or dine at Hog’s Breath Inn. Formerly owned by who else but Clint Eastwood, this tavern-esque Western inn and restaurant attract tourists from all over—and for good reason. The restaurant is committed to only serving antibiotic- and hormone-free USDA beef and free-range organic chicken, as well as fresh, wild, and sustainable seafood. Get the super-fresh Dungeness crab. You can thank us later!
Enjoy a vineyard sunset and a handcrafted bottle of vino at Bernardus Winery. When it’s time to leave the sea and head further inland, family-owned Bernardus Winery is the ideal spot to wind down your day with a glass of expertly-crafted wine from one of the property’s three vineyards (all in Carmel Valley). There’s a tasting room, an outdoor patio, and an impressive wine selection for every palette.
Can’t muster the energy to make it home? Extend your getaway with a stay at Carmel Valley Ranch, one of the Bay Club’s partner properties. Set on 500+ acres in nearby Carmel Valley, this four-star resort offers something for everyone, from seaside adventures like kayaking and whale watching, to tours of nearby farms and vineyards.
And if you don’t want to leave the resort, there’s plenty to enjoy on the property, like the 10,500-square-foot spa, classic California dining, and the only Pete Dye-designed golf course in Northern California. And best of all, as a Bay Club member, you’ll enjoy discounted room rates and green fees.
As featured in the summer issue of One Lombard. For recipes, event photos, and the latest club news, click here to read the latest edition or pick up a copy at the Club!