Nestled on the idyllic coast of California, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and exceptional wines. The one square mile of Carmel-by-the-Sea dubbed the village in the forest by the sea boasts an assortment of architecture from Tudor to Victorian to Mid-Century Modern. It is unique in that there are no street numbers; residents must get their mail at the local post office. Exceptionally dog-friendly, it boasts a plethora of dining options for both you and your four-legged furry friend.
Stay
Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts about 1,000 hotel rooms. Most all of these are privately owned and operated by multi-generational families. One such is Hofsas House run by 3 generations of strong women which just celebrated its 75th anniversary! The brainchild of Donna Hofsas in the 1940s, with just a few cottages she grew the hotel to what it is today by the mid 1960s. Currently run by Carrie Theis who remembers spending her summers helping grandma Donna run the hotel from the age of 12. This Bavarian-style color-infused hotel where no two hotel rooms are decorated alike features one of the few hotels with a swimming pool and an European dry sauna in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carrie’s 93-year-old mother still manages the accounts for the business and walks to work 3-4 times a week from her nearby home. As you pull into Hofsas House you are welcomed by a Bavarian-themed mural, commissioned by artist Maxine Albro whose claim to fame includes a 40ft mural at Coit Tower depicting agricultural life in California. Maxine also painted 3 of the paintings that hang in the quaint lobby of Hofsas House.
Sip
Carmel Valley is renowned for its exquisite vineyards and wineries, each offering a unique taste of the region’s terroir.
Start your Carmel wine tasting experience at Lady Somm. The brainchild of sister sommeliers Roxanne and Tamara, Lady Somm will expose you to wines from the ancient cellars of Italy and California valleys. Their spacious tasting room in Carmel is the perfect space for your next event or team building activity.
Stop in at the beautifully renovated tasting room and patio of Twisted Roots Vineyard, named for the old vine Zinfandel roots dating back to the early 1900s that were excavated in co-owner Julie Ruiz’s childhood home. The spaces are inviting and more reminiscent of a comfortable yet elegantly appointed backyard rather than a vineyard that will put you at ease right away. Winemaker Josh Ruiz’s passion for agriculture and wine is evident within the first few minutes of talking to him. The pride both Julie and Josh share in the wine and in creating community is palpable and infectious. The wines all tell of the legacy of Twisted Roots longstanding history as a multigenerational wine-making family committed to sustainable and green practices. Be sure to try the deliciously summery Brut Rose that will quickly become the cornerstone of all your summer backyard parties. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the complex yet infinitely drinkable 2018 unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hop onto Tractor Pete’s Wine Wagon and make your way over to Rombi Wines. Expect to be served by the affable Salvatore (called Sal by his friends) Rombi who has been making wines since 2006. Exquisite pictures of Rombi’s vineyard adorn the walls of the intimate living room-style tasting room where Sal will happily regale you with stories of wines made sustainably with love and a passion for the land.
Savor
After your hike in Fort Ord National Monument, as you make your way back to Carmel, stop at Castlerock Café for an Ube latte and a scone that will keep you wanting more. This little roadside stop is a favorite among locals and parking is limited.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has two Michelin star restaurants and a range of dining options offering various cuisines. Many chefs use fresh ingredients sourced from the ocean and the nearby Salinas region, which produces about half of the food grown in the United States.
Cultura offers an exceptional dining experience with its nod to Oaxacan cuisine. While the restaurant interior is dark and sultry, two of their outdoor tables include firepits which put out a surprising amount of heat, perfect for those fogged in cooler summer evenings. The restaurant is known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Happy hour margaritas offer you the option of tequila or mezcal and are both made in perfect harmony. For a fun shared plate experience try the nachos that come loaded and delicious. If you’re brave, try a bowl of the fried grasshoppers; you might be pleasantly surprised at how good they taste, once you get past the fact that you’re voluntarily putting a bug in your mouth. Be sure to try the fall of the bone chicken mole and wrap up with the delicious churros that are served up with Mexican chocolate.
For the quintessential seafood experience, hit up A.W. Shucks on Ocean Avenue at the mouth of Doud Arcade. Welcoming staff, a well-appointed bar and fresh oysters, shrimp and exceptional fish and chips and chowder makes this place a fun dining experience for the whole family!
If you’re in Carmel-by-the-Sea on the weekend, consider a Sunday brunch at Terry’s Restaurant and Lounge at the Cypress Inn. Their beautiful patio boasts a fireplace, live music and a separate menu for your furry four-legged friends who are welcome in all the spaces in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Explore
Whether you are an avid hiker or just looking to explore the scenic surroundings, there is something for everyone on the miles of trails in Carmel and Carmel Valley.
No visit to the area is complete without the coastal views of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Known for its dramatic cliffs, serene coves, and abundant marine life, Point Lobos offers a variety of trails that meander through the reserve’s breathtaking scenery. The Cypress Grove Trail, in particular, is a favorite among hikers, providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline.
For a rich biodiversity and miles of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding or hiking check out the Creekside Terrace Trailhead in Fort Ord National Monument.
Need to walk on level ground? Try the miles of Monterey Bay Coastal Trail which stretches for 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove. Park near the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey for a pleasant walk that takes you past the old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, the Aquarium and on into Pacific Grove. If you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of the California Sea Lions and sea otters sunning along the jagged coastline.
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers restaurants, quaint stores, coffee shops and more than 50 art galleries in unique story-book architecture buildings. The Tuck Box for example makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Hobbit’s home in the Shire. The Pilgrim’s Way Bookshop and Secret Garden cause your shoulders to drop away from your ears as you relax into the beautiful meditative garden or enjoy browsing through the pages of your next read. Looking for the perfect gift for loved ones in your life? Look no further than Ami. The French word for friend, this appropriately named place gives you the feeling of friendship with the allure of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie on the quaint little patio waiting for every guest as they walk in the front door. Whether its home décor, clothing or whimsical cards with pithy sayings you are sure to find something for even the pickiest people in your life.
Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley are truly enchanting. From savoring world-class wines to indulging in gourmet dining, ocean sports and exploring scenic hiking trails, Carmel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Carmel will captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.
