Things To Do
17 Mile Drive
Follow 17-Mile Drive’s red-dotted line to arrive at an enchanting world full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses. Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $12 per vehicle.
Big Sur
Make the drive up to Big Sur, a scenic coastal drive up the famous Highway 1, for waterfalls, hikes, and wildlife. Make sure to check out the iconic Bixby Bridge and stop at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana for food and drinks with a view. Take a minute to check the link for Highway 1 conditions.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Explore the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea with countless local restaurants and shops
Monterey
Explore the city of Monterey, including the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Wharf, and tons of restaurants.
Outdoor Activities
Carmel Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Public beach at the end of town with clear views of Pebble and Point Lobos) Carmel River State Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Our go-to - a separate beach with a lagoon just south of town with easy parking access) Point Lobos State Park - Carmel-by-the-Sea ($10 / vehicle, easy and beautiful hikes just outside of town) Highway 1 Viewpoints & Trails - Carmel to Big Sur (Countless stop offs and view points, including some trails. Beware of fog) Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Big Sur (Tons of hikes with a range of difficulty. Check out the Big Sur River Gorge)
Our Favorite Eats
Earthbound Farm Stand - Carmel Valley (Great sandwiches, snacks and coffee - ideal on your way to explore the Valley) Casanova Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Great French / Italian dinner option with outside seating) La Bicyclette - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Famous French Bistro that serves breakfast (weekends only), lunch & dinner) Cantinetta Luca - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Classic Italian restaurant Hudson grew up going to every year) The Corkscrew - Carmel Valley (Ideal lunch spot with tables in the garden, a Trent family favorite) Bernardus Lodge & Spa - Carmel Valley (Great spot for an drinks or an upscale dinner)
Our Favorite Drinks
Barmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Probably the most clear "nightlife" bar in town, lot of fun) Mulligan's - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Great bar with TVs for sports and cheap beer) Alvarado Street Brewery - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Great beer and food in the Carmel mall, surrounded by shops & other restaurants) Talbott's Tasting Room - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Site of Megan & Hudson's first non-Dallas date, Small tasting room on the way to the beach) Caroccioli Cellars - Carmel-by-the-Sea (Known for their champagne and sparkling wines incase you want to make a toast) Folktale Winery - Carmel Valley (Winery with a fun patio with tons of seating for tastings and snacks)
Golf around Carmel
Tough to go wrong with courses in the Carmel area, but here are a few to consider: Carmel Valley Ranch (Hyatt property, fantastic golf course in the Valley. Book 2 weeks out or get set up with group) The Quail (Valley course on the easier side, book 30 days out) Poppy Hills Golf Course (Can book 90-days out, great separately owned course inside Pebble) Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Spyglass, Del Monte (No tee times unless reserving lodging unfortunately, but sometimes can get lucky week of)