Carmel-by-the-Sea and All Its Gems

If you are like me: a daydreamer who longs of wonder lust and frolicking through a magical, fictional town where Harry Potter and Stars Hallow co-exist, then put Carmel, CA at the top of your bucket list. Except don't wait a lifetime to visit, plan that trip asap! I'm here to tell you everywhere that you should visit so your enchanting adventure in Carmel has you feeling captivated in a world you never knew existed. The most dazzling details of the town are the architectural accents on the restaurants, boutiques, coffee houses, shops, and bakeries that line the crooked cobblestone passage ways. A Hogwarts inspired town with striped awnings, rustic roof tops, wooden doors, stone sidewalks and charming Inns, sits only half a mile from the white sandy beach that sits on the turquoise sea glass Pacific. I have your entire day perfectly planned from your morning coffee stop to evening drinks and dessert, so follow along and I know you will enjoy!

I recommend staying a weekend or at least a night in this small town beach oasis. You could easily spend a full day here as well, but I promise you won't want to miss staying at one of the charming inns. The Getaway is tucked on a perched hill at the end of Ocean Avenue. Classic cabin inspired rooms with wooden sliding doors and indoor fireplaces collide with beachy white and blue bathroom tiles and duvets, making this a cozy coastal stay. The first time I stayed here with my boyfriend we both agreed that one night wasn't nearly enough time. The communal patio porch is lined with twinkle lights and stone fire pits, perfect for an evening happy hour before hitting the town for dinner and drinks. I cannot recommend this spot enough, though you must reserve your room ahead of time because they book up fast. If you run out of luck booking with The Getaway, no worries because all of the inns are charming and cozy, proving their own unique experience.

Walking around the town in the morning when it's quiet enough to hear the ocean rumble when the fog hangs low on the surrounding mountains is one of my favorite times to explore. This is probably because I love Fall weather and no matter what season it is, California will always have a crisp chill early in the morning. First stop on a crisp morning should always be for coffee at a local shop. Coffee is a true hobby of mine and it doesn't get more local than Carmel Valley Roasting Company. Their fresh beans provide the perfect aroma first thing in the morning and all of their house-made drinks and treats are purely indulgent.

So you're walking around an adorable town with a good cup of coffee; it's time to hit the trendy boutiques. My favorite shop to pop into every time I am here is Coast Carmel because of their chic and comfy athleisure apparel. This store has every basic and comfortable staples that I would want in my closet at all times, for every season. My favorite pair of navy blue joggers, my black trendy rain jacket, and my soft grey hoodie are all from Coast and they will never go out of style. Next up, stop by Lloyd's for some classic shoe shopping. Imagine walking into a closet with walls of shoes on every side and that's what you will experience when you stride into Lloyd's. I promise you will be striding out of the boutique with a new pair of cute and comfy kicks too. All of the shops in Carmel are one of a kind, which is personally my favorite type of shopping. The bougie boutiques like Paloosh, Jolie, and Pamplemousse are where you will find those classic, timeless pieces that you can't find anywhere else. Not going to lie, it can be easy to break the bank browsing these unique stores but just remember to treat yourself if it's something that speaks to your soul and has you leaving Carmel with a proper token souvenir.

All of the shopping, walking, and sipping on your delicious coffee should have you starving so it's time to choose from some amazing restaurants for lunch. I am completely biased though because my top recommendation is Dametra Cafe, a truly authentic mediterranean family-owned restaurant that has the most amazing cuisine. Start with a hummus platter or the tatziki dip (or both!) and then a classic Greek salad, followed by one of their amazing entrees, and lastly have their baklava with mint tea for dessert. Not only is the food impeccable, but the experience alone with the enthusiastic Greek waiters strumming instruments and the chef revealing his glorious pipes as he belts out a fantastic song in the middle of your meal is unforgettable.

After lunch take a stroll to the beach to dance in the sand and hear the beautiful ocean crash. People are always running around, sitting on blankets, and chasing their dogs on the beach because the weather is always sunny and breezy. It also wouldn't be a true trip to Carmel without enjoying a wine tasting at one of the local tasting rooms. A couple of my favorites are Caraccioli Cellars for a delightful sparkling flight and Sheid Tasting Room for a mix of dry champagne and wine. For bolder reds and some rose, visit Albatross Ridge and De Tierra Vineyards. All of the beautiful tasting rooms are intertwined and tucked away throughout the Carmel side roads, each with their own modern and endearing touches.

After some mid day booze and an afternoon on the beach, I'd suggest taking a nap back in your cozy room however you absolutely won't want to miss another amazing meal. The options are endless for a great experience and a delicious dinner, but my two top recommendations to dine at are the upscale steakhouse, Seventh and Dolores and the French inspired La Bicyclette, both listed on the Michelin California Guide. The vibes are completely opposite, yet they sit directly diagonal from one another where Seventh St. and Dolores St. intersect. Who would have thought?

Seventh and Dolores greets you with a tall wooden awning and glass doors, leading you into a naturally lit and open room with high columned ceilings. Couch chairs and white clothed tables line the spacey room and a white granite bar sits exposed in the corner, inviting you to indulge in your libation of choice. This is definitely a fancy dinning experience and the food, drink, and presentation will have you feeling like a Queen (or King). Their menu is seasonal so the food is always fresh and flavorful. The back patio is perfect for fun gatherings or a shimmering date night. This restaurant is top notch and a must visit if you are ever in Carmel.

When you step into La Bicyclette you immediately feel the romantic ambiance of Paris as French music strums in the background while everyone is sipping on Bordeuax or Reisling. A white stone building with brass accents, French flags hanging from blue awnings, and patterned stone tiles make for the most authentic French countryside experience. I had one of the most amazing meals here. We were running around Carmel all day on a Fall afternoon and had just finished a wine tasting, leaving with growling stomachs. Roaming the streets looking for a tasty meal, we cam across La Bicyclette and at first glance of the menu we decided to walk in right as the sun went down and couldn't wait for a warming dinner. I ordered the specialty, which was Rabbit with mashed parsnips and roast vegetables; absolutely immaculate with the French bread and wine. This little piece of Carmel will give you the most homey feeling in a town away from home.

Once dinner concludes and you're in a fabulous food coma, the night is not over yet. Walk off the food baby by strolling through the glistening town and make room for a sweet treat at Carmel Bakery or after dinner drink at Sade's (or both!) Carmel Bakery is open at all times during the day, even late into the evening for those coffee enthusiasts and dessert fanatics. Cannolis, homemade ice cream, freshly baked goods, and house made coffee, this is must visit in Carmel above anything else. I save the best to mention last :) Lastly, for a night cap you must visit the intimate Sade's, a classic cocktail dive bar with a pub vibe that only seats 14 people. They don't have a website and you cannot find them on Instagram, so I 100% recommend booking the trip and visiting yourself. The owner is a hoot and the visit always promises convivial entertainment and lively memories.

As you can tell, charming Carmel holds a very special place in my heart and will always be a place that I will prioritize to visit. Even just spending a few hours walking around the delightful streets and exploring new places to shop, eat, taste, hang, drink, and more is a large part of the experience and what makes my Carmel memories so wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

XO Linds