Carmel, including the Valley, has been since I was a child, and continues to be one of my most favorite towns in all of California.

Carmel-by-the-Sea A picturesque town with fun for all ages and interests.

Carmel Beach City Park
One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. With breathtaking views of Pebble Beach, this is hard to beat. It’s a really fun to walk the length of it. You can even walk up to the golf course. It’s also dog friendly.

Carmel River State Beach
One of the quieter beaches in Carmel but just as breathtaking as the others.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission
This is a beautiful old Mission not too far from downtown that is worth a visit if you have some time.

Carmel Mission Ranch
Restaurant in inn owned by none other than Clint Eastwood. This is one of my favorite dinner spots. They have a nice deck with views of sheep grazing, Point Lobos, and the Pacific. They do have heat lamps but I suggest dressing with layers if you want to sit outside. The bar here is fun as well. They often have live jazz music.

Demetra Cafe
I have enjoyed many joyful dinners here. The restaurant is tiny and family owned. Be sure to make a reservation. The Greek cusisine is delicious and decently affordable. The waitstaff are ridiculously friendly and fun. They are all family and friends from Greece. The chef, a rather old Greek man, has come out of the kitchen to play music every time I’ve eaten here. The waiters all sing along and one time they even got a friend of mine up and dancing.

The Forge in the Forest
Affordable American fare in a great atmosphere. Nice wine and beer selction as well and the bar is usually lively as well. I’ve never actually eaten sitting inside because the outdoor seating is so cute and they have plenty of heat lamps and a big fire pit that seem to keep it warm on a really foggy day. They usually have some sort of live music on weekend nights which is a fun bonus.

Casanova
To date this is my all time favorite restaurants. It’s pricey and definitely occasion worthy but it is such a wonderful and blissful dining experience you have to go. You do have to do a pre-fixe coursed meal but there are plenty of options. Their gnocchi appetizer is the best I have ever had. The restaurant is set in an old home that has been transformed into a rambling precious dining rooms that make you feel at home in the French country side. Complete with Lavender bundles for sale out front. The story behind the building is actually really neat. It was purchased through an estate sale and the 90 year old woman who had lived in it prior for over 50 years and was at one time a personal cook for Charlie Chaplin.

Brophy’s Tavern
This is typically where I like to end the night with a beer or two. Nice, low-key Irish sports bar kind of off the beaten path.

Carmel Valley One perfect way to spend an afternoon is to head into Carmel Valley. This is an especially nice place to go if there is thick fog on the coast, as the fog tends to clear from the valley first. The weather can be a night and day difference from downtown Carmel to Carmel Valley. In Carmel Valley you will find many wineries, restaurants, art galleries, and some nice hiking trails. Here are my favorite places to visit in the Valley.

Garland Ranch Regional Park
Beautiful state park in Carmel Valley with many beautiful hiking trails. This park is dog and horse friendly and has trails for all different levels of hikers.

Baja Cantina
Lively Mexican restaurant with great food and delicious margaritas. Really a fun place for a nice casual dinner. Their Carnitas is so good!

Corkscrew Café
An absolute must stop. My favorite is to come here for lunch because their outdoor seating area is divine. The food is top notch, the wine selection is huge, and the service is extremely friendly. This restaurant, if I’m not mistaken, is owned by the same people who own the winery Georis and the Georis tasting room is actually on the same property as the restaurant. Corckscrew Café is honestly a little slice of heaven.

Georis
I cannot visit this winery without buying quite a bit of wine. I love their Rose, which they produce only a limited amount of so if you happen to stumble upon it in stock, you’re lucky. I love their various white wines as well as many of the reds, particularly the Merlot even though I’m not necessarily a Merlot fan. Most of the wines are affordable. Their tasting room is adorable and they have picturesque outdoor seating as well. They also sell a nice selection of books and various gifty items. This winery is not to be missed.

Heller Estate Organic Vineyards
Nice organic winery with nice wines and cheap tasting prices! I’m pretty sure the last time I was there they were charging $5 for 8 tasting. I’m all about a good deal and I remember they waived the tasting fee because I bought a bottle.

Talbott Vineyards
Another must stop. Adorable tasting room and they make some really outstanding wines. Their prices are relatively affordable.