Carmel By The Sea

Sometimes we can become so preoccupied with planning vacations in distant places that we forget to explore the beauty right in our own State. Carmel, California is a charming town with a delightful European vibe that is often overlooked. Nestled along the coast, it offers stunning views, quaint streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for a weekend getaway. With its art galleries, unique shops, and gourmet restaurants, Carmel provides a lovely escape without the need for extensive travel.

How can I have travelled to so many different destinations and not visited this gem until my 40th year? My husband's work event in Pebble Beach fell on his birthday weekend. Never one to pass up a trip, I secured the sitter and booked my flight! Which in hindsight is silly, could have easily driven from Orange County; however, when you only have a weekend, every second counts. So, my easy 45 minute flight was well worth it. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay at the most unbelievable hotel in Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay. Everything about this hotel screams luxury and relaxation. Happy hour on the patio/lawn that overlooks the Pacific Ocean IS THE PLACE TO BE. Bustling with people of all ages, having a good time.

Since 1987, a bagpiper has played along the Pebble Beach coastline and ends at The Spanish Bay. A bagpiper just gets me every time. I'm not sure if its the association with my grandfathers funeral, but I will never not get misty-eyed while listening to a bagpiper. So, grab a blanket, a drink and cozy up to the fireplace to listen to the bagpiper every evening. Plan to be there around 45 mins before sunset and maybe even earlier if you want to get a good seat.

After an amazing first day, I headed out early in the morning to live my "Big Little Lies" dreams. Walking along the Pacific next to the gorgeous coastal live oak trees, while watching deer cross the road, you really do feel like your in a movie or a dream. The cliffs are dramatic and views are unbeatable.

That afternoon we headed into downtown Carmel. One of my favorite things to do in any new city is a bike tour. This started on my backpacking trip to Europe. I did a bike tour in Barcelona and through Tuscany. There is just something special about being on a bike, exploring somewhere new and getting insights from a local. I've yet to have a bad tour guide. They are always funny, encouraging and teach you things about the city you would never know on your own. So, wanting to share the bike tour experience with my husband, I booked us a tour with Mad Dogs& Englishmen Bike Shop. Now, this wasn't the vintage mountain bike I struggled to pedal up the hills in Tuscany, this was fancy new E-bike; because Carmel is fancy. It made the tour such a breeze and would be doable for travelers of all ages and abilities. Our tour guide was excellent and the views were even better!

After the bike tour, we walked around the charming streets and tried to find the all hidden courtyards. Left with the most important decision of the day, where should we eat? We settled on a bar and restaurant inside a famous hotel called The Cypress Inn (previous owned by Doris Day. Vintage vibes all the way and bartender made some amazing drinks. After enjoying our drinks, it was time to head back to The Spanish Inn and enjoy our last night at such an unbelievably beautiful property.

While sad to pack up and leave, I'm happy I was able to visit Carmel/Pebble Beach and am already thinking of the next time we can travel here. Hopefully when thinking about your next vacation, consider taking a closer look at the hidden gems right in your own state and if you need help picking a destination and creating an itinerary, reach out The Hills Travel Co.