Disclosure: I was invited to stay in Carmel by the Sea at the Hofsas House. This is what I saw, learned, and why I love STAYing in Carmel by the Sea whenever I visit the Monterey Peninsula.
I’m going to be honest. I love visiting the Monterey Peninsula. I love the first time seeing the Monterey Bay as I come in off the 156. I love the ocean waters, the sea life happening all around the Bay, and of course, the cute little towns throughout the Peninsula.
And, because of the adorable little town of Carmel by the Sea, it’s exactly where I stay every time I come to visit the Peninsula. This town, with lots of charm, is in such close proximity of SO MANY fun things to do, another GREAT reason to stay.
With that being said, to help GET you inspired, here are my 7 Day Trip Ideas:
1) Monterey’s Cannery Row
Cannery Row has so many fun offerings happening all times of the year from the Monterey Aquarium, to the various dining establishments in the area. Also, many wine tasting rooms are right on the Waterfront offering for a great view as you sip on your favorite wines.
Stop in the fun shops along the way as you walk around the Waterfront, and end your day at Old Fisherman’s Wharf where you can enjoy a sunset dinner at Big Fish Grill, the restaurant at the very end of the Wharf that overlooks Monterey Bay.
Oysters at Big Fish Grill – Old Fisherman’s Wharf
2) 17 Mile Drive
Probably ONE of my all time favorite things to do while in Carmel by the Sea, and with an entry point right next to the town, it’s so easy to do. Just remember: 10 Dollar Admission to get into 17 Mile Drive, so when on the drive, plan on making a day of it:
Grab a drink at the Pebble Beach Lodge, Take in a Photo at the Lone Cypress Tree, or just spend some time along the water, no matter what you do, you’ll create some fun memories:
3) Make it a BEACH Day
With the Carmel Beach being less than a mile from Town Center, it’s WAY too easy to make it a Beach Day. The best part? How dog friendly Carmel Beach is: Dogs run free here!
Also, did you know that Carmel Beach is one of the FEW beaches in California that allow WINE on the beach? That’s right. Wine on the beach as you take in the sun and water.
Dinner Recommendation: Head to Pacific Grove to the Beach House at Lover’s Point for a Sunset Dinner to make it an awesome end to your fantastic day on the beach!
4) Take a Visit to Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley, not to be confused with Carmel by the Sea, is just a few miles down the road from Carmel by the Sea off of Carmel Valley Road. You can begin your day by grabbing lunch at Earthbound Farms, enjoy it picnic style, or bring it in the car with you as you drive into Carmel Valley.
Take in the scenic views of the Valley, or stop in various tasting rooms along the way such as Holman Ranch, Jarman Cellars, Talbott Vineyards, Joyce Vineyards, Cima Collina, Cowgirl Winery and many others. Each tasting room bringing a little bit of Carmel Valley personality!
5) Explore Big Sur
I don’t think people REALIZE how close Big Sur is to Carmel by the Sea (less than 3o miles, really!) Hop on Highway 1, and head off into the Sunset. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the famed Bixby Bridge, and other scenic views along the way.
One of my absolute favorite California drives!
Once in Big Sur, be sure to grab lunch or dinner at Big Sur Roadhouse, where you’ll experience a bit of New Orleans right off the California coast.
6) Go on a Hike!
There’s a lot of GREAT places to Hike around the Monterey Peninsula, but, if you want to enjoy a bit of the outdoors, while taking in some great scenic views, a stop off at Point Lobos needs to happen.
Just some of the views along the way:
If you book a stay at the Hofsas House, you can partake in their “Take a Hike Package” which will allow you to “Experience Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness or take in magnificent Point Lobos State Park. After a day of hiking the Big Sur coastline, guests relax in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas. Package includes a $25 gift certificate for Carmel’s 5th Avenue Deli. Offer valid from June 1 thru July 31st, 2016 with a minimum of a two (2)-night stay. Mention HHNature at booking. Offer not valid with any other discounts, promotions or thru a third party booking agent.
7) Explore Moss Landing
Another fun town apart of the Monterey Peninsula is none other than Moss Landing. Home of the largest Estuarary in the State, and a place with tons of unique, antique stores right along their town’s main drag.
To learn more about Moss Landing, be sure to check out my article here.
8) Bonus: Spend a Day in Carmel by the Sea
But of course, a stay in Carmel by the Sea, isn’t complete without spending some time in the town itself. With its picturesque cottages, wooden signs, and all of it’s fun shopping, it’s a place worth spending time in.
Buy a new hat, grab a cup of coffee at Carmel Roasting Company, or purchase some Salt Water Taffy at the Cottage of Sweets, or, if you’re like me, spend an afternoon Wine Tasting with their affordable Wine Tasting Passport (I mean, 14 wine tasting rooms in the town itself!)
Or grab a meal at one of their AWESOME dining establishments! Trust me, I like to splurge on food every time I make a visit.
Where to Stay: The Hofsas House
The Hofsas House has been in business for over 69 years! And, they know Customer Service. This inn, right in town center of Carmel by the Sea is in close proximity to all of these Day Trip Ideas, and let me tell you, their BEDS are incredibly comfortable.
Complimentary Breakfast comes with your stay with various yogurts and pastries from a local Monterey Company. The Hofsas House offers a variety of packages to help host you during your stay from Wine Tasting to the Monterey Aquarium to a Day Spent on the Beach, they will have all of your needs covered.
Just take a look at one of their rooms:
They will definitely take care of you while in town. Now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to Carmel by the Sea, summer has officially arrived!
Tell me, what are some of your favorite things to do around the Monterey Peninsula? Or, more specifically, in Carmel by the Sea?
