Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast at Village Corner, a cozy café that feels like an extension of Carmel’s old-world charm. Grab a seat on the European-style covered patio and sip locally roasted coffee. Order a savory dish like the Carmel eggs benedict or pastrami hash and eggs, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the brioche French toast.

Take a short drive to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for an early-morning hike with unparalleled views of dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and white-sand beaches. Walk the 0.8-mile Cypress Grove Trail to surround yourself with lush cypress trees. Stop by China Cove for postcard-worthy shots of the sea caves and sparkling waters. Keep an eye out for sea otters and harbor seals lounging in the coves or migrating whales breaching offshore.

Step back in time to circa 1770 at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a beautifully preserved Spanish-style mission. Admire the arched bell tower, golden sandstone walls, intricate woodwork, peaceful courtyards, and vibrant gardens. Marvel at relics like a 400-year-old bible, California’s oldest functioning pipe organs, and the burial site of the controversial Father Serra. The Carmel Mission is still an active parish, so be sure to plan your visit outside of weekly services. 

Refuel with a laid-back lunch at Mulligan Public House, an Irish-American gastropub tucked away from the main tourist sites. Dig into comforting dishes like the Kobe beef sliders or a Philly cheesesteak. Pair your meal with a bacon beer flight to sample three beers and three kinds of bacon.

Immerse yourself in Carmel’s vastly underrated wine scene by visiting Scheid Vineyards, conveniently located just a block from Ocean Avenue. This sustainable winery helped put Monterey County on the map as a wine region, with estate-grown wines from ten vineyards to choose from. Step inside the storybook-esque tasting room to sip a flight of standout wines like the Reserve Pinot Noir and Bordeaux-style Claret.

Settle in for an indulgent dinner at Seventh & Dolores, an upscale steakhouse housed in a restored mid-century bank building. Don’t let the word “upscale” scare you—the coastal-chic decor and open dining room keep the atmosphere warm and inviting. Start with the charred octopus or the Grand Seafood Tower for a worthwhile splurge. For the main event, dig into a rack of lamb or a dry-aged ribeye topped with freshly shaved truffle. 

No perfect day in Carmel-by-the-Sea is complete without dessert, and Cafe Dal Mare is just the place to satisfy your craving. Most Carmel cafes close early, but this one stays open late to catch the after-dinner crowd. Embrace the low-key atmosphere and nautical-inspired decor. Indulge in housemade pastries, like cannolis and tiramisu, along with creamy gelato imported straight from Italy. For a true Italian dessert, try the affogato—gelato drowned in hot espresso. 

Grab a nightcap at Barmel and pair your drinks with captivating live music. Expect a rotating lineup of blues, jazz, rock, and indie bands in an unpretentious bar setting. Inside the dive-bar-meets-music-venue, you’ll find walls lined with vintage posters and eclectic art. Reflect on the day’s adventures from the heated patio, or sip whiskey inside the bar where locals and tourists come together over good drinks and great music.