Morning: Arrive in Carmel and settle into your lodging before taking a leisurely stroll along Carmel Beach. The soft sand and iconic white‑capped cypress trees provide a perfect welcome to the coast.
Afternoon: Drive the famous 17‑Mile Drive, stopping at iconic vistas such as the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach. Enjoy a light lunch at the scenic Carmel Plaza while watching the Pacific waves.
Evening: Explore the historic Carmel Mission and its beautiful gardens, then wander the charming downtown streets for dinner at a local bistro.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the Carmel Art Museum to admire a diverse collection of contemporary and classic works, followed by a coffee at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for breathtaking coastal trails, sea‑lion spotting, and tide‑pool exploration. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the cliffs.
Evening: Take a guided tour of the historic Tor House, the former home of poet Robinson Jeffers, and then dine at a waterfront restaurant while watching the sunset.
Book a HotelMorning: Cross the bridge to Monterey for a visit to the world‑renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can marvel at marine life from the kelp forest to the jellyfish exhibit.
Afternoon: Return to the Peninsula for a tasting session at Bernardus Winery, sampling acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay amid rolling vineyards.
Evening: Unwind at Carmel River State Beach where you can stroll along the dunes and watch a stunning sunset over the Pacific before a final dinner in town.
Book a HotelIf you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the nearby Big Sur coastline or the historic town of Pacific Grove. For a shorter visit, condense Day 2 by swapping Point Lobos for the more accessible Carmel Valley Ranch Trail and skip the Monterey Bay Aquarium, focusing solely on Carmel’s local attractions.