Family Friendly Carmel by the Sea Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Carmel by the Sea, California

4:00PM

Check-in at Charming Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy a warm welcome and settle into your accommodation at a charming bed & breakfast in Carmel by the Sea.
Drive from your arrival point to the B&B.
£150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Indulge in delicious French cuisine in a cosy setting at La Bicyclette, a popular restaurant in Carmel.
Short walk or drive to the restaurant.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day

Carmel Beach, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Katy's Place

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Katy's Place, known for its delicious omelettes and pancakes.
Short drive to the restaurant.
£20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Carmel Beach

Spend the day at the stunning Carmel Beach, perfect for a family day out with its soft sand and beautiful views.
Short walk from the breakfast place to the beach.
Free, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mission Ranch

Enjoy a scenic dinner at Mission Ranch, overlooking the meadows and ocean while savouring their signature dishes.
Drive to Mission Ranch for dinner.
£40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nature Exploration

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant, known for its fresh and organic offerings.
Short drive to the restaurant.
£25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike at Point Lobos

Explore the stunning coastal landscapes, hike along scenic trails, and admire the diverse marine life at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Drive to Point Lobos for a day of hiking and exploration.
£15, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dametra Cafe

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Dametra Cafe, a lively restaurant with a warm atmosphere and delicious dishes.
Drive to Dametra Cafe for dinner.
£35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Drive

17-Mile Drive, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Crema

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crema, a cosy cafe known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
Drive to Crema for breakfast.
£15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive along 17-Mile Drive

Embark on a scenic drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive, known for its breathtaking coastal views, luxurious homes, and golf courses.
Start your drive at the designated entrance point of 17-Mile Drive.
£10 (entrance fee), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Bench

Stop for a relaxing lunch at The Bench, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and delicious Californian cuisine.
Enjoy a meal at The Bench along 17-Mile Drive.
£30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Grasings

Dine at Grasings, a renowned restaurant in Carmel known for its seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients.
Head to Grasings for a delightful dinner experience.
£50, 2 hours
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Day 5: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Big Sur Bakery, known for its pastries, coffee, and picturesque setting.
Drive to Big Sur Bakery for breakfast.
£20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore McWay Falls

Visit the iconic McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that drops into the ocean, offering a picturesque sight for nature lovers.
Drive to McWay Falls parking area and take a short walk to the viewpoint.
£5 (parking fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nepenthe, a cliffside restaurant with panoramic views of the coast and delicious American cuisine.
Drive to Nepenthe for a scenic lunch experience.
£40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Explore the redwood forests, scenic trails, and vibrant wildlife at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, ideal for a family hike.
Drive to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for an afternoon of hiking.
£10 (parking fee), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sierra Mar

Dine at Sierra Mar, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Big Sur offering exquisite dining with panoramic ocean views.
Head to Sierra Mar for a gourmet dinner experience.
£100, 2 hours
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Day 6: Aquarium Exploration

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at First Awakenings, a popular spot known for its generous portions and hearty meals.
Drive to First Awakenings for breakfast.
£15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the fascinating marine exhibits and stunning displays at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, perfect for a family day out.
Drive to the aquarium for a day of exploration.
£50, 4 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Passionfish

Enjoy a sustainable seafood dinner at Passionfish, a restaurant committed to serving fresh and eco-friendly dishes.
Drive to Passionfish for a delectable dinner.
£45, 2 hours
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Day 7: Departure Day

Carmel by the Sea, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Carmel Belle, a farm-to-table cafe offering organic and locally sourced meals.
Drive to Carmel Belle for breakfast.
£25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-out and Departure

Check out of your accommodation and depart from Carmel by the Sea with wonderful memories of your family road trip.
Wrap up your stay and head towards your next destination.
N/A, 1 hour
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