our guide to carmel
these are all our favorite places and things to do in the area - we hope you grow to love carmel as much as we do!
RESTAURANTS
Attached to our favorite hotel in the area (The Sanctuary), this place offers delicious fare.
Marina
SALT WOOD KITCHEN
One of the most romantic dinner spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Grab a bottle of wine and make sure to try the gnocchi.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
LA BICYCLETTE
One of our favorite breakfast spots! The cinnamon roll pancakes are a must.
Carmel
FROM SCRATCH
Upscale dining in a historic 19th century adobe home. Our dinner spot the day after we got engaged!
Monterey
STOKES ADOBE
Local hot spot for a romantic dinner with a great view of the bay and occasional wild life sightings. Get the prime rib!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
MISSION RANCH
FOLKTALE WINERY
Charming storybook chateau on a vineyard. Great spot for an outdoor lunch over a glass of wine and flatbreads. Our lunch spot the day after we got engaged!
Carmel Valley
We bet you can’t walk out of here without trying one of their giant pretzels or scrumptious pastries.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
CARMEL BAKERY
A must for Mariano and Kerissa whenever they’re in town. Greek/Italian food and impeccable vibes. If it’s your birthday, you might just be serenaded.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
DAMETRA CAFE
Where Mariano took Kerissa for lunch right before proposing to her! Some of the most incredible views for a restaurant.
Big Sur
THE SUR HOUSE AT ALILA VENTANA
Grab a glass of a local wine while enjoying the valley sunshine.
Carmel Valley
BERNARDUS WINERY
Delicious Mexican grub hidden inside Carmel Plaza.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
NICOLAS COCINA DE HERENCIA
Refined Hawaiian food with views of Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach
ROY’S AT PEBBLE BEACH
European bistro tucked away in a cute alley - Mariano approves of the carbonara!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
NORA’S CARMEL
Bustling spot for breakfast and lunch. Make sure to make your reservation ahead of time!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
VILLAGE CORNER BISTRO
Take a break from exploring Ocean Ave with a nice tea/coffee and a tiramisu - while it’s unclear if Giuseppe approves, it may or may not make an appearance at the wedding :)
Carmel-by-the-Sea
CAFE CARMEL
Deliciously huge Mexican dishes at this roadstop cantina.
Carmel Valley
BAJA CANTINA & GRILL
If you want to play Goodfellas while taking down some clam chowder and other prime cuts, try out this romantically lit spot on the water.
Monterey
OLD FISHERMAN’S GROTTO
ACTIVITIES
One of the most stunning drives across the country. About an hour each way if coming from Carmel/Monterey.
DRIVE DOWN PCH TO BIG SUR
The center of it all in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Eat, drink, shop and car watch.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
SHOP + STROLL ON OCEAN AVE
We’re not kidding - the number and size of the squirrels is something to witness. The coastline and marine life isn’t too bad either :)
Monterey
SQUIRREL WATCH AT LOVER’S POINT
Charming hotel lobby with several food and drink options.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
DRINKS AT THE INN AT SPANISH BAY
Take in the rugged coastline as the Pacific Ocean meets the perfectly manicured Pebble Beach Golf Coarse. Rental convertible recommended!
Pebble Beach/Monterey
17-MILE DRIVE
THE spot where Mariano proposed to Kerissa. For the adventurous at heart, we recommend hopping the short fences and venturing a bit further for a breathtaking view of the Monterey Peninsula and the ginormous sand dunes lining the coast.
Monterey
HOP THE FENCE AT FORT ORD DUNES
Picturesque flower picking. If you’re not down to get your hands a little dirty, grab a bite or buy some local produce at the farm store.
Carmel Valley
FLOWERPICKING AT EARTHBOUND FARM
Hidden off of PCH beyond a forest is this gem. Purple sands and natural arches that frame a sunset - one of the most picturesque beaches.
Big Sur
PFEIFFER BEACH PURPLE SANDS
Snap a photo with the lighthouse and some cows!
Big Sur
POINT SUR LIGHTHOUSE
White sands and sprawling cypress - Mozza approves!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
SUNSET WALK ON CARMEL BEACH
Grab a glimpse of the renowned architect’s only residential pieces on the ocean.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOUSE