The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Charming Carmel

Take a Trip to seaside Carmel, California for a relaxing beach weekend!

Come along with Jodie, Bianca and me on our girl’s trip to the scenic coastal village of Carmel, CA. This historic, enchanting town is perfectly nestled along California’s central coastline and rated “One of America’s Best Beach Towns.” We wholeheartedly agree with that claim. Carmel is famous for its spectacular beaches, awesome shopping and dining choices, and family-friendly atmosphere. We loved everything about this quaint getaway destination and expect you will too. Be prepared to be tempted to start booking your next trip!

 

 

We had such a fun, relaxing weekend exploring the quaint town, strolling along the sandy beaches and window shopping. So many great restaurants and boutiques. The neighborhoods are to die for if you love to see unique homes. Carmel really is a must see when visiting northern California. You won’t regret it, trust us!

Historic Downtown Carmel

When we first arrived in town, we parked the car and began our walking tour of whimsical Carmel-by-the-Sea. We walked all over town, visiting various shops that grabbed our attention. The town is filled with historic landmarks and buildings, which is right up our alley since we love history. Finding a place to stay is certainly not an issue since we found a new, inviting inn around nearly every block. However, a few words on that topic.

Our Thoughts on Where to Stay

If you want to be in the middle of all this charm (which we highly recommend) and within walking distance to wonderful restaurants, shops and even the beach, there are dozens and dozens of quaint little inns quite literally on EVERY corner.

They are each more adorable than the next. Cottage style inns like the Normandy Inn and the Lamp Lighter Inn and Sunset Suites, just a couple of examples that we walked by on our way from town towards the beach just ooze charm and attention to detail. Small courtyards with landscaped gardens make these each so alluring.

Just be aware, you will pay more for the location, but we think that it is worth it. Just the idea of parking your car and having everything within walking distance for a few days is tempting. Parking can be very tricky in and around town as we experienced.

WARNING: These quaint inns are small and sought after and will sell out well in advance. We booked last minute, so we had to stay in nearby Monterey. Next time, we are motivated to plan ahead so we can stay in downtown Carmel.

Feeling Hungry?

After working up an appetite, we decided to find a spot for lunch. We stumbled upon Dametra Cafe, a cute Mediterranean restaurant with the most delicious food. They had a huge selection, from healthy salads to decadent pasta dishes and sandwiches.

Halfway through our meal, the main chef came out from the kitchen and serenaded the entire restaurant with an amazing vocal performance. It was a highlight of the day. We even made friends with the restaurant owner who wanted a picture with The Design Twins before we left. He was too sweet.

Carmel’s Luscious Gardens and Terrain

We were truly awestruck by the succulent gardens and secret pathways scattered around town. We discovered a gorgeous garden on our way to the beach.

It was filled with an abundance of flowers, ornate greenery, and an elegant fountain. This created a serene oasis we simply did not want to leave.

Jodie and I were stunned by the unique flora and fauna of the area. The towering cypress trees are perfect for climbing (Jodie is a tree-climber at heart) and floral masterpieces emerge everywhere you look. Carmel is an outdoor lover’s dream. 

 

Majestic Carmel Beach

When in Carmel, it would be a crime not to visit the famous Carmel Beach. The white sand beaches felt like clouds beneath our feet and the turquoise water sparkled in the sunlight.

The destination is perfect for a family picnic or relaxing by the water and taking in the breathtaking views. The water was a little too chilly for swimming. Plus, we didn’t pack our suits.

The beach is also extremely dog friendly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry friends behind.

Breathtaking Carmel Real Estate

Just when we thought Carmel couldn’t get any more beautiful, we began exploring the side streets of town. House after house made our jaws drop. Each home was unique and different from the last.

The neighborhoods are overflowing with adorable cottages and bungalows. We were at a loss of words to say the least.

Jodie and I are seriously considering retiring here one day.

 

 

After a fun morning of shopping we ate lunch at the French-inspired café in downtown Carmel, La Bicyclette. The food was delectable and certainly worthy of an Instagram picture.

 

Carmel is a Must See

So next time you are driving along Highway 1 make sure to add Carmel to your must-see list. 

Carmel is perfect for a fun, relaxing weekend with your hubby or closest girlfriends. Just oozing charm this coastal town overdelivers even on the highest expectations. We felt we were worlds away, which of course is the point on a getaway.

The natural beauty of Carmel will literally transport you. You won’t want to return home. We certainly didn’t. Thanks for coming along with us. We hope it motivates you to plan your own visit.

XO

P.S. We love it when you pin our photos on Pinterest and leave us comments to share what you think.

Want to create a relaxing getaway in your own home? Check out our blog post all about how to create a luxury bathroom retreat!