Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Charm, beaches and world-class food! Everything you need to know about where to eat and what to do is in this guide to Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.

We love, love, love Carmel-By-The-Sea and try to go every couple of months.  It’s an easy getaway from San Francisco but it feels so different! There is world-class dining on every block. It’s the “beachiest” destination in Northern California with its serene white sand beaches. The city is surrounded by wine country and there are many tasting rooms in downtown Carmel. There’s so much to do! In addition, it might be the cutest town of all time, with rows and rows of perfectly manicured cottages and charming shops.

This is THE TIME of year to visit Carmel! The tourist crowds have thinned and the weather is at its best. There’s really no excuse. Here are some things we love to do when we’re in town.

Read on for what to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea…

Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

The first step in planning your trip should be Visit Carmel-By-The-Sea, the official website for the city’s tourism board. We’ve worked with them on a number of occasions and they are the experts on everything you need to have the perfect trip, from events to dining to hotels. They even have the option to search for the best hotel rates right on their website. Most of our favorite spots were suggestions from Visit Carmel. Their Instagram account is also work checking out.

Oh, and if you want to see video from many of the places below, check out the “Carmel” highlight on my Instagram profile!

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea – Cypress Inn

Doris Day’s Cypress Inn is an institution in Carmel. The hotel lobby manages to be both majestic and cozy at the same time. It’s an older property, but the rooms are clean and comfortable and have everything you need. Breakfasts in the morning are delicious and extensive. There’s music in the lobby/living room Thursday through Sunday evenings that you absolutely can’t miss. You’ll find sing-a-longs and even sometimes even dancing! Guests come as strangers but leave as friends. 

Doris was a passionate animal lover and her hotel takes dog-friendly to the next level. It almost feels like a requirement to have a dog!  Make sure you check out the hotel’s “Yappy Hour” to enjoy a cocktail with your pooch before dinner. If it’s sunny they have a few patios and courtyards woven into the property that are great for relaxing.

Cypress Inn in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Cypress Inn Lincoln & 7th Street
Carmel, CA 93921
https://cypress-inn.com/

More photos from Cypress Inn in Carmel:

Il Tegamino Italian Restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Il Tegamino features authentic Italian comfort food in a quaint setting. We were blown away by the quality of the dishes and the pride with which they were served. The flavors were thoughtful and based on the freshest most seasonal ingredients. You can tell every dish is made with love!

The service was absolute perfection. The owner/chef stopped by and told us about the fresh strawberries he had found at the farmer’s market that morning and how some of the recipes were based on family favorites. This is a must-try when you’re in Carmel. The patio is dog-friendly.

What to Order: Polipo Con Vellutata Di Patate, Paccheri al Ragú Napoletano, Fish Catch of the Day

Il Tegamino Carmel

South side of Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde
Tucked in the Courtyard behind Cottage of Sweets
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
http://www.iltegamino.com/

More photos of Il Tegamino Restaurant Carmel:

 

Cultura Comida y Bebida Restaurant

You’ll find some of the most unique food in Carmel at Cultura Comida y Bebida. Cultura serves colorful and flavorful Oaxacan food. They take pride in the quality of ingredients and authentic Oaxacan flavors.

Our meal started with chapulines, or fried grasshoppers. I’m always down to try anything once and honestly, they weren’t bad! They were well seasoned and a little zesty. Even better was Cultura’s amazing guac and house-made tortillas. They also made me one of the best mocktails I’ve ever had.

What to Order: Oxacan Pizza, Vegan Breakfast Bowl, Churros

Cultura Comida y Bebida Carmel

Dolores Street, between 5th and 6th
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
https://www.culturacarmel.com/

More photos of Cultura Restaurant in Carmel:

Dametra Cafe in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Eating at Dametra Cafe was such a memorable experience! If you are looking for authentic and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in Carmel-By-The-Sea, look no further. The owner and his staff will treat you like family. Every 90 minutes, the staff bursts into song and pulls all the diners from their seats to dance. You can tell many of the guests are regulars as there was a lot of hugging and friendly conversations. 

The food is just as memorable as the atmosphere! I just want to dive into their amazing hummus. They serve their dolmas warm, which is honestly the only way I care to eat them from here on out. They have great vegetarian options and claim to have the best baklava around. Make sure you make a reservation or get there early – every table was full as soon as they opened.

What to Order: Hummus, Dolmas, Baklava, pretty much everything on the menu

Dametra Mediterranean Cafe

Ocean Avenue & Lincoln Street
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
http://dametracafe.com/

More photos from Dametra Cafe in Carmel:

Forge in the Forest

The Forge in the Forest has delicious New American food in a historic setting. I highly recommend sitting in their outdoor heated patio, but take the time to look inside too! The interior is updated but still contains copper walls and a historic horn bar that dates back to the late-1800s. 

The Forge boasts a 2,000 bottle wine cellar complete with many local vintages. The menu is extensive and varied so you’re sure to find something for everyone in your group. The patio is dog-friendly and The Forge even has a special dog menu with treats like a Quarter Hounder.

What to Order: Margherita Pizza, Burger, San Francisco Fondue

The Forge in the Forest

Junipero Street & 5th Avenue
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
http://www.forgeintheforest.com/

More photos from The Forge in the Forest Carmel:

 

Carmel Bakery

Founded in 1899, Carmel Bakery is one of the longest-running businesses in Carmel. Chef Pèpe purchased the bakery in 1985. It was his first venture, and he now has six restaurants in the Carmel area! He also has branded limoncello and wine and even his own hot sauce, “Pèpe Bumba”.

We met Pèpe at the bakery and to say he’s a character! You can tell he thrives on being busy and has endless energy for new ventures. The baked goods at Carmel Bakery make a fabulous breakfast to go. Make sure you stop back in the afternoon for a scoop of ice cream as well. The bakery is cash only.

What to Order: Canoli, Elephant Ears, Ice Cream, Dog Treats

Carmel Bakery

Ocean Avenue
between Dolores Street & Lincoln Street
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
http://chefpepe.com/bakeries/carmel-bakery/

More photos from Carmel Bakery:

 

Yeast of Eden

While in Carmel, make sure you stop at Yeast of Eden for a beer tasting. They have two beer flights featuring all of their delicious and unique beer selections. Some are made in house and others are made by local breweries. If you like sour beers, this is your place! They do a lot of mixed fermentation, which means a variety of microflora like yeast and lactic acid bacteria in the brewing process. This gives beers an unusual sour taste. It’s really refreshing!

In addition to the extensive beer selection, they also have an assortment of appetizers and burgers. Careful – the Saigon Wings will melt your face off.

What to Order: Publican Burger, Street Tacos, Beer Flights

Yeast of Eden Mixed Fermentation Brewery

Mission Street & 7th Ave Carmel Plaza
Suite 112
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
https://yoebeer.com/

More photos from Yeast of Eden Brewery:

Village Corner – Brunch in Carmel-By-The-Sea

The most poppin’ brunch spot in town is Village Corner. This cafe and restaurant has a gigantic list of dishes that are sure to please everyone in your party. You’ll find a lot of breakfast classics like pancakes, eggs benedict, and omelettes all served with a smile. They also have my favorite – Illy coffee. The large patio is dog-friendly.

What to Order: Pecan Crusted French Toast, Lox & Bagel, Lattes

Village Corner Restaurant Carmel

Sixth Avenue & Dolores Street
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
https://www.villagecornercarmel.com/

More photos from Village Corner Carmel:

 

Dog-Friendly Beach in Carmel

Carmel’s beaches are iconic. They are a beautiful pristeen white and line the entire length of the town. The backdrop of cypress trees makes it so scenic.  The best part – it is off leash dog friendly. Carmel is honestly one of the most dog-friendly towns I’ve ever been to and the beach is the pièce de résistence. If you’re going, bring a jacket! Like the rest of Northern California, most of the time it isn’t warm enough in Carmel for swimsuits at the beach.

Thank you so much to Visit Carmel for hosting us for our most recent visit!

Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea? Pin this travel guide for later!

Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.