A Weekenders Guide To Carmel by the Sea

One-Square Mile

Nestled along California’s scenic Central Coast and founded in 1916 by a fine collection of artists and writers (among them Jack London, George Sterling and Mary Austin) Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square mile village that offers one of a kind experiences around every corner. 

Spending time walking the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea gives the visitor the distinct feeling as though they’ve been transported to a quaint cobblestone village in Europe. From the cobblestone walkways and buildings, storybook architecture and friendliness of everyone you encounter, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a weekend travelers dream. My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea (sans kids!) and we saw, tasted and experienced the best of what Carmel-by-the-Sea had to offer and now I will share that will you. We received accommodations, all opinions are our own.

Photo Credit: Shiho Fukushima for Monterey County Now

My husband at Villa Sombrero

Villa Sombrero

Where to Eat

After a full day of exploring and ‘looking about’ a new destination, one of the most important experiences I can ever have in a new town is the food. To me, you can’t really know a new town until you’ve tried their cuisine (amiright?). For our first evening in Carmel-by-the-Sea I decided to appease my husbands huge appetite with what I hoped would be a divine Mexican meal at Villa Sombrero. Just a short walk from the Hofsas House where we were staying, Villa Sombrero is a relatively new addition to the Carmel-by-the-Sea community. What makes the Villa Sombrero special is that they make handmade homemade corn tortillas every night. And if you don’t believe me, all you have to do is walk by their store front where you’ll be able to see them being handmade right before your very eyes. It was a delicious meal made heavenly by those light and fluffy fresh homemade corn tortillas.

Whereas Villa Sombrero is the perfect destination for a casual lunch or dinner, the Beach House at Lovers Point is the ideal location for a more-than-casual casual night out. My absolute favorite types of dinners out with my husband are those on the beachfront with a casual, yet upscale feel and of course the food has to be divine. I ordered the Roast Half Chicken and, I have to be honest here…I almost peed my pants. That’s just how damn good it was. The vegetables were roasted to perfection (not too firm, not too soft, just the right amount of flavor and salt) and the roasted chicken was so perfectly…roasted I could hardly contain myself from eating the whole plate in one giant delicious gulp. Make reservations at the Beach House before you go on your trip to eat just before sunset, you won’t regret it. 

Room 36 TF at the Hofsas House

The view from our room (the sunset was NUTS!)

Where to Stay

I’m all about experiencing a new city or town but at the end of the day, I want to rest my head someplace divine and special. Thankfully, for this weekenders trip, I did just that. The Hofsas House is a 38 one-of-a-kind European style room hotel just a stones throw from the very best that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. However, unlike other accommodations, the Hofsas House offers unsurpassed hospitality that cannot be matched. I have never experienced the kindness, warmth, helpfulness and friendliness from any hotel staff at any destination I have stayed at in the past. The Hofsas House offers Bavarian inspired rooms with Dutch doors, (some have) fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and above all else…pacific ocean views and a delicious continental breakfast (seriously some of the best pastries you’ll ever have) served with French Roast coffee (to go!), tea and juice. 

Owned by the Theis family for over 70 years, the Hofsas House is the best hotel to stay at in such a beautiful destination. The Hofsas House sincerely strives to make every guests experience special while offering the highest quality of personal services and I for one, certainly felt that way. I was personally guided into learning more about the best restaurants and experiences of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Last summer, we stayed at the Hofsas House as a large and loud family of 6 (that’s 2 exhausted parents and 4 very loud and energetic kids) and it was a fantastic experience, you can read all about it here. 

My husband and I wine tasting at the Scheid tasting room in Carmel

Pacific Ocean views on 17 mile drive

Lone Cypress on 17 mile drive

Steps down to Carmel (dog) Beach

Blair Winery Rose’

Carmel-by-the-Sea Artist at work

What to Do

Besides the obvious of what to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea (which would be to roam the streets at leisure and soak in the natural beauty), my husband and I had a great time alone (have I mentioned that we were sans kids!) and I have a few suggestions for you. 

Wine Tasting

There are many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea excels at (art+food+wine), however there is nothing I love more on an adult evening out than a little classy wine tasting before a delicious dinner. Thanks to the hospitality at the Hofsas House we were directed to the Scheid and Blair tasting rooms. I heavily, no…I demand that you visit the Scheid tasting room and taste their divine set of red and white wines. It’s almost every day since then that I have regretted only purchasing two bottles of Viogneir. 

Take A Walk

While weekending in Carmel-by-the-Sea you absolutely must take many, many casual strolls around the town. Whether you’re picking up a cup of coffee, grabbing souvenirs or walking the beach, walking around Carmel-by-the-Sea is the best way to experience and appreciate the charming cobblestone, storybook village. 

Take an early morning stroll along pristine Carmel Beach, ranked as one of the nation’s cleanest and most beautiful. You’ll be happy to hear that it is a dog friendly beach. And even if you didn’t bring your Fido along for the weekend, it’s quite amusing to watch the local dogs frolic in the waves and tussle in the sand. 

If you’re up to shopping luxe, I suggest you explore Carmel’s premier  shopping and dining destination, Carmel Plaza that is stocked full of four-star shops, such as Kate Spade, Vineyard Vines, Khaki’s of Carmel, and Tiffany & Company, along with asian-fusion cuisine at Flying Fish Grill and cafe-style treats and coffee at Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar and best yet – the Blair winery tasting room. 

Take a Drive

Although you’d have no reason to leave, there are so many beautiful destinations just mere minutes away from Carmel-by-the-Sea. My husband and I decided to take the infamous “17 mile drive” which drives through Pebble Beach. He is a huge golfing fan and I knew he would appreciate seeing the infamous golf course up close. Funny Mom Blog Tip: Pick up luch from the 5th Avenue Deli in Carmel-by-the-Sea and take it on the 17 mile drive with you. Stop at a picturesque lookout and nosh on the best lunch ever. Guess what? That’s just what we did! Thankfully, the 5th Avenue Deli was right around the corner from the Hofsas House and was able to make a super tasty sandwich to round out the best day ever. 

Our 17th Mile Drive Picnic Spot (perfect!)

Hello Lovva

Now you know there is absolutely no reason to plan your weekend trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea right away. Get your room at the Hofsas House before it’s too late!