If you are looking for a day trip from the Los Angeles area—or really from anywhere in California—consider visiting Carmel, California. It’s the perfect mini-getaway where you can escape, with or without kids.
Carmel is both family-friendly and one of the most romantic destinations in California. The town feels like you are visiting another country, yet it’s close enough for a short weekend getaway. You can easily travel from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Central California, or even neighboring states to experience this charming coastal escape.
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If you had a European vacation planned, or simply want a taste of Europe without leaving the country, visit the California Central Coast. The rugged shorelines here look like those of Ireland. You can wander through a small town with the charm of Italy. You can even stay in a hotel that feels like a cozy inn in Germany.
Sample fresh pastries that taste as if they came straight from Europe’s ovens—like Italian biscotti or English scones. Dine outdoors surrounded by sheep, giving you the feeling of being in the fields of Scotland. Finally, wander along stunning beaches with coastlines that rival those of France.
Tip:
Did you know that Carmel has been voted the most dog-friendly city for many years in a row? You will find plenty of dog-friendly hotels, water bowls, treat shops, and even dogs allowed on the beach. So, if you want to bring your pup along, Carmel is the perfect place!
The beauty of a trip to Carmel is that it works for everyone. From the Bay Area, it’s just a quick 2-hour drive. From Los Angeles or Ventura County, you can reach it in 4 to 5 hours. Even visitors from Oregon, Reno, Arizona, or Las Vegas can make the trip by car. It is still shorter, cheaper, and safer than a flight to Europe.
The journey itself is part of the adventure, especially if you take Highway 1. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of California’s famous coastline. The road winds between cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic vistas of shorelines and mountains.
If coming from the South:
Take California’s Highway 1 as much as possible for the best views. Drive through Oceano Dunes if you want to take your car on the sand for a unique beach-driving experience. Stop at the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon to watch elephant seals sunning themselves along the shore.
The scenic area near Big Sur was closed for several years due to fires and mudslides. It has now reopened, so you can once again enjoy the beauty of this iconic stretch of coastline.
There are also several beaches and parks worth stopping at on your way north. First is Sand Dollar Beach, located just after San Simeon. It is usually less crowded than Big Sur, has more parking, and stays open until sunset. Another great option is Limekiln State Park, just past Sand Dollar Beach. Here, you can explore historic lime kilns and hike to a nearby waterfall. Be sure to check park hours in advance, as it sometimes closes early.
TIP:
This can be seen as either a pro or a con, depending on how much you want to be disconnected. Along most of the drive from San Simeon to Big Sur, there is no cell reception. That means you won’t be able to call for updates or search for GPS directions on the spot.
To avoid issues, plug the address into your GPS ahead of time. Even better, download Google Maps for offline use before starting your trip. Restrooms are also limited along this stretch. Bathrooms are available at the Ranger Station near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You will also find some at a few gas stations along the route.
The journey to Carmel can be just as much of an adventure as your time in Carmel. Take your time on the drive and enjoy the sights along the way. Once you arrive, I have a great plan to help you make the most of your visit.
FIRST: Where to Stay: THE HOFSAS HOUSE
I recommend staying at the Hofsas House, especially if you want to experience a touch of European charm. This boutique inn is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and perfect for couples. Hofsas House blends casual European elegance with the warmth of family hospitality.
As a smaller, family-owned inn, they offer excellent service and make you feel safe and at home. The property has been serving guests for 75 years. This milestone shows its long tradition of hospitality. It is also considered one of Carmel’s top places to stay.
The inn features 37 uniquely decorated and spacious rooms, many with ocean views overlooking the pines of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is also within walking distance of the beach. In addition, it is only a few blocks from Ocean Avenue. This is the main street where most shops and restaurants are located.
Each morning, they serve a continental breakfast. You can enjoy it in your room or on your balcony while taking in beautiful views. We stayed in a two-room suite with a mini-kitchen, a daybed for the kids, and a balcony overlooking the village.
The pool was open, and the hotel also had great Wi-Fi and TV. They offer extra packages as well, such as wine and cheese to welcome you. This can make your arrival feel even more special. In addition, they are one of the few hotels in the area with a large meeting room. Guests can use it for reunions or company events.
Now onto the Three Days Itinerary for Carmel on the Central Coast of California – this itinerary is great with or without kids!
Day 1 – Explore Carmel and the beach
Afternoon
Arrive in Carmel and check in to your hotel. Get settled and then start your first night with a picnic at Carmel beach and enjoy the amazing sunset.
Evening
Take a walk downtown. Remember, it often gets chilly here, so bring a sweatshirt! If you have time before dinner, walk around town a bit and check out all the cute shops and fantastic art galleries – they have over 100 art galleries!
Eat on one of the restaurant patios if you are comfortable with that or pick up food to go and head to Carmel Beach for the sunset. Head up Ocean Avenue all the way to the beach. You can download the Carmel Fun App on your app store for some highlights too!
Pass locals and tourists walking their dogs, admire the large Monterey cypress trees all around, and dig your feet into the soft, smooth sand (Geocachers, there is a World Cache nearby!).
Running up and down the sandhills is a great way for your kids to burn energy after dinner, and you can sit in the soft, warm sand watching (or join in a game of tag with them) and wait for the sunset.
Great to come in the morning or any time of day, too! Water can be rough and cold so not ideal for kids swimming (and no lifeguard), but if your kids are anything like mine, they just love to be on the beach and play in the sand.
Day 2 – 17 Mile Drive and Pacific Grove/Monterey
Morning
Enjoy a slow, leisurely vacation morning, eating your free breakfast on your deck, and breathing the fresh salt air. Grab a cooler bag and head downtown to pick up food to pack a Picnic for lunch as you will be heading out for the day!
Head to 5th Avenue Deli and Catering and order a picnic lunch to go or check out The Cheese Shop for delicious cheeses, salami, and crackers for your picnic.
Early Afternoon
Time to explore!!
The first full day is a great day to do the 17-Mile Drive – see the map here. You have two options – to actually drive it, or if you are a bit more active and have older kids, you can take an electric bike on the drive from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike shop – they have bikes with sidecars you can rent for kids and dogs! A great way to explore the 17-mile drive.
This drive has some of the most picturesque and amazing views you will ever see so be prepared to stop a lot and take lots of pictures.
Tip- Best photo spots – really, each spot has its own uniqueness, but here are a few of my favorite stops!
- Tide Pools at Seal Rock Creek – Check the tide charts to see when low tide is and try to visit during low tide -on one side of the street are tide pools by Ocean and the other side is a boardwalk to colorful Gingerbread house
- Cypress Lookout Point- some of the prettiest ocean waves crashing on rocks – and amazing for sunsets too, if you are here later in the day
- The Lone Cypress – one of the top 10 most famous trees in the world – it has been on the side of the granite hill for over 250 years
- Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point – Sun bleached Cypress trees with an eerie look and large surf waves often in the background
Evening
If still out for 17-mile drive or before you head back to hotel, stop in Pacific Grove or Monterey for some different sights and for dinner at Cannery Row – former warehouses that once housed sardine canneries are now turned into gift shops and restaurants (many restaurants are open here for outdoor dining bu check ahead of time).
After Dinner, check the tide for a walk or Tide pooling on Lovers Point Park or Asilomar State Beach (part of the 17-mile drive) by Pacific Grove and Monterey – great tide pools and seashell hunting here! *If you like Wine tasting, there are lots of options for wine tasting here too!
Day 3 – Soak in more of Carmel
Morning
After enjoying the morning views from your patio on the Hofsas House Hotel, take a morning walk or jog to the nearby Carmel Mission Trail Nature Reserve Park. The Park is located at the intersection of Carmel Country Road and Carmel Mission Road. With easy parking, this 34-acre park has three miles of hiking trails, cute bridges to cross, and a native plant garden.
The Preserve’s habitats include a Monterey pine forest, coast live oak woodland, wetland, willow riparian corridor, and a coastal prairie. Take the 1.5-mile loop for a peaceful morning rejuvenating walk or jog with or without kids, dogs or spouse!
Another great run if you are active is the Scenic Bluff Path, where you can exercise while taking in epic views of Carmel Beach.
Start at Ocean Avenue parking lot where it meets the Scenic Road and continue to the foot path on 8th Avenue. Turn around when you hit Carmel River State Beach parking lot (3.5 miles out and back total)
Enjoy Breakfast in town at one of the amazing bakeries or eateries. MUST TRY the Carmel Bakery – They’re known for their Italian biscotti, Scottish shortbread, English scones, and the gigantic Bavarian pretzel.
I got an Almond Horn and want to go back just to get another one – it was the perfect combo or crunchy and chewy and oh so delicious! Or for sit down try The Cottage or Village Corner. I actually got my treat at Carmel Bakery, and then we headed to Village Corner for breakfast.
Afternoon
Next, more exploring the adorable town of Carmel! There is so much to see. Walk around the Village – if you like Audio Tours – download My VoiceApp in your hotel before you leave for a fun walking audio tour, choosing what you want to hear about – the history, the fairytale houses (the famous Tuck Box!), secret passageways and more!
There are over 40 secret passageways throughout the town (most aren’t overtly secret but still fun to find!) A few favorite stops included the Honey shop, The Think Toys shop, and Cottage of Sweets Candy shop (both being careful and requiring masks and limiting # of people in the store).
I was so impressed with the Cottage of Sweets as they had the most amazing selection of made-in-house licorice! I have never seen such a huge licorice selection, and they were all so tasty! *Also Geocaches in town for the Geocaching fans!
Evening
Enjoy Dinner at the famous Carmel Mission Ranch – eat outside overlooking a pasture of Sheep with the Pacific Ocean views in the background at the place owned by former Carmel mayor and well-known actor Clint Eastwood.
They are also known for their amazing brunch, but we came here for dinner and enjoyed the homemade pasta, fresh bread, and amazing chocolate mousse pie.
And that concludes Three MAGICAL days in Carmel! This is definitely a bucket list location and I cannot wait to come back for POINT LOBOS – Bluefish Cove is one of the prettiest places in California – and MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM – One of the neatest aquariums in California with jellyfish, sharks, octopuses, and everything in between.
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