Coastal Charm, Gourmet Bites and Wine-Fueled Adventures Await in This Fairytale Town
Tucked between the rugged beauty of California’s Central Coast and the serene white sands of its iconic beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea is more than just a charming seaside village—it’s a real-life storybook brought to life. This one-square-mile enclave may be small in size, but it’s overflowing with big character: fairytale cottages, lush gardens, hidden courtyards and secret passageways that reveal wine-tasting rooms, cozy cafes and art galleries at every turn.
Long adored by artists, writers and free spirits (Clint Eastwood was once the mayor, after all), Carmel has retained its whimsical soul while welcoming a wave of modern creativity—from Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique hotels to curated wellness experiences and nature escapes. Whether you’re catching a sunset on the beach with a blanket and a bottle of rosé or spending the day hopping between wine-tasting rooms and vintage shops, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the perfect blend of luxury, leisure and laid-back California charm.
Ready to plan the girls’ weekend of your dreams? Keep reading—we’ve got your full itinerary covered.
WHERE TO STAY
First impressions count—and Carmel’s dreamy accommodations make a lasting one. For beachside luxury with a members-only feel, book your stay at the newly unveiled Carmel Beach Hotel. Spread across seven historic buildings with sweeping Pacific views, this exclusive retreat features rooms with soaking tubs, fireplaces and private decks. Mornings begin with curated breakfast baskets, while afternoons are made for oceanfront lounging or indulging in a leisurely girls’ lunch at Secoya featuring Morro Bay oysters and charred avocado. Swedish massages with your posse at the onsite spa will reset your souls before dinner or a seaside stroll.
Equally storied is La Playa Hotel, affectionately known as the “Grande Dame of Carmel.”
Built in 1905 as a lavish mansion for a Ghirardelli heiress, this historic Carmel hotel recently underwent a $20 million refresh.
Think bohemian gardens, turn-of-the-century charm and rooms where ocean breezes spill through sunlit windows. Grab a drink at Bud’s bar before sunset and toast to the perfect blend of old-world romance and modern elegance.
Just a few blocks away, Stilwell Hotel offers a coastal-chic escape tucked into downtown—perfect for a girls’ weekend in Carmel. Designed for connection and comfort, this hotel charms with a gourmet breakfast buffet and wood-fired pizzas from its onsite cafe, complimentary Sunday sundaes and luxe touches like Lather bath amenities, plush robes and private firepit courtyards. And yes, it’s pet-friendly—because your weekend crew may include a four-legged bestie, too.
For an inn-meets-boutique vibe, Le Petit Pali has two whimsical locations—on Ocean Ave and 8th Ave—both serving up champagne continental breakfast with Rise + Roam pastries, nightly cookie deliveries, beach cruisers and an unmistakable air of European elegance. The amenities are cheeky and indulgent, from Diptyque toiletries to SMEG fridges and Marshall speakers. Whether you’re sipping wine during social hour or enjoying Antipodes water in bed, it’s the little luxuries that steal the show, making these two of the best hotels in Carmel.
DINE + DRINK
Start your culinary journey at Rise + Roam, an artisan bakery and pizzeria that’s all about flaky croissants, savory quiches and their decadent vegan tahini brownie. For something lighter, Carmel Belle serves up honest, feel-good fare with a sustainable soul. Their seasonal salads, grass-fed meats and cozy vibe make it a favorite for both breakfast and lunch with your gals.
For a fairytale dinner tucked behind the Cottage of Sweets, seek out Il Tegamino in the historic Court of the Golden Bough. This hidden gem offers Neapolitan comfort dishes like Paccheri al Ragù Napolitano that taste like Nonna’s Sunday table. Over at Chez Noir, you’ll discover a Michelin-starred seafood experience unlike any other—Chef Jonny Black’s modern take on French and Spanish cuisine is both elevated and inviting, from crafty charcuterie boards to dry-aged local fish.
Foray Restaurant at Stilwell Hotel adds an adventurous, local twist to fine dining.
The menu, created by a husband-and-wife duo (and their truffle dog, Falco), celebrates the Central Coast’s forests and sea.
Dishes are inspired and served in a setting decorated with abalone shells and gyotaku art for a coastal touch.
For a casual aperitivo, head to The Star Bar at Vesuvio, a rooftop hideaway perfect for golden hour cocktails, wood-fired pizzas and photo ops. Later, dance the night away at Barmel, a sultry saloon-style bar with live music, DJs and a history as colorful as its clientele. Open till 2 a.m., it’s the go-to for nightlife in this otherwise quiet town.
On your final day, don’t leave without a European-style brunch at La Bicyclette, where the kitchen’s six burners work magic in the form of wood-fired tagliatelle Amalfitana and Parisian spinach gnocchi. Finally, grab some edible souvenirs at The Cheese Shop, a Carmel institution since 1975. Sample world-class cheeses, wines and artisan snacks—just don’t be surprised if you walk out with an entire picnic basket!
WINE TASTING SPOTS
Carmel’s wine scene is walkable, whimsical and wonderfully under-the-radar. Begin your vino adventure at Talbott Vineyards, known for their award-winning Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay and beautifully paired wine-and-cheese Legacy Flight. Just around the corner is Scheid Vineyards, where the warm, woodsy tasting room invites you and your crew to sample wines grown in the diverse terroirs of Monterey County.
Venture down the secret Der Ling Lane, and you’ll stumble upon Galante Vineyards, the first tasting room in town and a tribute to pioneer spirit. With bold cabernets and a Wild West flair, this winery in Carmel is a toast to the town’s rustic past. Prefer to sip and stroll? Download the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk mobile guide and make your way through more than a dozen tasting rooms—all without ever calling a car.
ART + ENTERTAINMENT
Carmel’s soul lives in its art, and nowhere is that more evident than during the Carmel Art Walk on the second Saturday of every month. From 4-7 p.m., follow the blue lanterns and meet local artists in their own galleries—a rare chance to connect with the creative heartbeat of the village. Be sure to stop by the Carmel Art Association, the oldest gallery of its kind west of the Mississippi, showcasing works from more than 100 regional artists.
You can dive deeper into the town’s bohemian roots with a guided art tour or an evening show at the Sunset Cultural Center, where everything from classical concerts to world music lights up the historic auditorium. During the warmer months, don’t miss a magical performance at the Outdoor Forest Theater, a century-old, pine-framed amphitheater hosting family musicals and the Carmel Shakespeare Festival in October.
NATURAL BEAUTY + SCENIC SPOTS TO EXPLORE
Adventure and beauty go hand in hand in Carmel-by-the-Sea, so taking some time to explore with your girls is a must. Kick off your journey with a vintage ride from Monterey Touring Vehicles! Imagine cruising Highway 1 in a cherry-red convertible with the top down and your girls by your side. Or hop on an electric bike from Mad Dogs & Englishmen and glide along Pebble Beach’s iconic 17-Mile Drive or through downtown Carmel.
For those in your girls’ weekend group who love a little history, visit the Carmel Mission, home to the oldest bible in California and the final resting place of Saint Junípero Serra. Nearby, Mission Trail Nature Preserve offers 34 acres of serene hiking trails and coastal prairie beauty. Poetry lovers should seek out the Tor House, once home to American poet Robinson Jeffers, with sweeping views of the crashing sea that inspired some of his most stirring verses.
And, of course, no girls’ weekend in Carmel is complete without a self-guided tour of the town’s storybook cottages, including the original Hansel and Gretel homes that started it all. Built by toymaker Hugh Comstock for his wife’s doll collection, these fairy tale structures have come to define Carmel’s signature charm.
DON’T MISS!
If you’re lucky enough to plan your girls’ getaway in late spring, schedule it around Carmel Culinary Week, happening May 30 through June 7, 2025. This week-long celebration is a feast for the senses, with curated menus, pop-up experiences and dreamy events like Boho Bites & Beats and Soirée By The Sea. Over 30 of the village’s top restaurants participate—so bring your appetite and maybe a stretchy waistband.
Whether you’re sipping chardonnays in whimsical courtyards, wandering through art-filled alleyways or giggling over croissants in your pajamas, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the perfect blend of charm, culture and coastal calm for an unforgettable girls’ vacation. Pack your spirit of adventure—this coastal California town is calling.
