An Art-Filled & Relaxing Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is a short 20-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s also conveniently located in the Central Coast region of the Golden State, making it a fabulous road trip destination from both NorCal and SoCal. Once you arrive at the Le Petit Pali on 8th Street, check in to your fireplace suite and enjoy a nice glass of welcome champagne.

The hotel offers free bikes, so jump on and head out to explore.

For lunch, I recommend Stationæry Restaurant. Order the Sake Bloody Mary and the Chilaquiles or the Shakshuka, which are both outstanding. If you want to go fancy, order a side of the caviar and chips as well. You’re in Carmel – treat yourself!

Afterwards, ride your bikes down to the beach and soak up some sun. The water is usually pretty chilly, but if you’re brave enough, it's refreshing and typically calm.

Then, pedal back to the hotel and enjoy your welcome amenity, which is always cute and often a cocktail kit. Turn on the fireplace and make it a vibe.

Later in the evening, head over to Nicolás Cocina de Herencia, a fabulous new Mexican restaurant just a few steps away. Both the Birria Taquitos and the Queso Fundido are *chef’s kiss*.

For a night cap, pop by Barmel and order a Sazerac. The bar team is super welcoming, and the right side of the bar is very cozy, with small tables tucked into little nooks under the staircase.

After a good night’s sleep in the incredibly comfortable king bed, head over to the hotel’s communal area for a complimentary champagne breakfast. There are delectable pastries and breads from local bakery Rise + Roam, jams, soft-boiled eggs, fruits and more. Of course, there’s sparkling wine as well, usually locally or regionally sourced.

Once you’re done indulging, head out and explore the city’s many art galleries. One of my favorites is Jones & Terwilliger Galleries, especially because I adore Dan Graziano's bar scenes. There are also several boutiques, and Ocean Avenue, the main street, is home to a mix of small businesses and outlets of bigger brands. A highlight for men's clothing is the trendy Japanese label VISVIM, which recently opened and is definitely worth a visit! You can also find many cute coffee shops and restaurants all over, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

For a special night out, I’d recommend dinner at 7D Steakhouse. The smoked old-fashioned goes beautifully with the BLT starter (maple chili glazed baker’s bacon, butter lettuce, fried green tomatoes), and you can’t go wrong with any of the locally-sourced meats and sustainable seafood. For a cocktail to round out the evening, stroll over to the newly-renovated La Playa Hotel and its cozy Bud’s Bar.