No weekend getaway would be complete without at least a few “activities” planned, unless you're like me and completely happy baking in the sun (wink wink).

Hit the Spa

Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus both have spas on site, so if you’ve chosen one of those properties, it’s a must.

Refuge is another unique spa option in the area. As well as spa services, the facilities are noteworthy. Warm and hot pools, “nordic” cool and cold pools, sauna, steam room and firepits are all available for use. They enforce a strict quiet/no devices policy, but if you're looking to fully disconnect and relax, this is your option (I obviously talk too much and would have a hard time there, haha).

Golf (duh)

If you weren’t aware, golf is huge in this area. There is the famous Pebble Beach (I know you’ve heard of that one), but there are seriously so many golf courses in the area! Don’t be like us on this trip and forget the clubs (or forget to even mention we're staying on a golf course).

At Carmel Valley Ranch, the concierge actually has pre-reserved tee times saved for their guests. Be sure to call to confirm your tee time!

17-Mile Drive

Yep, that's correct, the famous scenic drive along the cliffside and through the infamous Pebble Beach. This is one of those “you have to do it” things in the area. If you haven’t been to the Carmel/Monterey area before, don’t skip this one. There is a small entry fee to start the drive ($11.75/vehicle no motorcycles allowed), but the views are beyond worth it. They will give you a map with all of the “points of interest” but the short list includes: Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Birdrock, The Lone Cypress, The Ghost Tree and of course The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea day trip

Just a short drive down the highway towards the cost, this quaint little town has the cutest downtown shopping area. Ocean Avenue is where you’ll likely start. Park where you can and start meandering through the shopping district. Local artists have galleries tucked away throughout the area, but also sprinkled throughout (mostly on Ocean Avenue) is the higher end shopping (Tiffany’s, Kate Spade and Anthropologie). Multiple businesses that still have the old Dutch doors, opening the upper half for walkers to peek in and see what that store has to offer. You will notice that there are a lot of businesses that also set out water dishes for our furry friends.

Wine tasting

In Carmel Valley Village, there are a handful of adorable tasting rooms. You may be lucky enough to even meet the winemakers themselves! Here are a few of my favorites

Big Sur Vineyards: The Sparkling Rose was calling my name, so this was our first choice for tasting. The patio, overlooking the valley, is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the wide array of wines available at this tasting room. Not sure which to choose (also me)? The Tasting Tubes are here to rescue us! You’ll be able to taste all of the 6 wines that they are pouring for the day (ranging from whites to rose to reds), $18 per person.

Georis Winery: This adobe-style tasting room will bring you back to the days of the California Missions. With tables and sitting areas around the property, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy. Furry friends are also welcome to join! Thanks to Corkscrew Cafe (located across the street) food is also available for purchase.

Beachtime

Now going to the coast wouldn't quite feel complete if you did get your toes in the sand. During your day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ocean Avenue will lead you, yep you guessed it, to the ocean and Carmel Beach. This white sand beach has plenty of space for everyone. While parking can be challenging at times, trust me, it’ll be worth it. My suggestion: pack a beach blanket (maybe a sweater) and watch the sunset, perfect end to the day.

Now, if you're like me, then you’ve been reading this thinking, “When the heck are we going to eat?” Don’t worry, food ranks high in my books and I’m not going to leave you hanging.

Where to eat

Valley Kitchen: Located at Carmel Valley Ranch, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Farm to fork can be felt throughout the property, but the kitchen sources as much as possible from their on-site garden, keeping the menu fresh and seasonal. During your weekend getaway you’ll be lucky enough to experience the massive breakfast buffet.

Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon: My husband and I are firm believers in finding the local watering hole at each destination we visit. This has to be one of our best finds. Walking in, seeing the countless boots hanging up from the rafters and endless cowboy memorabilia, there was no question that dinner that night was going to be epic. Our choices for the evening: Chop salad with tri-tip, Prime Rib special and extremely cold beers on draft.

Little Napoli: I highly recommend visiting this Italian restaurant on the corner of Dolores St and 7th St, in Carmel proper. The first time my husband and I visited Carmel, this was our choice for dinner and every time we come back, it’s at the top of my list. The ambiance is so cozy, you really feel like you're in a family friend’s home and the recipes you can tell have been handed down in similar fashion. My go-to menu item has always been the Cannelloni tricolor (a salute to the Italian flag, with marinara, alfredo and pesto sauces). On our most recent trip, my husband laughed (a little teasing included) because I wasn't even going to read the menu. Just go with my tried and true, per usual. Not trying to be that predictable, I diverted to one of my second favorite menu items: Risotto ‘calabrese’ (prawns and bay scallops in a spicy lobster reduction). I think it's safe to say I have a new favorite menu item.

Hog’s Breath Inn: Formerly owned by Clint Eastwood (and still a favorite on his list, according to locals), this steakhouse is proud to serve only the finest USDA Prime beef, sustainable/wild seafood and free-range chickens. Our selections: Crab cakes to start, Rib Eye Steak for my husband and I to split (Cooked to perfection. The beef literally melts in your mouth). For those looking for lighter fare, they have an extensive selection of fish and chicken options (The Chicken Marsala and Roasted King Salmon were top contenders on our list).

SUR at The Barnyard-Carmel: Also located in Carmel proper, it is another go-to spot for any weekend getaway. Open for lunch on the weekends and dinner seven days a week, this place is always busting and lively. My husband and I tend to go in opposite directions with the menu here, but always agree it's on the list of places to visit.

His picks: Southern fried chicken & waffles, Asian Rice Bowl with grilled salmon or Chinese chicken salad.

My picks: Sashimi Won Tons, BLT wedge salad or the Grilled steak tacos. Lucky for us, the menu is vast,and the options are endless.