10 Best Things To Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for Foodies

Looking for the best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

This list is for you—especially if you’re a foodie!

Anyone can find the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica, a national historic landmark. Carmel Beach, right at the end of Ocean Avenue with its Monterey Cypress Trees, is pretty obvious too. And the cute storybook cottages that line the cobblestone streets are everywhere.

Story book cottages in Carmel-by-the-sea — One of the more obvious things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, admire the storybook cottages

However, the real foodie finds that you’ll want to include on your Carmel-by-the-Sea itinerary take a little more finesse to track down. How did I find them? It took years of research!

I used to live in Northern California, about an hour and a half from this charming town. I have visited many, many times over a few decades.

My most recent visit was with my husband as part of a big road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. We checked out some old favorites and discovered some awesome new foodie spots too.

Best Things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA  

1. Picnic With A View

The Carmel-by-the-Sea coastline — Exploring the area’s stunning coastline is one of the best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Located in Monterey County on the northern end of California’s Central Coast, Carmel has a rugged coastline similar to that of its neighbor to the south, Big Sur.

That means that this part of the California Coast is absolutely gorgeous. So, even though foodie activities are my first priority, I always take time to explore the beautiful scenery.

One of my favorite things to do is take a picnic to one of the state parks and/or white-sand beaches.

There are two places in Carmel-by-the-Sea with good deli sandwiches that make picnicking a treat: 5th Avenue Deli and Bruno’s Market & Deli. They are both reasonably priced and will pack up a delicious lunch for you to eat while admiring the incredible local scenic views and sea life.

If you don’t have a car, you can still easily access Carmel Beach, right on the edge of town. If you do have a car and want to venture out a bit, here are some suggestions.

Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea — Camel Beach is a beautiful spot at the end of Ocean Avenue.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

If you have a car, Point Lobos State Reserve is the perfect place for a picnic. It’s a short drive, but give yourself plenty of time to walk the Bird Island Trail to China Cove (.8 mi) where the Pacific Ocean turns an amazing hue of green.

This spring we enjoyed breathtaking ocean views and saw sea lions, seals, and sea otters (the best time of year to see the otter pups is early spring.) 

Seals on the beach at Point Lobos State Reserve — Discovering seals on the beach at Point Lobos State Reserve is one of my favorite things to do in Carmel, CA.

Carmel River State Beach 

Another great place to picnic is Carmel River State Beach. The bird sanctuary near where the Carmel River empties into the ocean is a haven for birdwatchers. 

For those with more ambition and time, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur is about an hour to the south. There are miles of trails and plenty of Instagrammable spots.

5th Avenue Deli: 3300 5th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Bruno’s Market & Deli: Junipero St and 6th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

2. Lunch on 17-Mile Drive 

Pebble Beach Golf Links on 17 Mile Drive — Pebble Beach Golf Links on 17-Mile Drive is one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

One of the most popular things to do on the Monterey Peninsula is cruise 17-Mile Drive. However, most people miss what I think is the best part—lunch at The Bench!

Yes, this scenic road is home to some of the most iconic spots in California you won’t want to miss. Every time I go, I still try to snap a shot of the most photographed tree in North America, the Lone Cypress.

And lots more amazing natural beauty abounds here as well. That’s why it usually takes us 2 to 3 hours to drive 17 miles.

Other highlights include Spanish Bay Beach, Bird Rock, the Restless Sea, the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, and what is renowned as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Lunch at The Bench, 17 Mile Drive — Lunch at The Bench is the foodie way to see 17 Mile Drive.

A great way to have easy access to a view of the golf course is to have lunch at The Bench. Additionally, you’ll have views of the dramatic coastline that makes this ride one of the most scenic drives in CA.

On a sunny day, I always choose to sit on the patio. The eclectic California cuisine is always superb! Eating at The Bench at Pebble Beach is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in or around Carmel.

The Bench: 1700 17-Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Pro Tip: Make a reservation at The Bench. When you get to the Carmel Gate, basically the toll booth for 17-Mile Drive, let the attendant know you have a reservation at The Bench, and you will not have to pay the entrance fee (the fancy local term for toll).

3. Eat at the Local Restaurants

Bicyclette restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea — One of the locals’ favorite restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea, La Bicyclette

For such a small town (just one square mile) Carmel has an incredible selection of restaurants. There’s even two fine-dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, Chez Noir and Aubergine, downtown.

But most of the best restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea are much less formal. From the French food at La Bicyclette to the Mexican cuisine at Cultura to the Italian specialties of Cantinetta Luca to breakfast at Stationaery, Carmel’s food scene is thriving.

One thing you won’t find in Carmel, chain restaurants. They are banned to help maintain the unique aesthetic of the town. The fairytale cottages created by Hugh Comstock are the foundation of Carmel’s architectural theme, and a few restaurants are housed in these cottages.

For more of Carmel’s best restaurants, read Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants.

La Bicyclette Restaurant: Dolores St & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921  
Cultura Carmel: Dolores Street, between 5th Ave & 6th Ave, Su Vecino Courtyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cantinetta Luca: Ocean Ave & Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Stationaery: San Carlos Street, between 5th Ave and 6th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

4. Day Trip to Monterey

Old Fisherman's Wharf Monterey — The view from Old Fisherman’s Wharf on a day trip to Monterey

If you’re staying in Carmel, Monterey is less than 15 minutes away, and definitely worthy of a day trip.

The most popular attractions for a Monterey itinerary include Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

If you don’t go into the aquarium, at least stroll by it; the adjacent Monterey Bay Sight Point is a great place to spot sea otters and other marine life. If you are planning to go to the aquarium, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance; no tickets are sold at the aquarium.

Foodies, don’t despair: Monterey also has its fair share of worthwhile eateries. For a quick snack, try a croque monsieur from Alta Bakery and Cafe. For a lingering lunch, go somewhere with a view.

On Cannery Row, Schooners Monterey serves salads and seafood overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At Osteria Al Mare you’ll find authentic dishes from Milan, seafood specialties from Campania, pastas from Bologna, and locally inspired creations too.

There are a slew of restaurants on the Monterey Wharf. I like the view and the food at Domenico’s on the Wharf, especially the Prawns Scampi Castroville.

Alta Bakery and Cafe: 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Schooners Monterey: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Osteria Al Mare: 32 Cannery Row, Suite H, Monterey, CA 93940  
Domenico’s on the Wharf: 50 Fishermans Wharf, Pier 1, Monterey, CA 93940  

5. Get Happy at Happy Hour

Happy hour in Carmel-by-the-Sea — Happy hour is the best way to dine at multiple Carmel restaurants in one night.

There are so many great restaurants in the Carmel downtown area, it’s difficult to try them all in one trip. We run into this problem in so many of our favorite foodie towns like San Francisco, Portland, Santa Fe, and Boulder.

But we have a solution—a progressive happy hour dinner! When we travel in the United States, we keep in mind that many restaurants offer a scaled down menu in the bar for a discounted price. You can try a few small dishes and then move on to the next spot. Sometimes we find a spot we love and we return for a full dinner.

One of the best things I ate in Carmel was at the Little Napoli happy hour: The truffled gnocchi were so divine I ordered a second helping! Little Napoli’s sister restaurant, Vesuvio, also offers a tasty selection of Neapolitan dishes like fried calamari and steamed clams and mussels during happy hour.

Gnocchi at Little Napoli restaurant in Carmel, CA — Foodies will not want to miss the truffled gnocchi at Little Napoli’s happy hour.

A local restaurateur tipped us off about the happy hour at Carmel Brewery & Bistro. At this spot, locally made craft beers are served with small plates like crispy cauliflower and shrimp tempura. When locals tell us about their best places, we listen! 

Little Napoli: Dolores St & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Vesuvio Restaurant: 6th Ave & Junipero St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Carmel Brewery & Bistro: Mission Street & 7th Ave, Suite 112, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921  

6. Induldge in Pastries, Gelato, & Chocolates

Pastries at Carmel bakery — Carmel Bakery is a must for pastry lovers.

If you’re seeking foodie things to do in Carmel, California, you will most likely find yourself indulging in some decadent desserts.

First on your list should be the European pastry shop, Carmel Bakery. We swooned over scrumptious Italian pastries like cannoli, delizie di limone, and sfogliatelle (my personal favorite and one of the most popular street foods in Naples).

Keep in mind, breakfast in Italy often consists of a pastry and a coffee. So if you feel too guilty about having dessert, enjoy some pastries as breakfast! Oh, and the same goes for French breakfast. So, dig into French pastries such as eclairs and brioche too!

The Carmel Bakery also makes creamy gelato, but locals also love Cafe Dal Mare, which also has a nice selection of sweets.

Chocolate lovers should also check out The Xocolatl Garden for the ultimate selection of global chocolates, as well as those made in house.

Carmel Bakery: Ocean Ave, between Dolores St & Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cafe dal Mare: Dolores St, between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
The Xocolatl Garden: Ocean Ave, between Dolores St & Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

7. Taste Local Wines

Wine tasting in Carmel-CA — Wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea can be done on foot right in downtown.

Still wondering what to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea? Taste the local wines!

Wine tasting is always popular when you travel to Californian destinations where wine is produced, and there’s a lot more to California Wine Country than just Napa Valley.

Anderson Valley wineries, Temecula wineries, Lake County wineries, Malibu wineries, and many other local wineries in other regions of California will have wine tasting rooms where visitors can sample current releases.

Carmel offers a wine scene that is very similar to wine tasting in Yountville. Right in downtown, nestled between art galleries and restaurants, Carmel boasts 18 tasting rooms. While we still haven’t made it to all of them, it was wonderful strolling from tasting room to tasting room without worrying about driving.

Caraccioli Cellars, Lepe Cellars, and De Tierra Vineyards all have terrific wines, a comfortable atmosphere, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

For a guided tour of a winery, or to see the actual vineyards, you’ll have to drive about 30 minutes to Carmel Valley. Corral Wine Co., Holman Ranch Vineyards, and Joullian Vineyards are all excellent choices to explore.

Caraccioli Cellars: Dolores St, between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Lepe Cellars: Dolores St, between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
De Tierra Vineyards: Mission St, just off of 5th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

8. Attend a Foodie Festival

Enjoying food and drinks at the Chef Showdown during Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week

For a small town, Carmel-by-the-Sea sure hosts a lot of festivals! From the Carmel Art Festival to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, there’s a fest for everyone, and for foodies, there’s way more than one!

A few of the stand-out foodie events include the Annual Winemakers’ Celebration, Taste of Carmel, Art & Wine Walk, and Culinary Week.

We happened to arrive just in time for the Chef Showdown during Culinary Week. Luckily, our innkeeper extraordinaire at the Carmel Country Inn had let us know about the event and whisked us over to the showdown upon our arrival at the inn.

We sampled all of the delightful creations participating restaurants prepared for the event. It was so much fun!

So, you might want to check the upcoming events and latest information at Carmel Events before deciding on your travel dates.

9. Go to the Farmers Market

Farmers market in Carmel-by-the-Sea — The Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers’ Market provides a wonderful way to see the local produce in season.

If you’re wondering what to do in Carmel, CA, on a Thursday morning or early afternoon, the farmers’ market is the ticket (10 am to 2 pm). But, you won’t need a ticket, just show up and start wandering the stalls.

Whether perusing the food markets of Rome or somewhere closer to home, markets are always a foodie treat. Chefs purchase seasonal ingredients for restaurants, locals select dinner ingredients, and I scour the booths for local specialties.

It’s a great way to see the local produce varieties. Carmel is just 20 miles from the artichoke capital of the world, Castroville. So, if artichokes are in season, they’ll be at the Farmers’ Market.

You’ll also find local products like honey, cheese, baked goods, and coffees. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers’ Market: Mission St & 6th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

10. Stay at the Carmel Country Inn 

A yummy breakfast at the Carmel Country Inn was the perfect way to start the day.

Carmel is too quaint for big high-rise hotels typical of some other U.S. beach areas like Fort Lauderdale or the Ocean City Boardwalk.

The best Carmel hotels are more similar to the B&Bs and inns in Mendocino, and they fit seamlessly into the local surroundings.

On our last visit, we stayed at the Carmel Country Inn and it was perfect!

We stayed in a spacious King suite with a separate living room, a comfy bedroom, a huge luxurious bathroom complete with hot tub, and a lovely balcony.

Our huge hotel bathroom in Carmel-by-the-Sea — I loved our immense bathroom, and ending the day with a soak in our Jacuzzi tub.

From our initial email exchange, our innkeeper Amy could not have been more helpful. In addition to getting us to the Chef Showdown at Culinary Week, she had a plethora of valuable maps, brochures, and suggestions for us—not to mention the mandatory Carmel Magazine with Clint Eastwood on the cover.

The Carmel Country Inn was ideal for our foodie things to do in Carmel, California, list. We easily walked everywhere in downtown from our room—tasting rooms, restaurants, bakeries, gelato shops, chocolate boutiques, and Carmel Beach.

The inn also had a couple of foodie bonuses. Each morning greeted us with a complimentary breakfast of egg frittatas, fresh fruit, yogurt, house-made banana bread, pastries, oatmeal, juice, coffee, and tea.

Lemon white chocolate cookies (far right), my new favorite cookie!

During the day, three types of cookies were available along with coffee and tea. I am embarrassed to say, the only cookies I tried were the lemon white chocolate. They were so good I found myself eating a couple a day (at minimum), so I had no room to try the others!

Check pricing and availability for the Carmel Country Inn.