Eat, Drink and Shop at Carmel Plaza in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wine tasting, noshing at local restaurants and shopping at boutique stores are three activities most associated with charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and did you know you can knock out all three in one location?


Carmel Plaza, anchored on Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, is much more than your average brick and mortar shopping mall. The stunning outdoor plaza is a destination in itself with manicured gardens, wine tasting rooms, multiple dining options and over 35 stores including Anthropologie, Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade and Khaki’s of Carmel.



While shopping may take up a bulk of your time at this shopper’s paradise, be sure to save plenty of room for their other activities.

Fuel up for your shopping spree at Bistro Beaujolais. Their outdoor patio is a prime location for basking in the sun, relaxing near an outdoor fire pit or simply people (or dog) watching. The menu is great for those trying to appease varied palates with options ranging from simple salads, exquisite seafood preparations to pasta and pizza dishes. Did we mention they also have a full bar?


Just next door you’ll find Wrath Wines. This cozy tasting room is just what you need to wine’d down after an intense day of window shopping. Grapes are sourced from the local Santa Lucia Highlands making for the perfect Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Be sure to purchase a bottle (or two) as a memento from your trip.


No trip to Carmel Plaza is complete without a stop at The Cheese Shop. Here you will find an array of fine cheese from all over the world. Best of all, they often offer samples of their delicious dairy treats.

*Insider Tip: Avoid circling around for parking and use Carmel Plaza’s underground parking garage at Mission St. and 7th Avenue.

10 Outdoor Patios to Grab a Drink in Monterey County

We have the right to gloat: it's almost always outdoor weather in Monterey County. As a result, we have the best selection around of places to dine al fresco. But amidst all of this bounty, some patios, decks and gardens truly stand out. To drop some veranda knowledge, here's our list of the prettiest, most sociable, and some downright stunning places to eat and drink in the great outdoors.

Montrio Bistro, Monterey
One of the newest patios to hit Monterey’s dining scene belongs to local favorite Montrio Bistro. Their new parklet patio looks like something straight from the Champs de Elyse with its snazzy cast-iron design, romantic lamp posts and overflowing flower baskets. Their daily happy hour is the perfect accompaniment with a selection of discounted drinks and small bites from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach
The fire-pits at The Inn at Spanish Bay are hard to beat. Not only does the bar serve up world-class cocktails but the views of The Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach's coastline, and the Pacific Ocean are merely unparalleled. If you happen to find yourself here near sunset you will be in for a special treat as the famed bagpiper makes his rounds.

the C restaurant + bar at the InterContinental the Clement Monterey, Monterey
Tucked along lively Cannery Row is the C restaurant at the Intercontinental the Clement Monterey showcasing some of the best views of the Monterey Bay. Simply enjoy one (or two) of their specialty drinks while admiring the seascape, and if you’re lucky, you may even see a raft of otters frolicking in the bay.


Anton & Michel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
From its exterior, one would have no idea of Anton & Michel’s gem of a patio, just past the main dining room. The restaurant’s Fountain Courtyard is a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The outdoor oasis is complete with a soothing water fountain, decorative fire-pit and hanging party lights which set the tone for a relaxing evening.



Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar, Pacific Grove
One of Pacific Grove’s newest restaurants also has a beautiful outdoor patio! The sidewalk sanctuary at Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar is top-notch with its cozy cast-iron tables and lush greenery. Choose a tempting libation from their plentiful wine list and pair it with a charcuterie dish while people watching on Lighthouse Avenue.



Vesuvio Risorante, Carmel-by-the-Sea
The rooftop bar at Vesuvio in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the place to be and be seen. On any given night you will find a mix of individuals and groups relaxing on the cozy divan seating and basking under the enchanting, twinkling party lights. If one of their specialty cocktails or homemade limoncello doesn’t keep you warm, then the outdoor heaters, fire-pits and heated seats sure will!



Tarpy's, Del Rey Oaks
Conveniently located in Monterey's "sunbelt," Tarpy's Roadhouse is often a sunny sanctuary for locals. Here you will you find a hefty dose of Vitamin D, a divine happy hour and specialty crafted cocktails.

201 Main, Salinas
In the heart of downtown Salinas lays new food and drink complex, 201 Main. Their 3,000 square foot outdoor Tuscan Piazza is the perfect place to a grab a cocktail. The courtyard is complete with four roaring fire- pits, big screen TVs, patio-heated tables and a 17-foot rainforest marble fire-lit water feature.

Restaurant 1833
Historic Restaurant 1833's expansive patio and deck is the perfect place to post up with one (or four) of their crafty cocktails. Complete with rousing fire pits, daybeds for lounging and pumping background jams- there’s truly no better place to spend your summer nights!

Nepenthe, Big Sur
A trip to Big Sur is not complete without a stop at iconic Nepenthe Restaurant.  With expansive views of Big Sur’s coastline it’s a no-brainer that this eatery has a killer outdoor deck. Lined with colorful umbrellas and artwork, this haven on a hill serves tasty drink specials like their South Coast Margarita and Nepenthe Bloody Mary.

24 Hours in Moss Landing

Freshly caught seafood, a plethora of ocean activities and unique accommodations are just a few reasons to love Moss Landing. It’s truly no wonder why this seaside gem holds the largest population of sea otters on the Monterey Bay!

Make the most of your next trip to this quaint fishing village with the suggested itinerary below.

Day 1

10:30am

Start your action packed adventure at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve. This unique site is home to one of the largest tidal salt marshes in California making it a prime habitat for hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds. Stop by the Visitor Center before venturing off onto one of their well-paved hiking trails that meander through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and freshwater marshes.

12:30pm

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite it’s time for lunch! The Haute Enchilada is a destination in itself complete with a unique art gallery, fantastic hospitality and awesome food! Their eclectic Mexican fare is to die for and be sure to try their sand dabs, a local specialty.

2pm

Since you’ve just explored the Elkhorn Slough on land, it’s now time to get a closer look on the water. Rent a kayak or book a guided tour with Monterey Bay Kayaks or Kayak Connection. The gentle waters on the slough make it the perfect spot for first-time kayakers looking to get a closer peek at the marine habitat. The main water channel is seven miles long and full of local residents including dozens of sea otters, sea lions and a plethora of migratory birds. Please remember to respect the local wildlife and stay 200 feet from water mammals at all times.

6pm

Head back into Moss Landing’s village and stop at The Whole Enchilada Marketplace. Here you will find all sorts of local produce, including artichokes, for a great price!

From here make your way to dinner at The Whole Enchilada, one of Moss Landing's most popular restaurants. The menu is loaded with landlubber Mexican favorites and a diverse range of seafood with a Mexican twist. Did we mention they have quite the extensive tequila menu?

7pm

Tuck in for the night at Moss Landing’s one-and-only bed and breakfast conveniently located in the center of town. The cozy Captain’s Inn bodes 10 guestrooms complete with antique furniture and nautical décor. Choose a room in the Boat House building for stunning views of the wetlands out front where you might spot a curious sea otter or egret.

Day 2

8:30am

Rise and shine! Don’t miss the most of important (and delicious) meal of the day served up daily at the Captain’s Inn. Head to the lobby’s kitchen area for a home cooked meal to begin your day.

9:30am

Last, but certainly not least, on your Moss Landing adventure is a whale watching trip to remember! Book a trip with Sanctuary Cruises for an eco-friendly tour leaving from the Moss Landing Harbor before venturing out into the open sea. Be prepared to see all sorts of marine life including dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, humpback whales and maybe even orcas!

Grab Your Gals for a Girlfriend Getaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is far from just a couple’s destination! Grab your closest friends and set out for an unforgettable adventure in this charming beach town complete with wine tasting, fine dining, spa treatments and boutique shopping. The sights and sounds of these quaint quarters are sure to have you reconnecting in no time!

Day 1

3pm
Start off your gal pal adventure by checking into one of the newest additions to Carmel, The Hideaway. This sleek and contemporary hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. The renovated boutique inn offers up an inclusive breakfast, complimentary bicycles and a nightly Happy Hour serving up a robust selection of appetizers, homemade cookies and wine!


4pm
After you settle into your luxurious rooms, take a stroll through Carmel’s iconic Ocean Avenue. Here you can shop at the ultra-plush Carmel Plaza, gawk at one-of-a-kind art galleries and wine taste to your heart’s desire at one of the many tasting rooms tucked away along Carmel’s side streets.

Be sure to stop by Dawn’s Dream tasting room at 7th & Carlos to wine taste for a cause. Not only is this tasting room a girl’s dream complete with high-heel wine holders and a bathtub for photo opps, but a portion of the proceeds go to benefit women and children’s programs.


Serious wine tasters can also purchase the Carmel Wine Walk Passport with access to over a dozen tasting rooms within a 1 mile radius.

6pm
All of that wine tasting is sure to have worked up an appetite. Make a reservation at one of the many award-winning restaurants with tastes to please any palate. The Mediterranean Restaurant is perfect for those looking for a lively feast, while Anton & Michel is great for those looking to dress it up for a night of sophistication.


8pm
Before hitting the hay grab a bottle of wine and cozy up back at The Hideaway. Their kick back outdoor seating area is perfect for jabbing around the fire pit or choose to linger around their lobby area for a quick board game.

Day 2

9am
Sleep in to your heart’s content before indulging in The Hideaway’s complimentary breakfast. Come hungry, this buffet offer much more than just your average Costco muffins.

11am
Round out your girlfriend getaway with a stop at the Cocoa Spa. This tucked away gem is a chocolate lover’s paradise complete with a plethora of homemade chocolates as well as facials and massages utilizing the power of cocoa. There outdoor bungalow will make you feel as though you are in a private Big Sur retreat sure to release any lingering tension.


1pm
Grab lunch to-go from Carmel Belle and head to Carmel Beach! Enjoy the white sandy beach, crashing waves and frolicking four-legged friends before your visit comes to an end.

10 Hours in Seaside, CA

Seaside, CA is not to be overlooked by its larger neighbor. Just to the north of Monterey, this area boasts some of the county’s most sought after gems including the former Fort Ord military base which is now home to Fort Ord National Monument, CSU Monterey Bay and the scenic Bayonet & Black Horse golf courses. On your next visit to the area be sure to carve out some time to explore this cultural adventure destination.

8:30am

Kick off your day with a healthy breakfast at one of Monterey County’s newest, not to mention hippest, juice and coffee joints. The modish Press Café offer all sorts of light bites like breakfast sandwiches, pastries and perfectly pressed juices. The perfectly pressed juice bar offers a variety of organic cold-pressed drinks that are healthy and above all else, tasty! The “Allure” concoction is a personal favorite with watercress, grapefruit, coconut, turmeric and apple. Known as the “beauty juice” this packs a punch full of rehydrating and anti-oxidant rich properties.

10:00am

Now that your fully revved up its time to hit the trails. Fort Ord National Monument is accessible at Watkins Gate in Seaside and with 83 miles of trails there’s a variety of terrain ranging, from grassy hills to coastal shrubland. The secluded area is also a mecca amongst mountain bikers and plays host to several races during the Sea Otter Classic biking festival.

12:00pm

Time for lunch! Googie Grill, just down from Embassy Suites is a staple when it comes to comfort food. The diner is a true flashback in time with typical Googie architecture, retro décor and killer menu items like crispy fried chicken, mushroom gravy meatloaf and black bean chipotle burger. Be sure to start off with their addicting fried zucchini sticks!

1:30pm

Now you have a decision to make, to golf or to relax. For those looking to hit the links, book a tee time at Bayonet & Black Horse. The two golf courses sit on the former Fort Ord military base and offer epic views of the Monterey Bay as well as great game.

If relaxation in more on your mid, head to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Take a leisurely stroll before finding the perfect spot to post up along the beach. There’s no better place to unwind with the cool coastal breeze, crashing waves and bobbing boats in the distance. You might even spot a whale or two in the distance!

6:30pm

Take a little trip to northern Italy without leaving Seaside! Head to Gusto this evening for a truly authentic Italian meal complete with handcrafted pastas, wood fired pizzas and a full bar. Make it a four-course meal starting off with one of their many antipasto dishes. The mozzarella tasting is a must with three varieties of mozzarella and burrata samplings. Next, choose a pizza from their extensive menu, the margherita is always a classic crowd-pleaser. No Italian meal is compete without pasta and their mushroom ravioli slathered in gorgonzola cream sauce is to die for. Be sure to save room save room for cannoli and espresso before calling it a night!

8:00pm

Check in for a good night sleep at one of the many hotels in the area. Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn all offer cozy beds, complimentary breakfast and easy access to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

UnWINE’d at Sovino Wine Bar

Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Monterey and unwine’d at the cozy Sovino Wine Bar. Just inside the esplanade towards Custom House Plaza, the charming wine haven is an easy lure with a tempting happy hour, large selection of libations and outdoor patio- perfect for people watching.

Sovino is truly one of the only wine bars in the area where you can enjoy a full glass of wine, craft brew or sample a wine flight.

You’re sure to be pleased with the bar’s expansive wine list including all sorts of California wines and a variety of award-winning Monterey County vinos available by the glass or bottle. And don’t miss their killer happy hour where wines by the glass are 50% from 4pm-6pm Monday-Thursday.

Regardless of which libation you choose, be sure to pair it with one of their tantalizing tapas. The charcuterie plate is the perfect appetizer before any dinner date!

The Wine Bar also plays host to uber-popular Paint & Sip Nights. Resident artist Bunny Paivine guides amateur artists on a journey to creating their own masterpiece all with a glass of wine in hand. Click here for upcoming event dates.

The wine bar is open Sunday – Thursday from 1pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 1pm-10pm.

Enjoy a Smoke with a Touch of Class at The Humidor Cigar Shop and Lounge

Love fine cigars and the company that share the same passion? The Humidor’s new digs near Cannery Row allow for just that.

Just above the renowned Whaling Station Steakhouse and next to the iconic Sardine Factory, The Humidor’s brand new location (just across the street from its previous set-up) is already becoming a standout amongst its legendary neighbors.

The Humidor is much more than just a cigar shop, it’s a home away from home. With multiple lounges, game rooms and TV rooms it’s no wonder why cigar enthusiasts are making this a must-stop shop on their itinerary.

The star of this space is their expansive walk-in humidor housing a wide variety of cigar choices including an array of premium brands like Padron, Opus X and Fuente. The room is set at a humid 70 degrees to ensure the goods maintain their highest quality.

What’s the use of a good cigar without a fine place to smoke it? The exuberant public smoking lounges resemble a high-end club and come stocked with cozy leather chairs, large flat screen TVs and ocean breezes. You will never want to leave, especially since you can order food and beverages from the delicious Whaling Station just downstairs!

New to The Humidor is their exclusive “members only” lounge. Half of the building is dedicated to their member VIP clients who have their own private humidified cigar locker and access to a kitchen, multiple private lounges and a poker room.

Looking for a pop-up cigar stand at an upcoming event? The Humidor has you covered with multiple packages featuring a plethora of cigars, perfect for weddings, reunions and corporate events.

The Humidor is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am-12pm.