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.

5 New Restaurants You Need to Try in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey County has seen an explosion of new restaurants in some of the area’s most popular hot spots. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, good old comfort food or an uber-authentic Mediterranean meal there is a new tasty addition here that is sure to please the palate.

Melville Tavern: Downtown Monterey

Located in downtown Monterey, Melville Tavern is one of the newest eateries hitting the dining scene. Its cozy brick facade is just the beginning to the classic comfort foods being divvied up inside.  Lunch and dinner brings cozy dishes with a twist of sophistication like their pork shank with creamy polenta and au jus and lamb burger with feta cheese and yogurt sauce. Great food aside, the tavern lives up to its name with an incredible selection of beer and wine including a $3 beer of the week!

The Crab House: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, margaritas for $3.95 and a plethora of seafood dishes- need we say more? The Crab House, towards the end of Monterey’s iconic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stands out from its neighbors with a unique south-of-the-border inspired menu. Every guest is welcomed with a basket of addicting tortilla chips and tantalizing menu option like seafood infused burritos, tacos and enchiladas.

Mediterranean Restaurant: Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Local Carmel visitors and foodies have been flocking to Dametra restaurant for years for unbelievable dolmas, lamb shanks and Greek Moussaka. Just down the street from this popular eatery is its new sister storefront the Mediterranean Restaurant serving up the same authentic cuisine, live entertainment and family friendly atmosphere. The only difference here is its location and beautiful wall décor.

Lalla Oceanside Grill: Cannery Row, Monterey

Among the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row lays a sanctuary complete with crashing waves, tantalizing treats and mind-numbing craft cocktails. Lalla Oceanside Grill is one of Cannery Row’s newest attractions offering some of the best views of the Monterey Bay. Let the views, or their insane cocktail menu, wet your palate for delicious California coastal cuisine.

Scales Seafood & Steaks: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Love Monterey’s famous Old Fisherman’s Grotto? Then you are going to love the new restaurant owned and operated by the same family. Scales Seafood & Steaks just across the way features a convenient grab-and-go café, cozy bar lounge, a spacious dining room with views for days and a wide variety of menu items including seafood, steaks and pastas.

Bonus- Sovino Wine Bar: Downtown Monterey

Before indulging at one of these new eateries, build your appetite at the Sovino Wine Bar located in the esplanade near Custom House Plaza. Here you will find a wide selection of California produced wines with a large range of Monterey County wines. Be sure to pair one of your libations with one of their lovely cheese and charcuterie plates.

French Influence Runs Deep at the Revamped Portabella in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Oozing with charm and hospitality, Portabella is quintessentially Carmel-by-the-Sea. The European eatery is one of Carmel’s most photographed spots, just up from the Cottage of Sweets and front and center on lively Ocean Avenue.

The best part about Portabella is that you will find all of the sophistication of fine French dining without the pretention. While the atmosphere and cuisine are refined the hospitality is wonderfully courteous and modest.

The Mediterranean styled garden patio is perfect for people (and dog) watching while the quaint dining room and enclosed back patio are ideal for those looking for a more private and intimate setting. Insider tip, if you get a chance be sure to snag the dining table near the cozy fireplace and candlelit stairway.

The full bar is an absolute showpiece with gorgeous stonework and up-lighting which can magically change colors as the night and mood evolves. You will want to start off with one of their craft cocktails like the fruity hibiscus martini or a stellar glass of Pinot Noir from their extensive wine selection.

The menu is chock-full of flavors with French, Italian and Spanish roots and with a chef named Jacques Zagouri you know you are in for and authentically French treat! The French and Californian fusion menu is crafted with ingredients of the highest caliber and cooked with taste and satisfaction in mind.

As with any scrumptious meal, the French dining experience begins with warm French bread and fresh pesto sauce; be sure not to overindulge since their appetizer menu is pretty remarkable. Tantalize your taste buds with exotic dishes like pan seared foie gras served with a huckleberry port reduction, beef tenderloin carpaccio with shaved Parmesan or the ahi tuna and salmon tartar served with wasabi mayo.

Salivating yet? Entrées are sure to spark your interest with options like the grilled dry aged ribeye steak, fresh black seabass and oven braised short ribs. Be sure to ask the friendly wait staff (or better yet, the chef himself) for their recommendations, they are more than happy to pass along their favorite dishes.

Recommendations from the Chef

• Appetizers- Grilled octopus served with pearl pasta tabouli and roasted bell peeper almond coulis
• Entrée- Grilled ribeye served with beef au jus, seasonal vegetables and golden mashed potatoes
• Dessert- Profiteroles with homemade foie gras ice cream

Bon Appetit!

4 Reasons Why You Need to Eat at the Mediterranean Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just down the street from its sister eatery Dametra, the Mediterranean Restaurant is one of Carmel’s newest dining hot spots. The fresh space (previously Merlot restaurant) is a must for lunch or dinner when trekking around Monterey County.

1.    Out of this world cuisine

You simply will not find more authentic fare than at the Mediterranean Restaurant. As its name implies, the cozy eatery serves unique and hard to find dishes originating from Greece, Italy and the Middle East. Dolmas with tzaziki sauce, hummus with warm pita bread and grilled jumbo prawns scatter the appetizer menu while hearty kebabs, Greek Moussaka, and fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks are the stars of the entrée options.

2.    Amazing location

Ocean Avenue is some of the most prime real estate in Monterey County and the Mediterranean Restaurant is dead center in the middle of the exciting hustle and bustle. The central location is perfect for resting your feet after some serious window shopping along the Ave. Once inside, the cozy Mediterranean décor and humble hospitality is sure to put you at ease.

3.    FREE live entertainment

On any given night it is very possible that you might just find yourself in the middle of a dance party. The owners and staff are not only talented in the kitchen but have some amazing musical talents. Every now and then (more often than not) they are known to bust out their unique instruments including an oud (a Mediterranean mandolin) for a jam sesh getting everyone on their feet.

For something a little different, order the fried feta cheese. The flaming preparation and presentation is entertaining in itself (not to mention delicious)!

Are you gutsy enough to try this fiery appetizer at Mediterranean Restaurant? This fried feta dish is truly a flaming treat! #flames #fire #pyromania #carmel #carmelbythesea #restaurant #dining #feta #cheese #appetizer #nomnomnom #Monterey #food #foodie #mediterraneanfood #californiadreameater @dametracafe @visitcarmel @californiadreameater

A video posted by @seemonterey on Mar 10, 2016 at 2:26pm PST

4.    Family focused

Kids, no problem! The Mediterranean Restaurant was built with strong family values in place which percolates through the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. The kickback setting allows guests to keep their inside voices at the door and simply enjoy one another’s company at any decibel level.

Get a Taste of Naples at Il Tegamino in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Take a trip to the Amalfi Coast without leaving Monterey County! Napolitano brothers and co-owners, Salvatore and Giuseppe Panzuto share their passion for authentic Italian comfort foods and solid hospitality at the much anticipated Il Tegamino restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea.


The quaint eatery is tucked away in the charming Court of the Golden Bough, just off of the Ocean Avenue behind the Cottage of Sweets. This cozy nook is something out of a storybook with its simple and rustic décor, twinkling lights and homey atmosphere. The charming outdoor patio in particular is the perfect place for a romantic date or just a space to simply relax and unwind.


One glance at the menu and you know you are in for an authentic treat. Branded wooden planks showcase the night’s bounty of offerings, and don’t let the hard-to-pronounce Italian terms intimidate you, the helpful descriptions below describe the dishes in layman's terms.

The hardest decision you will have to make is choosing what to order. Dishes are broken down by course but feel free to mix and match as you wish. It’s best to do as the Italians do where sharing is strongly encouraged- when in Rome!

No matter how many courses you opt for, meals kick off with fresh slices of bread served with an addictive concoction of marinated zucchini. The ingredients are simple and light, the perfect start for a gluttonous food tour through southern Italy.

If you are not afraid of tentacles, the Polpo con Vellutata di Patate, or octopus and potato, is a must! Tender grilled and meaty tentacles are served over a bed of sautéed tomatoes and a luscious dollop of potato whip. The potato whip solely consists of potatoes and olive oil which makes for a surprisingly creamy combo.

Next up get yourself some fritters, which are far from the fritters found at your County Fair. The sea lettuce fritter is a unique stand-out prepared with fresh seaweed harvested by Giuseppe himself, talk about farm-to-table!

No Italian meal is complete without pasta and Il Tegamino’s Primi portion of the menu is dedicated to just that. Try the Paccheri al Ragu Napoletano, a tube noodle dish with a slowly simmered meat sauce that the Panzuto brothers frequently had during their family Sunday dinners. The fresh bits of basil are the perfect complement to the savory pork shoulder and short rib flavors.

For protein, try the Cotoletta di Maiale, similar to a pork schnitzel. The lightly breaded pork loin is crispy and not overly fried and greasy like its German counterpart.

Save room for dessert! Cap off your dining adventure with Tiramisu al Limon, a refreshing glass of lemoncillo soaked ladyfingers embedded in lemon and mascarpone cream. Bon Appetit!

Il Tegamino is open Thursday-Tuesday for dinner from 5pm-9pm. Reservations are highly recommended. Call (831) 250-5790 or book online.

12 Hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea

At just one-square-mile, Carmel-by-the-Sea is Monterey County’s smallest village, but for what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in excitement. This notoriously charming European-style town offers a plethora of activities and attractions including cozy bed and breakfasts’, art galleries, culinary delights, wine tasting rooms, performing arts venues and the famous white sands of Carmel Beach. Make the most of every hour in your day with the itinerary below.

9:30am

Start your ambitious 12-hour journey with a solid caffeine fix at one of the oldest businesses in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue offers a variety of beverages, grab-and-go snacks and baked goods like no other. Since you’re on vacation, mix things up and have dessert for breakfast: their homemade cannoli are simply divine!

10am

Time to shop! With your sugar rush in full swing it’s the perfect time to hit the charming storefronts along Carmel’s main drag, Ocean Avenue, and the surrounding side streets. Browse luxurious designer brands like Tiffany’s and Anthropologie at Carmel Plaza or take to the various specialty shops for one-of-a-kind jewelry, home goods, gifts and clothes.

Be sure to stop by a few of the many art galleries in the area. Get a slice of the overall art scene at the Carmel Art Association’s gallery on Dolores Street, where they showcase artwork from over 100 local artists. Just down the street, the Dr. Seuss Art Gallery is full of whimsical pieces that are sure to stir up nostalgic feelings from your childhood.

12pm

Immediately transport yourself to a quaint Florentine eatery and refuel at il Grillo. Tucked away on Mission and 4th Street, here you can choose your favorite type of homemade pasta accompanied by your choice of sauce - which isn’t easy with options like basil pesto, rustic Bolognese, lamb ragu and wild mushroom. Be sure to save room for their authentic Italian pastries and cookies!

1pm

Work off those carbs and take a stroll down to Carmel Beach. Take a breather and simply soak in the sights and sounds of crashing waves, dashing dogs and dolphins swimming in the surf. This iconic white-sand beach is particularly stunning at sunset, when locals and visitors alike come out to enjoy Mother Nature’s nightly show.

3pm

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Carmel-by-the-Sea has seen a recent boom in wine tasting rooms which is never a bad thing. Over a dozen tasting rooms are scattered throughout a one-square-mile radius, the hardest part is choosing which ones to try! Wrath Wines in Carmel Plaza offers an incredible Pinot Noir while Carmel Road, Carmel’s newest tasting room, serves up a luscious Chardonnay.

5pm

Round out your foodie experience with an early dinner reservation at Grasing's on Mission Street. Their coastal cuisine highlights the area’s exceptional local and organic bounties of produce, steak and seafood. Start off with their truffle and white cheddar popcorn, you will not regret it!

7pm

Once the sun sets, mosey on over to one of the local theatres for a taste of the performing arts scene. The architecturally stunning Sunset Center regularly plays host to world-class performances and live events including global music, comedy, rock shows, theatre, and dance. Looking for a more intimate venue? Watch the local talent in a rendition of a popular musical or play at the Golden Bough Playhouse.

8:30pm

Cap off your night under the stars at the Rooftop Lounge at Vesuvio. Take a seat by one of the fire pits and try one of Chef Pepe’s limoncello cocktails.

9:30pm

Wind down your busy day at a friendly inn or charismatic bed and breakfast. There’s a room and theme for just about any taste and budget: experience the genuine hospitality at Hofsas House, historic highlights at Pine Inn, stunning ocean views at La Playa, or high-end luxury at L’Auberge.