Stay & Visit
We’ve gathered a list of recommended places to stay and things to do in the area, but feel free to stay where you wish!
You’ll find the most places to stay around Carmel-by-the-Sea. We also recommend booking early, regardless of location, as the season books up quickly.
Places to Stay
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Carmel Mission Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Coastal, modern California boutique hotel with heated outdoor pool. Attached 70’s style gastropub for good eats. This hotel is closest to our Carmel transportation pickup, right across the street.
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Hidden Valley Inn - Carmel Valley
This relaxed hotel in the valley, is an affordable option, with heated pool and scenic garden grounds. Morning coffee and pastries are provided with stay.
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Big Sur Lodge - Big Sur
Forest-chic lodge aesthetic, central to Big Sur. Closest to nearby state parks, a park pass is also included with stay. This hotel is closest to our Big Sur transportation pickup, directly across the street.
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Mariposa Inn & Suites - Monterey
Bright, modern and centrally located, this hotel boasts a typical California vibe with pool. Located close to many Monterey attractions and Route 1 for quick access to Carmel area.
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Airbnb
Airbnb is a great option for larger groups or a more bespoke experience. We recommend looking in the Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Carmel Valley and Monterey area.
Things To Do
Carmel-by-the-Sea
DRINK
Bud’s Bar at La Playa
Old school bar meets upscale charm. If you’re lucky, enjoy their famous, secret happy hour “Dime Time” for drinks that cost only 10-cent and occur randomly once a day, lasting only ten minutes.
EAT
La Bicyclette Restaurant
Delicious intersection of rustic French meets Italian, this restaurant is a must with items ranging from oysters to pizza. Be sure to reserve well in advance, as their bookings fill up quickly!
SHOP
Pilgrims Way Bookstore & Secret Garden
Cute, tucked away local book store, with great selection of books, crafty home wares and artisanal chocolates. Be sure to check out the small hidden garden.
EAT
Casanova
Quaint and historically rich, al fresco dinning serving French Italian with romantic outdoor patio, once frequented by Van Gogh.
Big Sur
EAT, DRINK, SHOP
Nepenthe, Cafe Kevah & The Phoenix Store
Part store, part cafe, part restaurant, a fun stop down Route 1 for iconic Big Sur views. We recommend stopping for a light bite and coffee/tea while taking in picturesque views from the outdoor terrace. Then stop in their unique gift store for local artisan, stationary, home and spiritual wares. This is a popular stop, so going earlier in the day or during the weekday is recommended.
EAT
Big Sur Bakery
Rustic gem for breakfast lunch or dinner, serving coffee, pastries and wood fired pizza with an assortment of wines and beers.
VISIT
Henry Miller Memorial Library
For writers and book lovers, this special library is situated in the Big Sur forest filled with a surprising collection of books and a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
VISIT
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park + Pfeiffer Beach
Beautiful state park showing off iconic California nature and coast, with giant redwood trees and several trails from short and easy to long and winding.
Carmel Valley
DRINK, EAT
Folktale Winery & Vineyard
Beautiful 15 acre, sustainable vineyard with idyllic castle-like aesthetic, serving delicious tastings of red, white and natural wines paired with yummy charcuterie boards.
Monterey
EAT
Alta Bakery and Cafe
Set in the restored Cooper Molera complex, this bakery & cafe serves elevated New American with yummy lattes and matcha and outdoor patio.