Our Trip To Carmel By The Sea And The California Coast

The Lone Cypress Tree behind us

This past weekend, Hunter and I  got the pleasure to travel out to California for my cousin’s wedding. To say that her wedding was beautiful would be an understatement. Along with attending a fabulous wedding, it was so nice to see my family who lives out there. I wish we were closer and could visit more often, which Hunter and I are going to make an effort to do! One of my favorite things to do when visiting my family was to take a day trip to the coast and visit Carmel By The Sea, Monterey, Pebble Beach, and all the little fruit stands in between. This time, I was so excited to bring Hunter along and create new memories together!

As I am sitting down to write this, I am not even sure where to start! Our day trip was packed, trying to fit everything in so Hunter could see it all! I’ll begin with the first leg our adventure; the 17 Mile Drive.

Our view from the 18th hole on Pebble Beach Golf Course

One stop along the 17 mile drive

17 Mile Drive

Described as one of the most scenic drives in America, the 17 Mile Drives takes you along Pebble Beach Coast. It links Carmel, Monterey, and Pebble Beach in one beautiful trip. While it does cost around $10 to get onto the private road, let me tell you that it is worth it!! There are 21 different spots along the way to gaze at the amazing scenery, plus the homes in this area are spectacular!

Carmel By The Sea

Carmel is one of the most charming little towns that I have ever been to. Flowers grow from every corner and you can’t beat the white sandy beach. My favorite thing to do is walk the town and stroll through the amazing shops ( like the J. McLaughlin store above.) My mom and I grabbed a cup of coffee at Carmel Bakery and Coffee House. You MUST get their chocolate chip cookie! It is huge and so so delicious. I also love their vanilla lattes as well, which is a perfect match with the chocolate chip cookie.

There are amazing restaurants, one of my favorites being A.W Shucks, which is a seafood and oyster bar. Fun fact, A.W. Shucks is where I had my first experience with fish n’ chips back when I was in elementary school and I have loved it ever since! On my next visit, I will definitely be trying the Village Corner. The smell of amazing food drifted down the streets and the outdoor seating overflowed with flowers and what looked like very happy customers. I couldn’t help but eye everyone’s food in envy.

The scenery in Carmel is breathtaking.

There is nothing like looking at the Pacific Ocean while sitting on a white sandy beach. Heads up though! Even though we went in June, the temperature was only about 65 and there was a very cool breeze which kept us in our sweaters most of the day.

Monterey Bay

For a late lunch, we headed into Monterey. When I was little I loved the aquarium and even if you do not have children, I would suggest going. We decided to eat at the Wharf, which overlooks the bay. On the bay, you can watch sea lions playing in the water and never ending stream of sailboats drifting to and from the sea. We ate at Domenico’s on the Wharf, which had an amazing view. Make sure to get their clam chowder! We all ordered a variety of seafood dishes, which were all wonderful.

Without a doubt, we had an amazing day! I feel like I could continue to add even more pictures and talk about everything else you should visit while on the California Coast, but for the sake of this already being a long post, I will end it here. Let me know if you have had the pleasure of visiting Carmel, Pebble Beach or Monterey or if you now want to go!

All my love,

Michelle Marie