Bay Area | A Complete Guide to a Half-Day Trip to Carmel

Bay Area | A Complete Guide to a Half-Day Trip to Carmel on California Highway 1 Hey, little red book friends! I’m Eggie, the Food Inspection Captain, here to scout restaurants, dodge pitfalls, and take you on a culinary and adventurous journey across California 🌺‼️ Today, we’re heading to the charming town of Carmel on Highway 1. This place is incredibly beautiful and perfect for a half-day trip. There’s food, fun, and photo opportunities galore. Don’t forget to save this guide! 🚗 Let’s Go! Bay Area → Carmel We drove from the Bay Area around noon, and it took about two hours. The scenery along the way was stunning, with views of the ocean and a refreshing breeze that made the drive relaxing. 📍 Carmel Plaza After arriving, our first stop was Carmel Plaza. It’s a small square with lots of shops. You can stroll around and see if anything catches your eye. It’s also a great spot for photos—every corner is picture-perfect. 📍 Tuck Box This place is a cozy tea house, but it closes at noon. Unfortunately, it was already closed when we arrived. Still, it’s worth visiting for photos because the building looks like something straight out of a fairy tale—super cute! 📍 The Church of the Wayfarer Next, we visited a small church. It was very peaceful and beautiful, with a garden at the entrance where you can sit and relax. The atmosphere here is incredibly soothing. 📍 Carmel Bakery Time for a snack! This bakery has been around for a long time, and its pastries are delicious. Their ice cream is also amazing. If you have a sweet tooth, try their cream puffs—they’re rich and flavorful. 📍 Cottage of Sweets This is a candy shop filled with all kinds of sweets and chocolates. Everything tastes great, and the shop smells wonderful—it’ll make you want to buy everything in sight! 📍 Secret Garden This spot is a hidden little garden. From the outside, you can’t tell what’s inside, but once you step in, it feels like entering another world. It’s filled with flowers, plants, and a fountain. You can take a leisurely stroll or snap some photos. 📍 Carmel Beach The sand here is soft, and the waves are beautiful. On a sunny day, the sunset is especially stunning. You can sit on the beach, gaze at the ocean, and just let your mind wander. 💡 Tips ✅ Most shops here close early—around 5 p.m.—so make sure to arrive early. ✅ The Secret Garden is a bit hard to find. You’ll need to enter through the Pilgrim’s Way bookstore. This town is quiet, beautiful, and perfect for wandering around and taking photos—every corner is photogenic. Find some time to visit soon! 💛 #LoudlyRecommendedLocalFood #BayAreaFood #BayAreaFoodExploration #WorkAndTravel #Highway1TravelGuide