Foodie & Fun Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea 🌊

🍽 Eat: 🥘 Pacific’s Edge Restaurant – Located in Hyatt Carmel Highlands, upscale with stunning ocean views. Must-tries: seafood chowder and eggs Benedict. 🥘 L’Escargot – Cozy French bistro. Try the escargots, beef Wellington, roasted lamb chops, and French onion soup. They even serve ris de veau (sweetbreads)! 🥘 Mission Ranch – Owned by Clint Eastwood, this ranch restaurant offers gorgeous coastal pasture views (with real sheep!). Perfect for sunset cocktails. 🥘 Casanova – Rustic Italian charm with a tree growing through the roof. Order the seafood pappardelle or braised short ribs. 🥘 Dametra Café – Mediterranean delights. Don’t miss the baklava (best paired with Turkish coffee!) and their seafood stew. 🥘 Portabella – Tender braised lamb loin is a standout. 🥘 Little Napoli – Authentic Italian pizzas in a lively setting. 🥘 Stationaery – Instagram-worthy brunch spot. Try the French toast, breakfast burger, or Dutch baby pancake. 💃🏻 Play: 🌊 Point Lobos State Natural Preserve – Epic hiking with turquoise waters, sea arches, seals, and sea lions. The moss-draped trees look straight out of a fairy tale! 🌊 Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach – Famous for its wild calla lilies (peak bloom: Jan–Feb). The nearby beach is serene and photogenic. 🌊 Carmel-by-the-Sea – Stroll the storybook cottages, art galleries (like Classic Art Gallery with its lovely garden), and end at the white-sand Carmel Beach—glassy blue waves on sunny days! 🏡 Stay: 💖 Tickle Pink Inn – $480/night 💖 La Playa Hotel – $600/night 💖 Carmel Valley Ranch (Hyatt Unbound Collection) – $1000+/night 💖 Hyatt Carmel Highlands – $719/night 💖 Normandy Inn – $290/night #WeekendGetaway #BayAreaDateIdeas #CarmelGuide #CaliforniaTravel #FoodieAdventure