Monterey & Carmel Leisurely One-Day Trip Guide 🌊🌸

A relaxed itinerary to avoid crowds and enjoy the perfect pace~ 📍 11:00 AM - Depart from the Bay Area, first stop: Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery for a seafood lunch! (Check my next post for the full menu + recommendations!) 📍 After lunch, drive to Lovers Point Beach 👉🏻 Super cute squirrels and seagulls everywhere! The rocky "cliffs" make for amazing photos. 🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen and a jacket—it’s windy by the water! 📍 5-minute walk to Perkins Park Vista Point 🌸 In May, the coast is covered in blooming purple flowers—so dreamy! 📍 Continue walking to Kissing Rock View Point 📷 Stunning views, perfect for a chill stroll with plenty of photo ops. Round trip: ~1 hour (20 mins one way). If you’re not up for walking, driving takes ~5 mins, but parking can be tricky during peak hours! 🛣️ Skipped 17-Mile Drive this time—previously found it a bit inconvenient. (You have to stop at each viewpoint to see the ocean, can’t enjoy it while driving, and it’s a toll road. Research before deciding!) 📍 Next: Carmel Bakery (set GPS to no toll to bypass 17-Mile Drive). 🚗 Park and explore Carmel-by-the-Sea at your own pace. 📸 Pic 6: Adorable courtyard at The Xocolatl Garden 📸 Pic 7: Quaint European-style alley at Normandy Inn—every corner here is Instagram-worthy! 🍽️ Dinner at Jeju Kitchen (surprisingly good Korean food in this cozy town!). 🌅 Final stop: Carmel Beach for sunset 🌊 Walk from town (~20 mins, some hills) or drive (limited parking!). ✨ Perfect for those who want a slow-paced day—just wandering, snapping pics, eating, and relaxing. Great for couples or friends! Like this guide? Save & share! 📌 Questions? Drop a comment~ #Monterey #CarmelByTheSea #BayAreaGetaway #CaliforniaTravel #DayTripGuide #CaliforniaTrip #NorCalViews #CharmingTown #SeasidePhotography