Carmel by the Sea - A Romantic Retreat

Escape to Carmel California on a romantic vacation with all the comforts and freedoms desired. Find a cozy place to stay and set out on the town to enjoy the many boutiques and attractions of the downtown area. Explore the rest of Carmel and try some of the many exciting activities on the beaches and in the valleys. Consider some of these recommendations in planning a romantic escape to Carmel.

Stay at an inn or B&B

Reserve a room at an inn or a bed and breakfast hotel and enjoy the cozy comforts that make for the ultimate romantic setting. Take advantage of the charm and excellent service present in these smaller accommodations to make the stay in Carmel most enjoyable. Relax each night after romantic days out or make for a night of romance in comfort and contentment.

Go out for breakfast or coffee

Start the first full day of romance in Carmel with a leisurely breakfast or coffee at one of the town's charming breakfast nooks. Enjoy the small-town comforts and courtesies with tasty breakfast options and plan activities for the day ahead. Try visiting The Carmel Coffee House, the Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop, Village Corner, or the Tuck Box in one of Carmel's legendary fairytale houses.

Sunset Cocktails at Mission Ranch

Mission Ranch is without a doubt one of the most romantic spots in Carmel. The wonderful outdoor fireplace on the patio is the perfect place to enjoy some cocktails at sunset with a beautiful view. Overlooking brilliant green meadows and Carmel River Beach, the restaurant is a great location for a romantic dinner to some live jazz music. Shopping and galleries Carmel has wonderful facilities for romantic shopping while looking for jewelry, fashion, antiques, and more.

Visit Carmel Plaza for the ultimate downtown shopping experience.

There are plenty of shops and boutiques in downtown Carmel to find anything on the shopping list. Carmel also has more than 100 art galleries for visitors to admire. These include artists studios, photography, contemporary, and early American and California art.

Films at Forest Theater

Forest Theater is an outdoor venue featuring live performances among towering pines and open fireplaces. It sets the ideal mood for a romantic night out with entertainment. Visit this historic open-air theater with a cozy blanket and some wine to enjoy the night to its fullest.

Scenic Road

Located just off of Carmel's Ocean Avenue, take this leisurely path for a casual romantic walk through the local scenes of nature. It features breathtaking views of the coastline at Carmel Beach and has plenty of benches along the way to stop and admire to views. Continue past the walking path and view the rugged coastline, Cypress trees, and more of the beautiful beachfront homes. Scenic Road is the primary walking path for romantics in alluring Carmel.

Wine tasting

Carmel is home to some of the greatest wineries and vineyards in Monterey wine country. With dozens of them local in Carmel Valley, there are plenty of options when it comes to trying the perfect wine for romance. Visit a few of these wine tasting venues and choose a wine to take back for a romantic evening in Carmel.

Sunset beach picnic

There may be nothing more romantic than sitting on the beach at sunset with a light meal and wine for a picnic. Enjoy a casual walk along the white sand beaches then choose a spot to hunker down and wait for the highlight of the evening.

Romantic fine dining

Carmel has an array of fine dining options to complete any romantic getaway. Enjoy the best in fine French cuisine at Aubergine or Casanova Restaurant, find casual elegance in the decadence of Anton & Michel, or taste the finest in local California or American cuisine at Pacific's Edge or Marinus, both of which are located in fine accommodating hotels.

17-Mile Drive

On a romantic retreat to Carmel California, don't pass up the opportunity to see 17-Mile Drive. As one of the most famous stretches of road in the world, 17-Mile Drive offers spectacular ocean views filled with wildlife and encompassed stretches through forests of rare Monterey pines and cypress trees. Have a picnic at one of the cliffside vistas and admire the beauties of nature in local California.

Enjoy Carmel to its greatest potential on an exciting and memorable romantic getaway. Drive along the scenic roads and admire the spectacular landscapes, or take a casual walk along the beaches and see it all up close. Go out for some fine dining and then relax with a lighthearted meal for the next. Explore the nooks and crannies of Carmel and don't miss a bit of the town's charm. Choose Carmel for a romantic getaway and it will exceed all expectations.


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Cher Burkett, freelance travel writer for Carmel Luxury Hotels. Read her recent article about Pebble Beach Hotels. To have Cher write exclusive content for your website or blog contact info@CarmelLodgingGuide.com.