It’s a true storybook escape.
Some of its whimsy is natural.
Then, there are the charming idiosyncrasies forged by mankind.
Landscape along the coast of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Credit:Anders Widlund/Getty Images
The heartbeat of Carmel-By-the-Sea is its quaint gridded village.
Carmel is a town to explore, says Galante.
Simply wandering is the neatest thing to do here.
Lobby of Le Petit Pali.Courtesy of Palisociety
And in those wanderings, here are a few places Galante hopes you discover.
La Playa is a beautiful spot to stay, says Galante.
And it has wonderful gardensespecially great if you’re doing a nice event or a wedding.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
(Theres even a second Le Petit Pali on 8th Avenue, should you want to compare properties.)
Villa Mara
Villa Marais ideal for a romantic getaway in Carmel.
A private balcony and ocean views come with most accommodations.
Alex Warschauer/Courtesy of La Bicyclette
Rooms and shared spaces are pretty and sophisticated; a glass of wine in the courtyard is a must.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Best Things to Do
Go wine tasting.
Monterey County is a productive wine region, so sipping local varietals is a must.
Sunset over a coastline.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Appreciate the art scene.
A place as naturally beautiful as Carmel is bound to draw creatives.
Naturally, the village is home to dozens of galleries showcasing art of all kinds.
Scenic road to Carmel-by-the-Sea.Christian Adams/Getty Images
Visit on the second Saturday of the month to join theCarmel Art Walkand stroll with fellow art lovers.
Carmel is entrenched in the artsit has been so ever since it was founded, says Galante.
If youre here for the day, be sure to go into an art gallery.
Spend an early morning in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Snag a spot for your vehicle early, then hit the dirt.
TheCypress Grove Trailwill reward you with incredible ocean vistas and time beneath towering Monterey cypress trees.
Cruise 17-Mile Drive.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is its southern starting point; from there, youll drive north toward Monterey.
Spend a few hours at Carmel Beach.
Lunch and dinner are served, too.
Cantinetta Luca
For fabulous traditional Italian, head toCantinetta Luca, which Galante frequents.
Family recipes line the menu here, and California produce and seafood brings them to life.
Menu items change with the season, and allowing Californias bounty to sway things is always a good plan.
From SFO, youll drive about two hours south to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Landing at SJC shaves off about 30 minutes from your drive.
Monterey Regional Airport, meanwhile, is just 15 minutes away from town, but connectivity is limited.
Galante says riding a bike is a fun way to explore, too.
