Carmel in 3 Days

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beach town in Northern California, maintains much of the natural beauty that inspired its founding. Thanks to roads that bypassed, rather than bulldozed, trees, the seaside city has been an inspiration for artists and architects alike, from Jack London and Upton Sinclair to actor/director Clint Eastwood, who was the city’s mayor at one point.

Sample a variety of cuisines, some of which include ingredients from both nearby Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley. Check out the local arts scene—the small town has more than 90 galleries and annual events such as the Carmel Art Festival—or attend a performance at the historic Forest Theater, the first outdoor theater west of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

The Carmel Oaks Inns & Suites - A Clarion Collection Hotel is located approximately one mile from Carmel Mission and Pebble Beach and seven miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport. San Jose International Airport is about 60 miles away. This location is also a mile from Carmel Beach and Point Lobos Reserve Park, 10 miles from Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, and 30 miles from Big Sur. Hotel amenities include the free continental breakfast basket delivered to the room everyday. The hotel also offers room service and free parking. All rooms feature free local calls, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, VCRs, and exterior room entrances.

One of the most famous golf courses in the world awaits you where the land meets the sea at Pebble Beach. Some of the most memorable moments in golf history have taken place here. This resort is known for being one of the priciest of its kind. If you are not staying onsite, the rates for the golf links are USD325. Three luxury accommodation options are available, and the golf shop itself carries a legendary line of clothing. After 80 years, wealthy golf devotees continue to flock to this resort. First tee is usually around 6am.

One of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, this stretch of highway runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. You will see incredible beaches, six golf courses and more mansions than you can count. You will drive by several epicurean restaurants, all of which will refund the USD8 toll fee that you pay to drive this road. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free. The road snakes its way like a serpent, along the California coast and then through the Del Monte Forest. This drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Bring lots of film. See website for visitor details.

Amassing 120 acres, this purely organic vineyard specializes in Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate also includes gardens filled with sculptures by Toby Heller, each of which is related somehow to the tasting experience at the vineyards. Started in 1969, the vineyard is now owned by Europeans and cranks out about 25,000 cases each year. The tasting room is top-notch, and also includes a doll museum and an outstanding gift shop.

This new restaurant was voted the best by Adventures in Dining Magazine's readers' poll and it offers a delicious variety of Central California coastal cuisine. Locals haunt the place. The selection of wines is designed to perfectly complement the dishes: a 1998 Honig Sauvignon Blanc is paired with Mustard-crusted Halibut, for example. You can eat inside, surrounded by polished wood surfaces, or on the patio. Entrees average USD20-25. It is a great bet for a reception or an intimate dinner. The service is warm and friendly.

Also known as Mission Carmel Basilica and more formally, as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, this was the second of the nine missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. The area was originally chosen for its agricultural possibilities in 1771, but the temperate climate and exquisite landscape soon made it Father Serra's favorite. Indeed, he is buried, as per his wishes, in front of the church's main altar. The building, which fell into ruins in the 19th century and has since been completely restored, exhibits classic Mission-style, fortress-like architecture, with thick, bougainvillea-covered adobe walls and a central courtyard. A Moorish-style bell tower contains nine bells and is open to the public. Though some may find the climb up the steep staircase taxing, the views from that vantage point are magnificent.

For almost a quarter of a century this shopping center has been one of the best of its kind in all of California. With unique shops, galleries, salons, clothing stores and first-class restaurants, there is something here for every discerning shopper. The place is also surrounded by gorgeous gardens and brick walkways. You should not make a visit to Carmel without coming here. It is a great place for old-style shopping and the absence of any major department store makes it even more attractive. Credit card acceptance varies by store.

Modern classics take center stage this spring on the Monterey Peninsula from a company that's been wowing audiences for two decades. Presented at the Circle Theater, the Golden Bough Theater or The Outdoor Forest Theater are Broadway staples such as "Oliver!," as well as edgier off-Broadway fare with Christopher Durang's "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You". "The Elephant Man," "Little Shop of Horrors," and Brian Friel's "Molly Sweeney" round out the well-planned program of comedy, drama and rousing show tunes. Check the Web site for ticket prices, dates and venues for specific productions.

The Carmel Oaks Inns & Suites - A Clarion Collection Hotel is located approximately one mile from Carmel Mission and Pebble Beach and seven miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport. San Jose International Airport is about 60 miles away. This location is also a mile from Carmel Beach and Point Lobos Reserve Park, 10 miles from Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, and 30 miles from Big Sur. Hotel amenities include the free continental breakfast basket delivered to the room everyday. The hotel also offers room service and free parking. All rooms feature free local calls, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, VCRs, and exterior room entrances.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beach town in Northern California, maintains much of the natural beauty that inspired its founding. Thanks to roads that bypassed, rather than bulldozed, trees, the seaside city has been an inspiration for artists and architects alike, from Jack London and Upton Sinclair to actor/director Clint Eastwood, who was the city’s mayor at one point.

Sample a variety of cuisines, some of which include ingredients from both nearby Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley. Check out the local arts scene—the small town has more than 90 galleries and annual events such as the Carmel Art Festival—or attend a performance at the historic Forest Theater, the first outdoor theater west of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.