THE ULTIMATE THREE DAY CARMEL TRAVEL ITINERARY
Carmel is one of my favorite towns in the US and my favorite in California. We will take frequent day trips or spend a weekend in the area. I love walking the main street, getting cheese from the The Cheese Shop, and exploring the art galleries. There are so many hiking options within a short drive that make for a great way to get in some exercise with a beautiful view while enjoying my morning coffee. This three day Carmel itinerary highlights my favorite places. I hope you enjoy this beautiful town.
TELL ME MORE ON CARMEL, CA
Founded: 1902
Famous Food: Seafood
Known Drink: Wine from Saint Lucia Highlands
Souvenir: Cheese from Cheese Shop
When to Visit: All Year
Carmel-by-the-sea or simply carmel, is a beautiful costal california town. Downtown carmel is a charming place to visit for three days with delicious restaurants and wine tasting rooms. carmel’s location makes it easily accessible to spend a morning in big sur, biking 17-mile drive at the famous pebble beach, or hike in point lobos state park. a weekend in carmel will have you wishing you could live in this quaint town. don’t forget to visit the cheese shop before you leave!
Highlights OF CARMEL
Top Places from Locals
Food
Dametra Cafe
II Tegamino
La Bicyclette Restaurant
Photography
Carmel Beach
Point Lobo’s State Park
Alleys on Ocean Ave
17 Mile Drive
Drinks
Alvarado Street Brewery
Hahn Wine Tasting Room
Hog’s Breath Inn
History
The Spanish Mission
Hansel & Gretel Houses
The Tuck Box
Shopping
Carmel Plaza
Ocean Avenue
Tips
- Downtown is easy to walk around
- A car is the best way to get to Carmel and is needed to take quick day trips from town
- Dinner reservations are needed at most restaurants downtown
- The Mission Ranch Restaurant does not take reservations so get there when they open for pre dinner drinks to put your name on dinner list
- A favorite of ours is to buy cheese from the Cheese Shop and walk to the beach with a bottle of wine for a mid afternoon picnic
- There are many boutique hotels that don’t show up on normal web searches so check out our suggestions below
- Be sure to explore the small alleyways and side streets, this is where you find the hidden gems
CERTAIN SUGGESTIONS ARE LINKED TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS
Best Hotels for Three Days in Carmel
Downtown is the most central location for sightseeing, food, drink, and shopping.
This post may contain links to affiliate websites, and we may receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.
Downtown
Vagabond’s House Inn $
The Normandy Inn $
Carmel Country Inn $
Carmel Bayview Inn $
Cypress Inn $$
Adobe Inn, Carmel $$
Carriage House Inn$$$
Candle Light Inn $$$
L’Auberge $$$
Best Restaurants for Three Days in Carmel
Downtown Carmel has amazing food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Making reservations far in advance is suggested for dinner.
Breakfast
Katy’s – CASH ONLY $
Forge in the Forest $
Tuck Box $
Dutch Door Donuts $
Carmel Bakery $
Cafe Luna $
Stationaery $
Coffee
Cafe Luna $
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting $
Cafe Carmel $
Stationaery $
Carmel Belle $
Lunch
Dametra Cafe $
La Bicyclette Restaurant $
Stationaery $
From Scratch Restaurant $$
Drinks
Alvarado Street Brewery $
Hog’s Breath Inn $
Hahn Wine Tasting Room $
Wrath Wine Tasting Room $
Blair Estate Wine $
Cultura $$
Buds at La Playa $$
Dinner
II Tegamino $
Mission Ranch $
The Pocket $$
Roux $$
Casanova $$
La Balena $$$
Desserts
Rise & Roam Bakery $
Patisserie Boissiere $
Carmel Bakery $
Cottage of Sweets $
What to See with Three Days in Carmel
Downtown Carmel has amazing art galleries, unique shops, and steps away from the beach. Its proximity to Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur, allow for great half day trips to surrounding areas. Here are the perfect places to see and things to do to fill your three day Carmel travel itinerary.
Downtown
Art Galleries
The Mission
Devendorf Park
Carmel Beach
Shops at Carmel Plaza
The Cheese Shop
Comstock House
Monterey & Big Sur Area – Drive
Seventeen Mile Drvie
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pebble Beach Golf Course
Point Lobos State Park
Bixby Bridge
Pfeiffer Beach
Pacific Grove
Day 1 in Carmel – Exploring the Town
Morning
Breakfast
Katy’s Place – CASH ONLY
Sightseeing
Art Galleries – see map below for our favorite art galleries
Afternoon
Lunch
The Cheese Shop – grab cheese, meat, and wine for an afternoon on the beach
Sightseeing
Shopping on Ocean Ave &
Walk to Beach
Day 2 in Carmel – Explore the Surrounding Area
Morning
Breakfast
Lafayette Bakery & Cafe
Sightseeing
Point Lobos State Park – Drive
Evening
Dinner
Mission Ranch
Sightseeing / Dessert
Bar at Mission Ranch for Piano & Live Music
Day 3 in Carmel – Downtown and Evening at Pebble Beach
Morning
Breakfast
Stationaery
Sightseeing
Explore the Alleys of Carmel
Afternoon
Lunch
La Bicyclette Restaurant $
Sightseeing
17 Mile Drive – allow two hours
Evening
Sunset
The Bagpiper at Spanish Bay – get there at least 30 min early for a spot. The website attached above gives the times based on time of year.
Dinner
II Tegamino $ – Make Reservation Here
ENJOY YOUR THREE DAY CARMEL TRAVEL ITINERARY
