The Scenic Route – October 2026

    Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a true change of scenery without requiring much planning. From Orinda, it’s roughly about a two-and-a-half hour drive depending on traffic, yet it offers an entirely different vibe.
    Carmel has long been known for its charm. The village is compact and walkable, with no street addresses in the traditional sense and a layout that encourages wandering. The concentration of art galleries is remarkable for a town of its size. You can spend an entire afternoon moving between them, often with the added benefit of speaking directly to gallerists who know their artists well.
    Shopping follows a similar pattern. Boutique storefronts line the streets, many set within lovely courtyards just beyond the main pedestrian flow. Make time to investigate. Some of Carmel’s most memorable corners reveal themselves behind stone pathways and wooden gates, where small gardens and trickling fountains create the feeling of stumbling onto a private retreat.
    Carmel has also become one of California’s most appealing wine-tasting destinations. More than a dozen tasting rooms are concentrated within the village itself, many representing respected producers from Monterey County, Carmel Valley, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. You can move from tasting room to tasting room entirely on foot, often discovering intimate patios and hidden courtyards. The variety is notable, ranging from small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay houses to bold Rhône varietal producers and library-focused Cabernet programs. For wine lovers, it adds yet another layer to Carmel’s remarkably walkable appeal.
    It’s hard not to notice how thoroughly dog-friendly the town is. Dogs are welcomed into shops, greeted at restaurant patios, and treated like regulars. It shifts the tone of the entire place, making it seem more relaxed and sociable. And the beach, which allows dogs to roam and run freely, reflects this ethos.
    Carmel Beach is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California. A wide expanse of pale sand arcs along the water, framed by cypress trees and low bluffs. The light here has a clarity that captures the imaginations of photographers, especially in the late afternoon when the horizon softens and the sky begins its golden transition into evening. Dogs frolic, locals gather with wine and blankets, and the atmosphere is communal.
    For an overnight stay, La Playa Carmel is one of my favorites. Originally built in 1905 as a private mansion, it feels residential in the best sense, with its lush gardens, cozy common spaces, and a chaise lounge-lined swimming pool.
    Guests are welcomed at check-in with a glass of wine or the afternoon’s bespoke libation. It’s a small gesture that’s immensely welcoming. Bud’s Bar serves as a casual gathering spot in the evenings and is as beloved by locals as it is by hotel guests. Its wood-paneled walls and low lighting make it the perfect place to settle in at the end of the day with a classic cocktail.
    Mornings are anchored by the hotel’s incredible breakfast buffet, which is included with your stay and beautifully executed. You’ll find fresh fruit smoothies, a waffle and omelet bar, and freshly baked pastries. And then there’s the detail that guests tend to remember most: warm chocolate chip cookies appearing every evening, an homage to the site’s former Ghirardelli ownership.
    The appeal of Carmel-by-the-Sea lies in its unique storybook charm, and how seamlessly its many elements come together. The beach, the galleries, the shops, and the wine tasting venues are all part of a cohesive experience that’s easily navigable on foot. The journey is easy, and the relatively short drive yields a distinct shift in atmosphere.