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The Ultimate Monterey/Carmel by the Sea Itinerary
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Rayna Kingston
Planning an upcoming trip to the Big Little Lies town? I've got you covered, from food, to stays, to things to do.
Map
Sections
4
 
Stay
 
Eat
 
Sites
 
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Stay

Bucket List Stays and exceptional B&B's

 
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Time to cross off Staying in a Treehouse from the bucket list
Treehouses for Rent in Watsonville, California, United States - Airbnb
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The most charming stay, with rooms that are all uniquely decorated. I recommend a stay in the Library Room 📚
Old Monterey Inn
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With two locations in town you can take your pick, bonus they server warm cookies every evening
Le Petit Pali
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Eat

What's a trip without the food to remember it by?

 
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a perfect spot for a late lunch
Stationæry Restaurant
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a more upscale breakfast option
Katy's Place
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a perfect spot for a quick coffee or matcha
Cafe dal Mare
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a famous bakery with the most enticing pastry case - expect lines
Carmel Bakery
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quick and fast pizzaria for a lunch after exploring the beach
Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria
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perfect spot for breakfast and when the weather is nice as they have a huge back patio
Alta Bakery and Cafe
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I went back to them every morning for their matchas
Ad Astra Bread Co.
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For when you hit that point in your trip when you realize you haven't had any fruits or veggies
Perfectly Pressed Monterey
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The best dinner you will have on this trip hands down - MAKE A RESERVATION at least a month out
Casanova
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Known as one of the best restaurants in Carmel, go for the Chef's tasting menu
La Bicyclette Restaurant
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for when you need an aesthetic coffee shop to reset in
Captain + Stoker
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For when you get into town and need lunch before you get hangry (also their cake slices 🤯)
Rosine's Restaurant
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Sites

In a town like this, you need time to take in all the veiws

 
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About an hour from Monterey and 100% worth your time
Redwood National and State Parks
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The iconic Big Little Lies Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge
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The crazy thing about Northern CA is that they all the landscapes you could think of
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
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Beautiful and famous for a reason, go an listen to the water
Monterey State Beach - California State Parks
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theres a path that leads to a hidden beach if you can find it 😉
Natural Bridges State Beach - California State Parks
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home to so many picturesque views, worth a visit
Carmel Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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More

Things to do & places to shop to keep you busy

 
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I'm not sure paying money to drive the 17 mile highway is worth it, but biking it? Hell yes
17 Mile Drive E-Bike Rentals - Big Sur Adventures
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It's all in the name, find the hidden garden if you can!
Pilgrims Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
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a quick little knicknack store
Bee, Bark & Moss
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A year-round Christmas store? Sign me up
Carmel Christmas Magic
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Even if you're not a sweets person, this shop is worth seeing as it is in the cutest Fairy Tale House
Cottage of Sweets
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Hats are always a fun way to remember a trip
The Carmel Hat Company
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A perfect event to attend while on your vacation
61st Annual Great Sandcastle Contest "Celebrate Carmel Architecture"
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