The California coast from Monterey to Big Sur offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the world. We personally suggest making the short scenic drive to Big Sur and embarking on one of their many trails.
The State Sport of California, wine tasting, is played quite competitively in the Carmel Valley. With tons of wineries located in close proximity to the wedding location, you can get out there and try it out for yourself! Just watch out for the roving gangs of “Sommel-Bs” (see what we did there?) who will steal all your lunch money to feed their Pinot addiction.
I don’t know too much about golf so, I brought in a friend to cover this topic. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my dear friend, Jordan Speith.
Hi everyone, it’s me, Jordan Speith, professional golfer and close personal friend of Courtney and Tim. There are few courses in the world more beautiful than those found in and around Pebble Beach. Stunning scenery mixed with the cool ocean breeze make for ideal golfing conditions. I can’t recommend it more!
Here is a link to a guide of the gold courses in the Carmel area.
If you are not into hiking, wine tasting or golfing don’t worry, the Monterey Peninsula has a wide variety of additional activities that are sure to satisfy your interests. These include everything from whale watching to kayaking to surfing or if you’re like us a day at one of the local beaches.
Here is a link to a wide variety of other activities that area has to offer.
Carmel-By-the-Sea
Village Corner Mediterranean Bistro
We went here for breakfast on one of our first days together in Carmel so it holds a special place in our hearts. It’s not going to give you anything fancy but I guarantee you it will hit the spot! Classic breakfast cuisine with a little Mediterranean flair. Courtney recommends the french toast, Tim recommends Joes [sic] Special.
(WARNING! The website plays “Maple Leaf Rag” with serious volume and there is no way to stop it. Proceed at your own risk.)
Now, full disclosure, we’ve never been here but it certainly isn’t for lack of tryin’! There is, at least in our experience, always a line out the door for this cozy little brunch spot so it must be good! If you manage to get in, let us know how it was!
Pacific Grove
Holly’s Lighthouse
No website for this no-frills breakfast joint. They’ll make you some pancakes or some eggs and give you some coffee. If that’s what you are interested in, look no further!
Pavel’s Backeri
No website for this one either, but if you don’t feel like sitting down for breakfast, come by Pavel’s and grab a delicious pastry. A Costa family favorite, Pavel’s has been serving delectable pastries for years. Grab one or two 🙂 and head down to the water and enjoy a morning stroll.
Carmel-by-the-Sea:
A comfortable French-Italian spot that will make you a nice little pizza as easily as they’ll make you steak frites.
This restaurant is beautiful. They spent a lot of time getting the decor and ambiance just right and that same attention is paid to the service and the food. And, if you are lucky, you’ll be serenaded by the chef!
One of Tim’s favorites, this place feels like you walked into your grandmother’s cottage (if your grandmother was French and REALLY liked to entertain). The food is great and the service is too.
No matter where you decided to go, skip dessert after lunch and head to the Cottage of Sweets. They are well known for their immense selection of black licorice and fudge but have all kinds of other treats too. Courtney likes the cinnamon bears! Buy a bag and share some with her!
Pacific Grove:
A quick and delicious sandwich. Compagno’s is the go to sandwich spot for all the local armed services and we can see why. It is the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch and hit the beach. They serve huge sandwiches so make sure to order a half!
Pebble Beach
Hold on to your kilts, Wooster grads, this place has bagpipes EVERY NIGHT! Come at sunset for a cocktail, a beautiful view of the water, and a man wearing a dress and playing a pajama-clad octopus. This is Courtney and Tim’s number one recommended spot. Get there early to get a good seat around a fire and make some friends!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
I know what you’ll be thinking, did I take six shots? Or only five? Well to tell you the truth, at this bar and grill (formerly owned by Clint Eastwood) you’ll kind of lose track yourself. You’ve got to ask yourself one question, do I feel like having a beer at a pretty cool bar? Well, do ya, punk?
This place shucks! (Sorry, I had to do it). Oysters and beers in a nice beachy bar.
You won’t find a better view than the one here. The rooftop patio is what you are coming for so sneak up and grab a drink in style!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A Carmel staple that serves delicious authentic Italian food.
Coastal cuisine in downtown Carmel. A favorite of the locals!
Amazing Mediterranean food in a enchanting setting. If you there at 8, they even sing and dance for you!
Pacific Grove
Fancy yourself some French food? Look no further than Fifi’s eclectic French bistro.
This restaurant is the new kid on the block. But they still have a bunch of hits. If Chinese food makes you sick, you’ll want to stop by in the summer. In the summer.
Go here. Get the liver and onions. Everyone.
No ocean-side town is complete without a great fish restaurant. A bit upscale (fish pun!) but perfect for a nice night out.