For our 14th anniversary, Ryne and I snuck away for a dreamy three-day escape to Carmel-by-the-Sea. We wanted somewhere charming, walkable, filled with coffee shops, adorable boutiques, and close enough to feel like a quick hop. Neither of us had ever been to Carmel, but oh my goodness, it was the perfect little coastal town, and it had all the charm!
Where to Stay in Carmel
We stayed at L’Auberge Carmel, a cozy, elegant little spot (I wanted all their paint colors). Breakfast was included, and we opted for it in our room each morning — absolute perfection! You can also have it in the charming terrace, which felt so European. The food was beyond amazing — the kind of breakfast you don’t quickly forget.
Where to Eat in Carmel
Our first night, we had dinner on the patio at Il Tegamino under twinkling lights and beautiful trellises. It was so cozy and charming! We also tried Carmel’s Bistro Giovanni, a family-owned Italian spot where Ryne had a shrimp pasta that he’s still talking about. Our last night’s dinner at Cultura was a highlight, thanks to their fantastic margaritas and the best company.
Coffee and Sweets
After dropping our bags at the hotel the first day, we strolled over to Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. on Ocean Avenue for afternoon coffee and scones. Both were just so delicious! The next morning, we stopped by Café Dal Mare, tucked away on a quiet side street by a cute little park. And, oh, the daily stop at Carmel Bakery was a must — their chocolate chip cookies were soft, enormous, and absolutely delicious.
Exploring Carmel
We wandered through the tiny, storybook Picadilly Park, which was such a charming spot to pause. One morning, we took a long oceanfront stroll and then trekked back up the hill, admiring the storybook cottages along the way. Every corner of Carmel feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Carmel-by-the-Sea was the perfect blend of romance and baby-friendly fun — everything we hoped for to make our anniversary celebration so special. Here’s to many more little adventures with my favorite person!
