Many travelers use Carmel-by-the-Sea as a base for exploring the greater area, taking in such nearby attractions as the always-fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium and picturesque Point Lobos.

I get that. Yet I also understand why someone might never want to leave once they set foot in this lovely European-style village. It offers just about everything one could want, from sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery to first-rate accommodations, restaurants and all kinds of recreational activities.

It would be a great spot for a monthlong vacation ― maybe longer. Yet you can enjoy this gorgeous city in bite-size chunks, too, as a weekend jaunt or simply one perfect day in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

A wine walk

When it comes to wine tasting, people often think of Napa and Sonoma first, but Monterey County also is a premiere wine region. And there’s arguably no better ― or, at least, easier ― way to experience it than via the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea, a self-guided, self-paced tour that winds through 12 tasting rooms in a square mile. The stroll includes such wineries as De Tierra Vineyards, Manzoni Cellars and Scheid Vineyards.

Pick up a $65 wine tasting “passport,” which gives you a $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms. The best thing about this wine walk is that you don’t have to drive between tasting rooms. Plus, the passport doesn’t expire, so you can spread out your wine tasting over the course of several trips to the area.


Beach picnic

Visitors will find many excellent dining options in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea, but none can offer a view that competes with what you will find at Carmel Beach, just a short stroll from the village down Ocean Avenue. Pack a picnic and revel in the soft sand, exceptional surf and scenic setting. It’s one of Carmel’s definitive experiences, especially at sunset, which is as dramatic as it is romantic.

Plenty of local businesses can help you pack a picnic, but one of the best spots is 5th Ave Deli, which offers fully loaded picnic “lunchboxes.” The Carmel Classic ($16.99) includes an oven-roasted turkey and cheddar sandwich, pasta salad, chips and a dessert, while the Deluxe ($18.50) offers a curried chicken sandwich, green salad, chips, water and yummy carrot cake. If none of the lunchboxes strikes your fancy, simply create your own picnic from the bounty of sandwiches and salads here ― or browse the offerings at The Cheese Shop, where you will find items from around the globe.

By Jim Harrington

(San Jose Mercury News)

(MCT Information Services)