From Sunrise Coffee to Sunset Cocktails: A Day in the Life of a Carmel Visitor
Thousands of people come from far and wide to visit Carmel each year. The spotless beaches, exciting outdoor adventure options, and fabulous shopping make it the perfect weekend getaway for couples, families, and solo travelers. But what makes Carmel so special is deeper and more essential. An unshakeable sense of community, and of communion with nature, define the Carmel spirit. Life slows down to an easier pace when you’re here.
Nowhere encapsulates all that Carmel has to offer more than The Crossroads Carmel – the heart and soul of this seaside hideaway. From the zen-like tranquility of Monterey Bay Bodyworks, to the mouthwatering morning-time delicacies of Sweet Reba’s, to the sizzling steaks and sides at Rio Grill, here’s your complete guide to how The Crossroads Carmel can begin and end your visit.
Tips For Visiting
Carmel is the kind of place where you can stroll in with a half-packed suitcase and a whole lot of chill. Locals have mastered the art of easy living, and the laid-back atmosphere they’ve cultivated across town is contagious. But even in paradise, a little prep work doesn’t hurt to make sure your trip is smooth sailing. Follow these tips so you can be ready to make the most of your seaside retreat in the jewel of the California coast.
Pet Approved
Carmel Beach was ranked one of the pet-friendliest beaches in the country, and the town is famously friendly to furry companions. If you’re the kind of vacationer who likes to bring Fido along, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly beaches, trails, restaurants, shops, and lodging options during your Carmel stay.
If you need dog food, treats, or toys at any point during your visit, head to the Crossroads and check out our Pet Food Express. You can even make same-day veterinary and wellness appointments if your canine companion needs a check-up.
Outdoor Gear
Carmel is surrounded by a bounty of outdoor adventures, so come prepared to get active. If you don’t already have a trusty pair of hiking shoes or need a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt for chilly morning hikes, stop by The Treadmill. The knowledgeable staff at The Treadmill can assess the best gear for you based on your activity level, interests, and even the way you walk.
The Crossroads cozies right up to the Carmel River, which flows from beautiful Garland Ranch Park at the Eastern edge of the Carmel Valley all the way into the sea. You’re set up to jump into a hike after a visit to the Crossroads. You can head over to the Carmel Meadows Trailhead for a dog-friendly jaunt or work your way toward the historic Portola-Crespi Cross from Carmel River State Beach.
Morning: Coffee, Confections, and Core Exercises
The best way to start a Carmel morning is with a little coffee and a little workout. Get all the energy you’re going to need for the day at the Crossroads Carmel, where Personal Pilates Trainer and Z-Health Movement Coach Marcy Curry is waiting to work you out at Carmel Pilates and Personal Training.
Get your morning burn with a small group or Stott Pilates session, and then head over to Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company for a piping hot cup of joe. Try the famous Carmel Foglifter French Roast or sip on a sweet iced matcha, a CVCRC specialty.
Once you’ve enjoyed your morning coffee, stop in to Sweet Reba’s, one of Carmel’s most beloved bakeries. Folks flock to Sweet Reba’s from all around Monterey County for their fill of owner Reba Wilson’s delectable desserts and pastries.
Sweet Reba’s satisfies the traditionalist who’s after a molten, mouthwatering chocolate chip cookie or white chocolate butterscotch brownie. Or try one of their seasonal specialties, like strawberries and cream cookies or lemon meringue pie in a jar. If you’re visiting Carmel for a birthday, custom order one of Sweet Reba’s famous cakes, customized to your exact tastes and decorated with an artist’s attention to detail. Trust us, you can’t go wrong!
Afternoon: Unwind, Indulge, Accessorize
After you’ve explored Mission Trail Park and taken the historic downtown Carmel walking tour, circle back to the Crossroads for shopping, spa time, and enough barbeque to feed a small village.
The Crossroads BBQ is Carmel’s favorite spot for barbecue. Join the loyal locals who dine in every day on fire-smoked cuts of quality beef, pork, and chicken. Pro-tip: order the succulent cornbread to help sop up every drop of The Crossroads BBQ’s secret-recipe barbeque sauce on your plate. If you’re looking for lighter fare, C U Sushi has the best bibimbap bowl on the Monterey Peninsula, and won’t leave you feeling overstuffed.
A fool-proof cure for a food coma is shopping. Visit Debra C at the Crossroads to discover why it’s become one of the premiere boutiques on the central coast. Debra C is a meticulously curated showcase of fashionable yet sensible designs from European ateliers and boutiques, from Francesco Santoro to Amina Rubinacci.
Peruse genuine leather handbags and pure cashmere scarves, or time your visit to one of their famous trunk shows, where you can rub elbows with high-end designers.
If you’re looking for home decor, Consignment by the Sea features a rotating weekly inventory of spotlessly maintained furniture sets, glassware, and antique wood pieces. Then pop around the corner to River House Books for one of their weekly book signings or to grab your next beach read.
When you’ve had your fill of shops and are ready to drop, stop by Monterey Bay Bodyworks for a therapeutic massage or the signature facial, featuring exfoliation, extractions, and a mask designed specifically for your skin type.
Evening: Spirits by the Seashore
Head over to VIN Wine Bar and Bottle Boutique for the perfect beginning to the end of your day in Carmel. VIN is Carmel’s go-to destination to drink and learn about wine from resident expert Roslyn Anderson, VIN’s Chief Wine Officer. VIN’s dynamic wine list is curated to showcase small-production sustainable wines, and you can order any of the 100+ local and imported selections by the glass. Live music from local acts accompanies the tastings every Sunday night.
When you’re ready for dinner, mozy over to Rio Grill for fresh and hearty fare. Start with calamari made from freshly caught Monterey Bay squid and keep the seafood flowing with grilled prawn penne or pan-seared diver scallops. Rio Grill has a fully stocked bar serving ice-cold classics like gin & tonics and screwdrivers, specials like the lavender lemon drop and the yuzu whisky sour, and mocktails like the “no-jito.”
Carmel Is Where the Heart Is
The Crossroads Carmel is here for locals and visitors alike to indulge, explore, and express themselves. You can visit us seven days a week to discover why Carmel is the best-kept secret on the California coast. Your next great trip awaits!