How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Wine Tasting, Scenic Views, and Coastal Charm

Looking for a weekend escape full of coastal charm, incredible food, and unforgettable wine tasting experiences? Look no further than Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of California’s most enchanting seaside villages. With its whimsical cottages, stunning ocean views, and walkable downtown packed with tasting rooms and hidden courtyards, Carmel is made for slow, luxurious exploring. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend — including the must-do Carmel Wine and Wandering Tour, recommended local eats, and the best views on the west coast.

Friday Evening: Scenic Strolls and Sunset Magic

Start your weekend by checking into a cozy boutique inn like Cypress Inn or L’Auberge Carmel. Once you’re settled, head to Scenic Drive, the iconic bluff-top path that winds along the ocean. This walking trail showcases sweeping views of Carmel Beach and is perfect for a sunset walk. Bring a blanket and a bottle from a local tasting room to start the weekend in style.

Saturday: Wine Tasting and Wandering the Village

Kick off your day with breakfast at Café Carmel on Ocean Avenue or Café Luna in the Carmel Plaza, then get ready for a truly local experience — a walking wine tour with Carmel Wine and Wandering.

This 5-star rated experience is more than just a wine tasting tour in Carmel-by-the-Sea — it's a guided journey through the village's cobblestone alleys, best tasting rooms, and tucked-away courtyards. You'll explore top independent wineries while your sommelier guide shares stories about the history, architecture, and charm of the area.

This guided Carmel wine walk is the best way to sample local wines and discover places you'd likely miss on your own. Whether you're a wine lover or just enjoy a good story and a great sip, this tour is a highlight of any Carmel weekend. And your guide isn’t just an expert on wine, you’ll leave with recommendations on Carmel’s best food spots as well.

Hungry after the tour? Stop by La Bicyclette, a local favorite serving rustic European fare and wood-fired pizza. It's a great spot to relax and reflect on the day's tastings.

Sunday: Art, Shopping, and a Foodie Farewell

Carmel’s downtown is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and charming shops. Spend your morning exploring Ocean Avenue, where every turn leads to a new discovery. For brunch, Stationæry is a must — a hidden gem with California-inspired dishes and freshly roasted coffee.

If you're still craving adventure, consider a walk through Carmel Mission Basilica, one of California's most beautiful and historic missions. Or simply return to Scenic Drive for one last walk by the sea.

Wrap-Up: A Weekend of Wine, Walks, and Wonder

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place where magic lives in the details — the swirl of a glass, the crunch of sea air underfoot, and the charm of a storybook village waiting to be explored. Whether you come for the wine tasting, the walking tour, or the ocean views, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave already planning your next trip back.