From ME to YOU w/LOVE!
Personal Adventures & Experiences from . . . My Travel Journal.
Rounding out my Wellness Rebuild in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Saving the best for last!
The views here are nothing short of breathtaking. Mother Nature is on full display, showing off her vibrant, untamed beauty.
Pristine turquoise waters crash dramatically against jagged coastal rocks, rising into lush green mountains that cradle fertile valleys—perfect for growing all kinds of deliciousness. It’s a place that awakens the senses and reminds you of the wonder in simply being present.
Rich in history, Carmel was founded along California’s mission trail—one of 21 missions that line the historic route. The Carmel Mission founded by Father Junipero Serra is active with weekly mass and tours.
For the first time, I found myself cruising south on Highway 1 to take in the breathtaking view of the Bixby Creek Bridge. This iconic structure has been featured in countless Hollywood films and TV shows—Big Little Lies, one of my favorites, among them. Eventhough I have been coming here, to Carmel that is for over a decade to visit friends and family, this was the first time I found myself taking the time to view and enjoy the route to the iconic Bixby Bridge. Why is that you might say? Well, I sprained my right ankle so badly after a great surf session, it’s now the color of a full-blown rainbow—there’s no sign of an ankle bone left, just a swollen, bruised kankle. After three solid days of elevating, icing, and resting, I’m now strapped into a clunky orthopedic boot that’s anything but graceful.
The timing? Unbelievable. I’m in the middle of what was supposed to be my dream wellness trip—one designed for movement, action, and all the physical activities that feed my soul. Being active is my medicine. It’s how I reconnect, process, and heal.
But here I am, benched. At first, it felt like a cruel joke. But with the forced stillness came something unexpected: CLARITY. Rest. Slowing down. Actually digesting all the deep work and nourishment I’ve taken in over the past six weeks. I realized that this quiet, this pause, might just be the most healing part of the entire trip. The biggest growth comes when we reflect, evaluate allowing us to better CHOOSE what's next. Alas, the Ebb & Flow of the tides is a pattern for LIFE!
It can be difficult to slow down-especially when momentum is building-but taking the time to pause is a vital step in ensuring you're still on the most aligned and purposeful path.
The true secret of a Wellness Rebuild lies in staying open—open to growth, to change, and to the lessons that emerge along the way.
Regular check-ins with yourself help confirm that you're still aligned, and they serve as powerful reminders that success isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable when you're attuned to your journey.
This is the sweet spot—the FLOW of life.
When you're open...
When you're attuned...
When you slow down...
You begin to experience that fleeting moment between breaths, between the ebb and flow of tides—the quiet rhythm between cycles of energy.
This is FLOW.
It’s what we practice suspending in meditation.
It’s so hard to describe, yet once you feel it, you know.
It’s a healing, weightless synergy—a return to balance, peace, and presence.
Carmel sealed in my Wellness Rebuild, my Bravery is Back!
Come along with me as I share some of my favorite hidden gems and soul-soothing spots in this area. It’s a must-visit if you ever find yourself nearby—trust me, your heart will thank you.
LET'S BEGIN:
CARMEL By The SEA | CARMEL VALLEY | CALIFORNIA
A little geography to clarify my travel guide and you can get your bearings for your planning. In this gorgeous part of the world you have, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Big Sur.
Carmel’s coastline is like a dream . . . a symphony of nature’s best elements coming together in a breathtaking display. The way the turquoise waters contrast with the pristine white sands and rugged cliffs feels almost surreal. The town's main beach, Carmel Beach, stretches along the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views framed by cypress trees and dramatic cliffs. It's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, providing a perfect setting for leisurely walks either right on the white sand or up on the beach path complete with viewing benches and restrooms. People are always out enjoying the beach, surfing, playing volleyball or enjoying spectacular sunsets with a picnic.
For those seeking to explore further, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers a rich marine habitat just south of town and is considered one of the best locations for scuba diving on the Monterey Peninsula.
Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, embark on scenic hikes, or simply take in the natural beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an unforgettable coastal experience.
Carmel Valley is 10 miles inland due east from Carmel by the Sea and it is definitely warmer and has a quaint small town appeal with a couple of luxury resorts and many wine tasting and innovative cuisine options plus golfing and hiking trails galore. Truly a gem and a must experience.
Big Sur is located about 30 minutes south on Highway 1 and it is some of the prettiest coastline you will ever explore. I have not experienced the town of Big Sur yet. My friends and family rave about it. I needed to leave something to explore on my next trip here and will report back. I did, however, make it to the famous Bixby Bridge and that is 15 miles from Carmel by the Sea with a number of hiking paths available along the coast to enjoy a hike and glorious picnic kind of day.
Carmel is truly one of Mother Nature's gorgeous gems and worth any travel time you can spend here anytime of year. Summers seem to get more coastal fog due to the heat inland but you can always head in to Carmel Valley for a day if you want sunshine. Fall, Winter and Spring are absolutely beautiful with mild temperatures and blue skies.
Carmel Beach is Simply Gorgeous!
WHERE TO LAY MY HEAD? Most Important!
You have so many options for incredible stays in the Carmel area. If you would like to be within walking distance to the crystal clear waters of Carmel beach, you will want to select a choice in Carmel by the Sea. Most hotels are cottage style inns with cozy "fireplace" charm. Ocean Avenue is the main street and most hotels are a couple blocks off Ocean. The Coachman's Inn is part of the Four Sister's Collection of Inn throughout California. They recently refreshed all 30 rooms with updated custom furnishings for a cozy comfortable experience. Additionally they have parking under the units, which is helpful in Carmel (not sure of vertical clearance). For a more economical option, I have enjoyed the Vendage Inn & Suites for an off main street experience(long walk or more like a drive to Ocean Ave). Vendange offers an array of units featuring fireplaces, balconies, gathering fire pit, courtyard are a few of the amenities. There is even a deluxe king suite with a full kitchen. Remember this is Inn Style (not super fancy). One more fun location with some famous connections to Clint Eastwood is the Mission Ranch. You will definitely need a car if you stay here because you are a few ocean coves south of town but truly a magical place complete with sheep in the pasture looking at the ocean, very Ireland-ish.
Booking.com and AirBnB.com list all the amazing finds here in Carmel by the Sea, very unique lovely options to discover. You really can't go wrong as long as you approach the area with cozy cottage charm meets coastal vibe.
If you want more of a resort spa feel with the likelihood of warmer temperatures and sunshine, then you want the Carmel Valley area.
Two lovely resorts come to mind Carmel Valley Ranch & Vineyard is located about 8 miles from Carmel by the Sea along Carmel Valley Road. It is nestled up against the Santa Lucia Mountains just full of hiking trails and wild life adventures sponsored by the resort. And amazing golf as well.
Down Carmel Valley Road about 5 more miles is the Bernardus Lodge & Spa Vineyard and it is simply gorgeous and self contained if you need total relaxation and revitalization away from the world. You never have to leave the property and probably won't want to. So book extra time so you can do everything within the resort and nearby.
Dining:
Hay's Place (The Hay Golf Course in Pebble Beach)
This is a MUST Dining experience whether you try your hand at a fun short course for golf or not. Club rentals, which I recommend are only $10 and the specialty clubs match the course. You don't need your big bad boy drivers here. After you play make a reservation or skip golf and just enjoy the view and the unique craft cocktails and upscale mexican cuisine. I recommend the nachos, they are like none you have ever had before and presentation counts here (I always choose the carnitas ones). I don't want to ruin it by telling you too much just book your visit on a warm sunny day with your loved ones and you will be so happy! Plus you will get the added bonus of a cruise on the famous 17 mile drive. So gorgeous, pull over often and take in the views.
Earthbound Farm Stand (Carmel Valley Road)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. Would love to work here!!!! You may be familiar with this company and many of us buy their delicious organic greens pre washed and ready for consumption from our local grocery stores. Well, this is where they are grown! Plus and I mean Super PLUS, there is a Farm Stand offering the most delicious organic delights for breakfast and lunch. The locally made gifts are fabulous as well. My favorite new find is that 4 times a year they allow you to pick your own gorgeous flowers like tulips to sunflowers seasonally. Their flower stand also has the most uniquely creative arrangements, ready to take home or gift to a lucky friend. Make sure you get on their mailing list so you don't miss any of these dates or any other special events they have going on.
Carmel Valley Creamery & Coffee
A micro-creamery making artisan cheese, along with a coffee shop and a mini épicerie. Nestled off the beaten path, in the historic village community center. Gather and unwind by watching cheese being made through our observation window, enjoy a coffee and croissant on our charming patio, or shop our curated selection to create a delicious cheese plate to enjoy at home!
Check out there history, it's so interesting! Rosie's Cracker Barrel
Definitely a great stop on your wine tasting day in Carmel Valley to sit on their back deck with a cappuccino or an ice cream under the giant shady oak trees.
Folktale's mission and vision is to celebrate, support, and inspire the local community. Their vision is to offer products and experiences that create joy and enrichment through ethical food, drink, craft, design, hospitality, and culture. Having celebrated and enjoyed family and community experiences at this lovely venue while sipping incredible wines and delicious cuisine with local artists playing in the background, I would say Gregory & Madigan Ahn completely captured their mission and vision. Take a look at their calendar of events here and make your reservation NOW. Seriously, such an warm inviting fairytale-ish place!
Mission Ranch Hotel & Restaurant
A lovely location to include in your trip, whether you enjoy a cocktail and nibbles on their deck overlooking the Carmel waters and the local sheep in the grasslands or you stay at the property in one of the cottages and play some tennis. The rich and varied history at Mission Ranch takes you from it's vital beginnings as a local creamery and store to an officer's club after WWII. It has settled into a relaxing place for us to enjoy in a myriad of ways. We often loved to end our days with a drive to Carmel Beach to enjoy the cool bright clear waters then cruise around the bay at sunset to catch the sheep basking in the days last rays of sun before heading home. Free and yet so rich in fulfillment. For dining, they do not take reservations, so please refer to their website for guidance and planning. (Do you feel like you are in Ireland from this picture? Well, we can imagine it is so).
Carmel's charming terrace restaurant. Carefully crafted home recipes with artisan flair. On a sunny day the terrace is the place to see who is walking by in Carmel while enjoying delicious wine and fabulous cuisine under a canopy of trees and umbrellas.
Cypress Inn | Terry's Restaurant & Lounge
Ok, this IS a MUST! While I have never stayed at the iconic Doris Day Inn, I have had many an espresso martini in the lounge to enjoy the variety of dogs parading through the lobby or also attending the lounge with their owners. It is like the Westminster Dog Show in caliber. So fun and paired with delicious drinks and dining, what's not to like! Happy Hour is best but really anytime on the weekends you will experience a fun couple hours.
Vesuvio
Fabulous happy hour with roof top deck and right next to Carmel Square Park for live entertainment on Farmer's Market Thursdays. The history of the PePe Family is deep in Italian traditions AND the Napoli recipes will keep you coming back frequently.
Voted best sandwich in town (tri tip) and yes it is. And I am not a tri tip sandwich girl! It's large so you might want to share it with someone special. Bruno's is right on the corner by Devendorf Park off main street Ocean Ave. They have great grab and go meals, especially on Thursday - Saturday (protein, carb, veggie). Their wine selection is plentiful as well. A great way to head to the beach for a sunset picnic.
Another fabulous local corner market option, one block south of Ocean Avenue on 7th. Neilson's often has local wine tastings happening as you enter their wonderful store. Whether you are building a charcuterie board or a picnic at the beach, the selections of wines, cheese, meats, crackers , produce and desserts will delight you and your special someone.
Ok, I really love this coffee, especially the Fog Lifter dark roast. Having been in the coffee business for awhile with Coffee Chicks Company, I have become quite addicted and particular about my coffee. I enjoy a deep dark roast with a smooth finish and this one checks those boxes for me when I am out here. They have 3 locations, Ocean Ave in Carmel by the Sea, The Barnyard and The Crossroads. I happen to love The Crossroads location with outdoor seating and all the fun shops nearby with easy parking.
ACTIVITIES | WELLNESS:
Pebble Beach offers an array of magnificent golfing, dining and accommodations along with a concierge service available to best answer all your questions and needs. Please click on the link above. What I do have to say, is you just can't go wrong here if it is in your economics. Very unique place in this world and worth experiencing. Refer to my information about the Hay above in dining as a more economical way to experience Pebble Beach. All around off the charts!
Carmel by the Sea's Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 10am - 2pm is the farmers market in Devendorf Park. Usually there is lively entertainment with locally made goods and produce. Visit Carmel website has all the details regarding the farmer's market as well as everything going on in Carmel by the Sea. Good resource to utilize on the trip planning. This quaint town reminds me of the small towns in Europe in that they pack so much cultural depth into a walkable small town. So check the events calendar because you don't want to miss a thing or maybe that is how you want to begin your trip is planning around an event? Can't go wrong either way.
This is a thermal mineral spa with alternating hot cold plunge experiences. It is so tranquil and lovely nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountain, just 1 mile from Carmel by the Sea. The Refuge Spa has a silence policy so you can completely relax and enjoy an unrivaled relaxation experience in a beautiful natural setting. Admission price to the spa is $67 which includes the thermal pools and sauna experiences, massages are additional.
Hiking:
Hiking in the Carmel area is fantastic, the variety of trails offer an array of difficulty ranging from pretty flat to super steep; so truly there is something for everyone and every ability with amazing views and lush nature. Warning: Familiarize yourself with poison oak as there is a decent amount on some of these trails.
Inspiration Point at Palo Corona Regional Monterey Park
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Garland Ranch Regional Monterey Park
Such a beauty with easy parking, great trails of all levels and well marked trail system with maps available.
Shopping:
The Barnyard Shopping & Dining in Carmel
I fell in love with this store because of the amazing owners, Jennifer and Mark Lupo. They not only have amazing taste for home collections but are also two the nicest genuine people you will ever meet. Jennifer worked with me on the purchase of a piece of furniture and made sure everything went perfectly. Their store carries unique household decorative items, they feature local painters, fabulous jewelry as well as an array of home design custom services. Peruse through while on main street Ocean Avenue and I guarantee you will walk out with something wonderful and your heart will be touched.
In Closing, My Wellness Rebuild was Exactly What I Needed:
One more personal note in case I have readers needing a nudge to their own Wellness Rebuild. A good thing to work on daily through mindfulness and meditation.
Just to reiterate...So on this day, I find myself driving south of Carmel By The Sea after a lovely visit with family . . . I am on an explore by car, my pivot for my physical predicament. Then it dawns on me as I take in this heavenly view of the Big Sur coastline standing 150 feet above the majestic cliffs in true AWE! 🫢 I "GET TO" is my new mantra chanting in my head and putting the biggest smile on my face 😊. "I GET TO DO THIS TODAY!" Yes, I may not be surfing for awhile, I may not be hiking today but I GET TO take in some of Nature's most incredible breathtaking views in this glorious World. Wowie!!!!! Life never leaves you without options, pivots, pearls. Never, you just have to be flexible and open. Ask yourself, "If not this, then what?" Because maybe the "what" is better than the "this", hindsight will provide the clarity on this and a positive mindset is what can get you there now. With a positive mindset and trust in my intuition as it aligns with my awakened True Self, I love these little twists and turns in life now, they are a fun exercise in discovery and the universe presenting new options I may not have thought of. I have the reins and control and that feels good! My Voice is Back and it is Firm on what is Good for ME. And when I am Whole my family and circle of friends and community feel the Joy radiating on them as an after glow!
What exactly have I learned in these four months of Wellness Rebuild and Am I healed?
Through these four months I have rid myself of the limiting past and reconnected with my True Self and the strength and clarity I have when I tap into ME. Endless Opportunities!!! We ALL have this right inside each and everyone of us. We just aren't tuned into our specific beautiful HUM (in other words, your personal BEAT). Our Gut Instinct enlightens our moral compass, it's always there and always will be. It is just whether we chose to listen and follow our moral compass. We know right from wrong. We know what truly feels good and what gives us pause. We just need to listen to our self, our Hum. And, what is really cool is the more we listen to our self the easier it is to hear our True Self.
Whatever is happening in life, internally or externally, I always own my perspective and reaction to it. Thus, the I "GET TO" response.
I am always walking with grace to my peaceful place. My Wellness Rebuild is not over, it is just beginning, everyday I check in with my grounding and decide where to nuture growth.
Thank you for reading and sharing. More pictures for your enjoyment
XO,
Deb
Leave a comment