The Call of Summer:

An Insider’s Guide to Carmel

Summer unveils a gem on the California coast – Carmel-by-the-Sea, where coastal beauty is matched by mild temperatures. A refuge for those seeking respite from the inland heat, Carmel lures with the promise of tranquil foggy mornings that burn off to reveal sunny coastal vistas and cool breezes by mid-afternoon.

As school breaks and vacations approach, we invite you to discover summer events, hidden village treasures, and fantastic seasonal foods. The Monterey Bay region ensures a memorable summer escape with day trips tailored for families and couples.

A Stroll Through Hidden Carmel

Carmel’s cobblestoned streets are adorned with charming boutiques, quaint cafes, and veiled passageways leading to secret gardens and hidden gems awaiting discovery. Keep an eye out for concealed staircases and narrow walkways that open to secluded courtyards with murmuring fountains or offer a charming shortcut to the other side of the block.

Josh Adams, our tasting room manager, has a favorite hidden passageway connecting Dolores Street to San Carlos Street. “Take the stairs from San Carlos down to The Secret Garden, which leads to the back entrance of Pilgrim’s Way bookstore lining Dolores. After exploring the books and gifts there, continue through the next courtyard across Dolores, and you’ll arrive at our tasting room on Lincoln Street.”

Carmel has nearly 100 art galleries in its one-square-mile footprint, but without even stepping foot in one, you’ll encounter treasured works in our village streets, adorning hotel walls and courtyards.

In a creation by Banksy protege Thierry Guetta, a playful Charlie Chaplin paints the walls of the Cypress Inn with a splashy pink heart. An amble to the pocket park at 6th Avenue and Lincoln Street offers you George Lundee’s “The Valentine.” The bronze sculpture depicts a couple on a park bench, seated near the historic landmark, First Murphy House. Erected in 1902 by 17-year-old Michael J. Murphy, First Murphy House is the foremost of many cottages that pioneered the charming architecture that defines Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s currently home to the Carmel Heritage Society Welcome Center, where you can pick up a walking tour brochure or watch a short film on the colorful people who shaped the character of our unique village.

While on your stroll, Madison See of our tasting room suggests seeking out some of her favorite shops. Stop by House of Cardoon for a curated mix of homewares, art and gifts; Somewhere In Carmel features a cozy collective of books, arts & crafts and greeting cards; and Ritzy Ragz n’ Thingz offers “the greatest designer consignment shop I have been to!” says Madison. “It’s like going into your rich grandma’s overstuffed closet. They’ve got Burberry trench coats, Chanel suits, Hermes scarfs, or my favorites: cashmere sweaters and vintage St. John dresses.”

Walking Food Tour

Josh suggests combining your love of food, art, and history with a walking food tour. Eat and drink your way through Carmel while your guide recounts local history as you explore the unique storybook architecture. Heading down hidden alleyways, you’ll pause at a local restaurant for delectable small bites of locally sourced cuisine and drinks along the way.

Visit Us in the Heart of
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Explore our Costal Luxury winery nested in the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you may enjoy our small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Monterey County. Savor our small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, exclusively available in our Tasting Lounge, and indulge in the ultimate wine-tasting experience.

We Can’t Get Enough of…

Secret courtyards and hidden passageways
Fresh-picked peaches
Wild King Salmon and California Halibut
Sunset picnics on Carmel Beach
Found street art
Big Sur‘s coastline
Summer grilling
Consignment shops and bookstores

Seasonal Cuisine & Flowers

Carmel natives and visitors enjoy an abundance of local, seasonal produce. Farmer’s markets brim with colorful flowers, fruits and veggies, fishmongers display fresh-caught delicacies, and chefs showcase the region’s commitment to farm-to-table freshness.

California halibut, Albacore tuna, squid and the famed Pacific sardine are abundant in summer. It is prime season for the wild, fresh King salmon that we crave all year long. You’ll find it served in a wide range of preparations for every palate, but served simply with butter and citrus lets its sweet flavor shine. Lingcod, Pacific Dover sole and delicious sanddabs are tender and mild. We like them lightly floured and butter-sautéed, served with lemon.

Farmer’s markets display sun-kissed tomatoes, ripe peppers and crisp cucumbers from local growers. For nibbling or baked in pastries, look for boysenberries in early summer; and cherries, table grapes and pears that arrive mid-season. Later in summer, we enjoy juicy melons and sweet apricots.

Madison craves “strawberries, still in season here in early summer, and ripe summer peaches, especially peach pie. My husband and I try to grill as much as possible in summer—chicken, brisket, and artichokes in early summer, with sweet onions, peppers, and also peaches, if they didn’t make it into a pie.”

Flowers Cut by You

If you prefer to do more than admire the season’s bounty, follow Madison’s lead on your way into the region. Stop by Birdsong Orchard in Watsonville to pick roses or The Farm in nearby Salinas for flower farm tours. Make your own bouquet to enjoy the colors and intensely fragrant aromas of summer throughout your stay.

Family Time: Monterey Wharf, Cannery Row, Aquarium

Head to nearby Monterey for a day of family fun. Start with a visit to the Monterey Wharf. Stroll along the bustling pier with panoramic views of the sparkling water. Browse seafood treasures at the various markets and enjoy clam chowder in a bread bowl at a waterfront restaurant. Kids love spotting sea lions basking in the sun or plunging into the bay. Tour boat companies launch from here if you opt for a sail of the bay or a whale-watching excursion.

The rich history of Cannery Row, once the heart of sardine-packing factories, is now a hub of maritime heritage.  In 1958, the City of Monterey officially renamed Ocean View Avenue “Cannery Row” in honor of John Steinbeck’s novel.  Walk through this waterfront street, exploring the refurbished cannery buildings transformed into galleries, restaurants, candy shops and an arcade. Or, to excite the imagination, kids and adults alike can explore the retired trains along the nearby recreation trail.

Explore the wonders of marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium, a must-visit along Cannery Row. Renowned for its commitment to conservation, the aquarium offers captivating displays of vibrant kelp forests, playful sea otters, charming penguins and the Open Sea exhibit, where schools of silvery fish and lazy sea turtles swim past behind a 90-foot window. Engaging and educational, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an enriching experience for all ages, making it a standout attraction for visitors along our coast.

Keep it Local, Like a Local

Summer in our region is abuzz with events, and Madison enjoys the lively season for people-watching. In August, she heads to The Hay in Pebble Beach to witness the excitement of Car Week—an exhilarating 10-day showcase of automotive events, from races and car shows to auctions and parties. The roads and byways teem with collector and race cars, along with their proud (and sometimes famous) owners, culminating in the prestigious Concours d’Elegance at the iconic Pebble Beach Links.

For a tranquil day, follow Madison and Josh’s suggestion to bask in the splendor of our greatest gift—the incredible seascape and natural wonders of our coastline. Grab picnic fare in town before heading to this serene crescent of our own Carmel Beach. Known for its soft white sands and off-leash policy, Carmel Beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your furry friend or a laid-back seaside escape. Or end your day with takeout dinner and a blanket while taking in the breathtaking sunset from the sand.

The rich history of Cannery Row, once the heart of sardine-packing factories, is now a hub of maritime heritage.  In 1958, the City of Monterey officially renamed Ocean View Avenue “Cannery Row” in honor of John Steinbeck’s novel.  Walk through this waterfront street, exploring the refurbished cannery buildings transformed into galleries, restaurants, candy shops and an arcade. Or, to excite the imagination, kids and adults alike can explore the retired trains along the nearby recreation trail.

Neighborhood Events

Residents of the Monterey Peninsula enjoy the same myriad of events that draw visitors to our backyard.