Nestled along California’s breathtaking central coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a storybook setting for a lovers’ retreat—where cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards, and the gentle sound of the Pacific sets the stage for lingering strolls and intimate moments. With its enchanting ocean views, award-winning dining experiences, and cozy hideaways, Carmel offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable romantic weekend. Below is an itinerary designed to whisk you and your special someone into a world of coastal charm, gourmet delights, and memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

The menu here is updated weekly, but guests can always expect a fresh assortment of Belgian-tinged creations — including the constant Duvel beer — from the Georis family. A wood-fired oven is at the heart of this operation and you can't go wrong with any of the pizza offerings, especially the Champignons which boasts both portobello and oyster mushrooms. Ask the server about the charcuterie selection that's cut to order with the on-site hand cranked slicer. Breakfast hours daily 8:30am to 10:30am, lunch and dinner 11am to 9pm. labicycletterestaurant.com

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s sweeping views on Scenic Road during this self guided and paced walk. You will pass the North Dunes Habitat Restoration Project, Carmel Beach Overlook, the home where Clint Eastwood lived while serving as mayor, and more while learning about Carmel’s iconic architecture style and other stories of the past.

Right in the center of quaint Carmel, boutique L’Auberge Carmel was built in 1929 as an elegant chateau blended with a cozy cottage. Today modern amenities like heated bathroom floors and walk-in showers complement antique furnishings (some 18th century), wrought-iron canopy beds and deep standing bathtubs. With only 20 rooms, guests receive plenty of individual attention, including the perks of valet parking, made-to-order hot breakfast and room service (from Michelin-starred Aubergine), twice-daily housekeeping and in-town Volvo car service — hence it also makes our list of top luxury hotels in the area.

Cycle through the iconic route 17-Mile Drive and explore the peninsula on an electric bike. You will start by riding through downtown, then your guide will take you to Pebble Beach and landmarks like The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Point Joe, Spanish Bay, Crocker Grove, and more.

Arguably the top raw bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea does many things with freshness and style, including oysters, crab cakes, seafood Cobb salads, smart wines and inventive cocktails — and brings a lively atmosphere too. The chowder presents a house signature, and comes Manhattan red or creamy New England style. Side note: They also do a superlative crab chowder in bread bowls too.

The award-winning restaurant Aubergine is located at L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chef Cogley’s cuisine showcases the finest ingredients with a razor-sharp balance of deference and innovation. The menu served five nights per week highlights the best ingredients of the season, enhanced by skillful technique and an eye toward varied textures and flavors. Desserts, masterfully prepared by Chef Santos, are irresistible compliments to Cogley’s savory courses.

Carmel-by-the-Sea may not have addresses, but it has a bunch of great breakfast spots. Little Swiss ranks at the top, so old school that there's no website or even a functional Facebook page, which reveals their priorities are in place. Those include fresh-daily cheese blintzes, Spanish omelet, and corned beef hash with eggs, hash browns and English muffin for around $10. The rustic little booths and hand-painted murals add to the family-friendly atmosphere, and homemade caramel flan or apple strudel helps sweeten the vibe too.

The sheep are fluffy fabulous on their own, and they enjoy an incredible background of pasture and seascape and sky. The brunch still ranks up there among any in the area as well, as does the forthcoming return of piano music. Also a top contender for early bird discounts they call, in a nod to the poofie cuties in the grass, “Early Grazing.” They do not accept reservations.

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s newest tasting room can claim one of the region’s few winemakers under 40, and fewer still who are Latinx. Miguel Lepe’s gift for the craft — and range with which he applies it — are revealed by a choice of four tastes from seven options skirting from a flower blossom Carmel Valley Chardonnay to a spicy Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot to a savory San Antonio Valley Petit Verdot. A nice bonus: The modest and stylish tasting surface shares space with one of Carmel’s cooler art galleries. Hours are 1pm to 7pm daily. lepecellars.com