Looking at doing a ten year anniversary trip there in January, any hotel or food recommendations?

it is outstanding just go!

Do the Sunday brunch at Mission Ranch.

Have a cocktail at The Inn at Spanish Bay, and watch/hear the piper as he pipes the sun down from betwixt the dunes.

And 17 Mile Drive is highly recommended, as well.

Pack a picnic lunch at Bruno's Market, and enjoy al fresco dining at Point Lobos.

Plan to wear layers of clothes, regardless of the time of year! It can get rather chilly there.

Don't miss Point Lobos State Park. Easy strolls and breathtaking views. And be sure to make the drive down to Big Sur. Pfeiffer State Park is a good turnaround point with iconic vistas. Finally, definitely stop at Nepenthe for a quick bite. Love Carmel - have a wonderful time!

And I second buying picnic food at Bruno's market.

Look at you mister tour guide you!!

Wife and I were just there two weeks ago for a friend's wedding. While there much fancier places to stay, we stayed at the only traditional hotel in town the Carmel Mission Inn. It was very nice and since we were there so little it didn't matter.

Grab dinner at Dematra one evening. Fun atmosphere when the entire staff breaks out in song and everyone starts dancing.

Point Lobos is awesome, can spend hours walking around. If you go make sure you hike to China Cove.

La Bicyclette is also fantastic for lunch or dinner.

Missed out on Mission Ranch but my buddy who owns a house in Carmel highly recommended it.

Outside Carmel, 17 Mile Drive is cool and worth it IMO (especially if you golf).

Just an absolute beautiful place.

TXAGBQ76 said:

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Look at you mister tour guide you!!

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When Clint takes friends out to dine in Carmel and they ask him "What's good here, Clint?", he says "Just a sec, lemme call Froppe and find out".

Goo Hoo!!!

LOL! Speaking of Clint why didn't you recommend the Hogs Breath Saloon?

BR 12 said:

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Looking at doing a ten year anniversary trip there in January, any hotel or food recommendations?

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stayed at tickled pink about 10 years ago and really enjoyed it.

https://www.ticklepinkinn.com/

Was looking at there but can't decide if we'd rather stay in the town for walkability!

BR 12 said:

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Was looking at there but can't decide if we'd rather stay in the town for walkability!

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We rented a car for the weekend. Get a convertible and go cruising down route 1 to big sur park and hike. Also check out Pebble Beach when the bagpiper comes out.

BrokeAssAggie said:

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We rented a car for the weekend. Get a convertible and go cruising down route 1 to big sur park and hike. Also check out Pebble Beach when the bagpiper comes out.

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If you show up to Pebble for the bagpiper you're gonna be disappointed. (it's at Spanish Bay)

sorry, "The Spanish Bay Club at Pebble Beach Resorts"

BR 12 said:

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Was looking at there but can't decide if we'd rather stay in the town for walkability!

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Just fyi. Either Tickle Pink or the Hyatt Carmel next door to it are undergoing renovations for the next several months. I can't remember which one it was when I called to ask a few questions about a private party room and booking a block of rooms for extended family. The construction would have been going on every day morning until night and both hotels were going to be affected by the construction noise. So, we decided to book elsewhere. So, I'd call both places if you decide to stay at either one and get update on renovations and ask about noise between 8 am-6pm.

Also, a drive to Big Sur and lunch at Nepenthe is worth your while.

Staying in town in Carmel is a good idea if you enjoy walking to dinner, shopping, wine walks, etc.

ETA- it will most likely be quite chilly in January, so plan accordingly when packing. Layers are always a good idea for Carmel year round.

ETA2- Tickle Pink is the hotel being remodeled.
Won't be finished until late March/early April. Just went and checked my planning notes about upcoming trip.

Or look at staying at Mission Ranch. Still have to drive to town though.
Colonial Terrace Inn is the best place we have found to stay that is not downtown but is still close enough to walk to downtown.

SW AG80 said:

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Or look at staying at Mission Ranch. Still have to drive to town though.
Colonial Terrace Inn is the best place we have found to stay that is not downtown but is still close enough to walk to downtown.

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You can easily walk from Mission Ranch to downtown Carmel. I do it all the time.

Buy as much of this as you can!!!! You can thank me later!!

https://www.thefrenchpoodlecarmel.com/product/french-poodle-vinaigrette/1

We stayed at Carmel Valley Ranch and loved it.

Went this summer but had kids. Stayed at Tradewinds Carmel. More hotel than resort. But within a few blocks of the main street, eating, drinking, shopping, beach etc. Good vibe at the hotel. Kind of a buddhist zen vibe. Had a drink at Hogsbreath, just to say we did. Ate a good meal at Dametra Cafe (greek / mediterranean), a good meal at Treehouse Cafe. Good night pub / late drink at Brophy's Tavern. Great old bakery on Ocean Ave, The Carmel Bakery. Went to a great brunch at "From Scratch".

The women's US Open was going on at Pebble Beach, so the drive was closed unless you had tickets. You can see a couple of the holes from Carmel Beach.

Definitely recommend a day trip down highway 1. To Big Sur. Magical. Amazing scenery. Did short hike at Point Lobos State Park (edge of Carmel), ate lunch and explored at Pfieffer Beach (near Big Sur), Hiked up Big Sur River Gorge and swam in a pool along the river where you can jump off boulders (took a lot to get there but very unique and worth it). Got a beer at the bar at Fernwood (in Big Sur, on the highway).

We also did a day trip into Monterey for the aquarium etc. Found a good lunch spot there: Hula Island Grill.

Would go back to Carmel in a heartbeat. Great for couples. Relaxing vibe. LOTS of money.