Just got back from a quick two day trip to Carmel, which was part of a longer trip which involved relatives and a wedding (which I won't go into here)

We drove down from SF to Carmel, a trip which took about 1 hour and 45 minutes literally door to door with little traffic. We left SF around 10:15 and arrived at our hotel in Carmel at high noon. We took Hwy 101 the entire way down, skipping the hwy 1 (via Half Moon Bay) because we wanted to get there fast.

We're from the East Coast, and were absolutely stunned by the beauty of the town and especially the shoreline. We checked into a small room ($110 a night including cont. breakfast) at the Mission Ranch, which is probably one of the most beautiful properties we've ever seen. They have beach views, water views, and an amazing meadow. The place felt very reminiscent of New England because it was oozing charm. Our flower covered "farmhouse" (with three or four rooms) was built in the mid 1800s, which apparently is very old for California.

When we arrived the room wasn't ready so we scooted down to Rocky Point for lunch. The hotel's check in clerk had alternate suggestions, but boy oh boy were we happy to go to Rocky Point, which is about a 15 minute drive south of Carmel on Highway 1. The drive is simply amazing, and the restaurant's location is stunning. We ate on the patio and enjoyed crystal clear views of the coastline. It reminded us of Hawaii. The bill was pricey ($60), service was slow, and the food was merely OK but the views more than made up for that. Especially for a first timer out to the Big Sur, I highly recommend eating here to enjoy the views. We struck up a conversation with friendly diners at the next table, starting a long line of extremely friendly encounters we had.

After driving back to the hotel, we checked into our small room with dynamite views of distant ocean, beach, and meadow (for the price), a queen bed and a reading chair. The room was barely big enough to fit the bed, and the sink was in the sleeping area because the bathroom was too small. The room was fine for us, however, and we actually found it very warm and comforting. Sitting in the soft rocking chair, reading a book as the sunlight entered the room was a treat. Carmel Mission Ranch is owned by Clint Eastwood, and consists of about 20-30 rooms, cabins, tennis courts, a fitness center, tennis courts, a restaurant and a piano bar. It's got a very laid back, absolutely stunningly beautiful, if a little older atmosphere.

After tidying up we drove into town (2-3 mins) to walk around and check it out. We caught our first glimpse of the main Carmel beach and walked around down there. Huge dunes - you have to descend a 100 (?) foot hill of sand to make it all the way down to the beach and the water. We realized that the sun (duh) would be setting in a few hours and made plans to return to watch sunset.

Town is set in a hill,and feels quite wooded - I think they were Cypress Trees which were everywhere. Tons of shops, gallaries and restaurants. The clientele was older, some families, but we were there during the week so I expect it was more retirees than on the weekend. We found a place for dinner called Em Le's which was recommended by a friendly local. My piece of tuna, expertly blackened and cooked raw, was $9.99 and included steamed veggies. The sauce which accompianied it was fantastic and would have commanded a price of $25+ in any restaurants in Boston. We had some nice wine with dinner and again enjoyed chatting with so many friendly people. The wait was about 30-45 minutes for a table. The restaurant itself is old and charming, but offers bare bones ambiance in exchange for well prepared, delicious food. If I spent another night in Carmel I would have gone back to Em Le's.

Leaving dinner at 8:30 we went down to the beach and watched the sunset. We brought a blanket from the hotel to sit on, and to keep us warm. The sunset was spectacular, and as the sun set, the stars came out.

We got back to the Mission Ranch around 10 and went for a cocktail to the Piano Bar. A very nice atmosphere, and also a beautiful outdoor fireplace. They had space heaters on the patio, which was nice because it was crystal clear but cold. The piano bar seemed to be popular with an older singles crowd (50s, 60s), and they sang karioke to the piano guy. The place was packed on a Thursday night.

Next day we woke up early for the continental breakfast at the hotel which is served in the Tennis Center. We immediately checked out and hit the 17 mile drive, stopping often for photo ops. The drive is beautiful, and we stopped at the Lodge at Pebble Beach for lunch. Views aren't as good as Rocky Point, but service and food was better. Views were still amazing, however, and the Lodge was so beautiful. It had a very sophisticated feeling, although people were a mix of semi casual/golf attire to fully decked out in Gucci, etc.

After that we went to the beach in Carmel. We stayed there from about 2-6pm in full sun the entire time. No humidity, and 70-75 or so degrees. Water was a different story. I went swimming and the temps couldn't have been warmer than 52 degrees. Beach, like everything else in Carmel, was stunningly beautiful. You can watch the golfers playing at Pebble from your blanket.

After the beach we returned to Em Le's for a milkshake and hit the road. A very full couple of days. The only downer was that the temps of the water was cold and that the town was a little on the older side (we're 30) but it was extremely romantic and charming.

If anybody has any questions I'd be glad to help answer.

Nice comments about the area. We live in Pacific Grove and go to the Mission Ranch restaurant frequently. Rocky Point comments were right on! Slow service always but outstanding views. We go there for drinks..never food.

I have never been swimming in a Northern California ocean and I live here. Someone should have told you about that one. Glad you enjoyed our peninsula.

Thanks Bob. Next time we're out there we'll have to stop in PG, but this time we didn't have enough time.

The water was frigid, but I was swimming in the Atlantic last weekend and it was just as cold.

(Fortunately for us it heats up significantly as the summer gets hotter!)

Nice report. My husband and I are thinking of booking the Mission Ranch for 3 nights in October. We are thhinking of the meadowview rooms. Did you get to see those and were they nice. How is the continental breakfast?? we were also thinking of the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa but I think the Mission Ranch sounds like it is a different kind of place to stay. Kiind of warm and cozy. Did you eat at the Mission Ranch for diner. I here there food is good. Trll me more about the place. Thanks

Do you know if the Mission Ranch has a website? I googled it but didn't come up with a site that showed the rooms, etc. Thanks!

Mission Ranch Website is here;
http://www.missionranchcarmel.com/

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