OUT & ABOUT IN CARMEL
TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING SITES

Taking a break from wine tasting and eating, when it’s time to see the sites around Carmel you’re better off with your own method of transportation. A lot of people suggest the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is actually available via public transportation, but to be honest, I didn’t want to spend my entire afternoon indoors. Besides, I found Monterey to be overrated and this trip was all about Carmel.

Locals points of interest worth checking out include the lovely 17-Mile Drive, a scenic drive through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach (world famous for its golf course) along the Monterey Peninsula, much of which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous landmarks.

I was curious to see Steinbeck’s Cannery Row but was let down by it, as I found with most of Monterey. The true highlight of the weekend was driving along Highway 1 to Big Sur—a sparsely populated region of the Central Coast of California where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.

As you leave Carmel and head south, you’ll immediately come across Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Do make a point to check this place out. A word to the wise, when their parking lot gets full, which happens a lot, their policy is to let one car in whenever one car leaves, so park along the road and walk in at your leisure, free of charge (unlike cars).

"The greatest meeting of land and water in the world," is how landscape artist Francis McComas described Point Lobos. And he was pretty accurate. Inspiration is everywhere at Point Lobos, whether you’re looking for it or not—and this is the place to find it. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed here, so if you did make this a trip with your pet, you’ll probably have to skip this gem.

The walking trails are very easy here and the views are truly stunning. This place is ideal for a picnic. But as spectacular as it is, and you’ll probably not want to leave, the rest of the day is calling, and in our case, that meant Big Sur where the sites only continue to get more unbelievable.

Drive along Highway 1 and you will want to constantly pullover to the side of the road to marvel at the awesome sites. We were without an agenda this afternoon so driving and stopping to take pictures was ideal. This scenic stretch made our drive from L.A. all worthwhile (as if the great food, fabulous wine and charm of Carmel weren’t enough).

With lunchtime approaching, we headed to Nepenthe, a restaurant with a stellar view like no other. Nepenthe is a popular destination for lunch and dinner with a beautiful view of the ocean and hills.

The food is hearty, albeit a bit pricey (but consider the view), but sitting on the terrace gives you a sense of calm and peace that you won’t find at any other restaurant. I opted not to drink considering the winding roads ahead of me. But their popular Ambrosia Burger, their version of a ground steak sandwich served on a French roll with their “famous” Ambrosia sauce, proved delightful.

Nepenthe Restaurant is located at 48510 Highway One in Big Sur. Call 831-667-2345.