This Is the Most Enchanting Coastal Town in California

theSkimm

Earlier this year, we recommended everyone — particularly those who dream of living inside a Nancy Meyers movie — visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. And while the California town is perfect all year, it’s especially charming during the holiday season, which is why we’re revisiting the destination now. Expect an old-school, one-square-mile village decked out with twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths, and festive decorations, plus enviable beach houses, top-notch shops and restaurants, and a growing wine scene. Of course, we can’t promise you’ll unexpectedly fall in love (à la Something’s Gotta Give), but you can look forward to plenty of impeccably roasted chicken and white wine. Just be sure to pack the white linen set you impulse purchased.

🛏 Wainscoted walls painted pistachio, upholstered floral furniture, woven rugs, gas-log fireplaces — the 34 rooms at Le Petit Pali at Ocean Avenue tick all the coastal-grandmother boxes. Not to mention, guests can also expect Diptyque bath products, minibars with gourmet snacks, and homemade cookies delivered nightly.

🛍 Spend a few hours wandering around the storybook-like streets and hidden courtyards in the center of town. There, you’ll come across independent boutiques selling vintage designer clothing, imported British candies, curated books, and more. You’ll also discover nearly 100 art galleries, including the town’s oldest, Carmel Art Association, and Weston Gallery, known for photographs by artists like Ansel Adams, who had a home nearby.

🌅 Outside of town, you’ll find sandy beaches, dramatic coastlines, and scenic drives — like this jaw-dropping, 17-mile stretch that weaves through Pebble Beach. (Stop at Spanish Bay and Lone Cypress for the best views.) Another great option for outdoorsy types? Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can hike the popular Cypress Grove Trail.

🍴 Carmel probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think of California wine — but Carmel Valley’s numerous tasting rooms are gaining popularity. For dinner, head over to La Bicyclette, a neighborhood bistro with French-Italian fare like risotto with wild mushrooms, steak d’Alsace, and wood-fired pizzas. Or, grab a table at the Restaurant at Mission Ranch (owned by actor and former mayor Clint Eastwood), where you can listen to live music and watch sheep graze.