Living in the San Francisco Bay Area offers so many reasons to get out and travel to visit the most beautiful destinations. From the mountains, to the beaches, to the vineyards, and all the historic towns in between, there is so much to see within a short drive. This past August I attended my niece's wedding in Carmel. My husband and I decided to spend a few extra days there with the kids soaking up all the sun, doing a little shopping, and catching the most beautiful sunsets.
What I'm Wearing:
Lilly Pulitzer is my go-to brand whenever I'm packing for a weekend beach trip! I purchased this tunic dress last year but found a few similar options below in updated colors and prints for this year!
Carmel by the Sea is a small and quaint beach town which is located in the Monterey peninsula on the central coast of California. It's about 120 miles north of San Francisco and approximately a 2 hour drive. There are many fun and family friendly activities to do when you visit Carmel and the Monterey peninsula including hiking, wine tasting, bird watching, scuba diving, shopping, museums, beaches, missions, etc.
One of my most fondest memories as a child is the 17 Mile Drive. Packed in the back of my parents Cadillac with my brother and sister, we took the scenic drive and visited all the iconic landmarks including the Lone Cypress, Ghost Tree, Pebble Beach, and Restless Sea (featured here) to name a few. As you pass through any of the entry gates on the17-Mile Drive, you will also be given a brochure with extensive information and a map. Just follow the dashed red line on the roadway and posted signs along the route.
The best time to see the 17 mile drive is in the Spring or Fall season. The summer can be foggy especially in the morning making it really hard to see the beauty of the expansive sea views. If you go in the summer like we did, I would suggest waiting until the late afternoon/early evening to give the fog time to burn off. Plus you'll get some amazing sunset pictures!
Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $10.25 per vehicle, cash only (as of Aug 2017). The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. Admission is complimentary for overnight guests of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay and Casa Palmero. However, please keep in mind that gates are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and motorcycles are prohibited.
One of my favorite landmarks along the 17 mile drive is the Restless Sea (featured here). This area lies between Spanish Bay and Point Joe. The sea currents here are anything but calm and the waves seem to crash against each other causing a bit of a chaotic restlessness! It's a beautiful point to snap pictures and take in the gorgeous views or the rocky bluffs and Pacific Ocean.
If you're looking for lodging/accommodations near the 17 mile drive, there are many options to choose from including the luxurious resorts of Pebble Beach, quaint bed and breakfast inns, and family friendly budget conscious options. For more information on lodging at Carmel by The Sea visit here!
If you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here! It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more! Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox! Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!
Thanks for visiting!
xoxoxo,
Hayley
