Now that the Internet has made us all a part of the TL;DR generation (Too Long; Didn’t Read), I’ve had to amend my travel writing style to be more image-driven, with short paragraphs and simple prose.

I like to think that Hemingway would have capitulated as well, if only to cover his Havana bar tab. Which brings me a soupcon of solace (there goes my Pulitzer).

Ergo below: A photo journey of a recent weekend spent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Give me 60 seconds of your time and I will give you some seaside vacation inspiration in return.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON: A RELAXING TOUR OF 17 MILE DRIVE

If you can’t get an early check-in, drop off your bags at your hotel, grab your camera, then drive to the entrance of 17 Mile Drive.

Fork over the $10 entrance fee and prepare to see some of the prettiest scenery in the country (and some of the most exclusive real estate as well). Stop often—you’re in no hurry.

FRIDAY EVENING: SEASIDE COCKTAILS AND AN EARLY DINNER AT MISSION RANCH
Near the exit of 17 Mile Drive is the Restaurant at Mission Ranch, which has a view from the patio that is spectacular. Former Carmel Mayor Clint Eastwood bought this rustic property in 1986 and restored the ranch-style building to its original integrity.

The food is upscale comfort, and entertainment is provided at the piano bar, where locals and tourists have also been known to croon their favorites.

End the evening with a sunset stroll on the beach.

SATURDAY MORNING: BREAKFAST AND BEACH
Buffet breakfast at your hotel, then pack for the beach, including a blanket and beach umbrella. Also bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening. Head to the parking lot at the west end of Ocean Avenue.

The parking spots fill up fast, so plan on parking your car and leaving it there for most of the day. Walk over to the Carmel Bakery and order two giant soft Bavarian pretzels, sandwiches, and a salad to go. Then find the perfect spot on the beach, set out your spread, and relax.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: STROLLING CARMEL & LATE LUNCH
Plop your beach gear in the trunk of your car (“Sorry, we’re not leaving.”), then start strolling along Ocean Avenue. There is absolutely nothing for sell in Carmel that you really need, but it’s still fun to looky-loo. Did you notice that none of the buildings have addresses? How terribly quaint.

Have a late lunch at Dametra Cafe on Ocean Avenue, which is open from 11am to 11pm. My friend Wally is a Carmel local and this one of his faves for lunch or dinner. Wally’s words: “Awesome. Great Mediterranean food, reasonably priced (for Ocean Ave) and very cozy. They bust out some sort of middle eastern guitar-like instrument and rock a couple times a night—very fun.”

SATURDAY EVENING: COCKTAILS & DINNER
After lunch, a bit more strolling to walk off the spanakopita, then head over to Forge in the Forest at the corner of 5th and Junipero.

There’s a great outdoor seating area if the weather is north of 60 degrees, and a cozy interior that has a pleasant old-timey feel. Very casual, so shorts and sandals are quite welcome. After that second glass of wine you really don’t feel like leaving, so dinner here is an option as well.

Other option (more Wally advice) just up the street is Vesuvio Trattoria-Bar-Pizzeria, a rooftop patio bar located at the corner of Junipero and 6th. Very fun and lively, especially when the weather is good. Celebs tend to make their way here, such as Bill Murray during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Another sunset stroll on the beach.

SUNDAY: WINE TASTING OR DAY SPA
A leisurely buffet breakfast at your hotel, then pack everything but your bathing suit and camera, and leave your bags at the front desk (you’ll be passing by your hotel on the way home).

Take Carmel Valley Road off of Highway 1 for about 13 miles to Carmel Valley Village, stopping in at the three best wine-tasting spots here, as recommend by my friend Deborah Passin, who hosts backcountrywines.com.

Georis Tasting Room, where you can order a flight of wine that comes with cheese and freshly baked bread for about $20. Instead of standing at a tasting bar, you get to relax at a table in the sunny courtyard.

Jouillian Vineyards Tasting Room, housed in a building reminiscent of an old-world Burgundian stone church built from Arroyo Seco river rock, the beam ceiling from salvaged old-growth redwood, and a tasting bar made from local cypress wood (try the Zinfandel and barrel fermented Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc).

Parsonage Tasting Room and Quilt Art Gallery, owned and operated by Bill and Mary Ellen Parsons. Mary Ellen is a self-taught textile artist and displays prints of her award-winning quilts, as well as some quilts themselves. These add color and personality to the intimate tasting room.

After winetasting have lunch on the patio at Café Rustica, also within Carmel Valley Village.

If you would rather relax at an outdoor spa haven than go winetasting (assuming you can’t squeeze in both in a single day), head to the Refuge day spa instead.

The recommended sequence here is “heat up, cool down, relax.” Start off in the mineral pool, sauna, or steam bath, then dunk in one of four plunge pools, and finish by lounging in a two-acre indoor/outdoor relaxation area overlooking the Santa Lucia Preserve.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON: GRILLED ARTICHOKES AND FARM-FRESH FOODS FOR HOME
This is a must-stop every time I’m heading back home from Monterey Bay: Pezzini Farms. It’s located off Highway 1 southwest of Castroville.

Start with a grilled artichoke at The Choke Coach, then stock up on farm-fresh vegetables that are literally grown…

…across the street, before heading back home.

Enjoy your Carmel-by-the-Sea getaway this summer.

~ Matthew