It was a little sad to leave San Fran, but the idea of seeing ‘the big sur’, heading down the Pacific Coast Highway got us to our rental car and on the road pretty quickly. What a view! It was quite a ride and happily the shortest leg of our road trip.

After meandering down Route 1 we ended up in Carmel, checked into our hotel and went for a stroll around town …. and of course found some more local vineyards to go try out. The hotel, La Playa was a great choice. It used to be an old mansion built in 1905 by one of the Ghirardelli family. Over time it’s been added onto in an intimate but sprawling way. The beach and watching sunset was just a stroll away, I’d absolutely go back there again for a longer stay!

Post sunset strolling we headed back to the hotel for their cocktail and wine tasting time on the patio, a lovely spot situated up high enough for a view of the last bit of the sunset.  They had heaters hidden so you could enjoy still sitting outside as the sun disappeared. Such a nice evening!

La Playa Carmel by the Sea is at Camino Real at 8th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923. Rendering at the top of the post is done with an app, I didn’t do the watercolor!