What is worth seeing and doing in Carmel/Monteray

We are staying 4 nights in Carmel from 2June/6th June. Will it be cold do you think or any chance of getting some sunshire? Also what would you suggest for things to see and do. We love walking, shopping, nice food, bit of culture. Are there any must sees and can someone just explain the Big Sur?

Thanks

What is worth seeing and doing in Carmel/Monteray

First, the weather: by early June the foggy weather has often started, but it%26#39;s really unpredictable. It%26#39;s also possible that you%26#39;ll have sunshine. Even if it%26#39;s sunny, the temps won%26#39;t be much about the mid- to upper-60s--but don%26#39;t quote me on that! Your best bet is to pack layers so that you%26#39;ll be prepared for anything.

There is plenty of shopping and walking to be done in downtown Carmel. You can wander for hours both the main street (Ocean Avenue) and all the little side streets. Visit Carmel Plaza, and if you%26#39;d like to see some cool California-style jewelry, visit Elements in th Doud Arcade on San Carlos St.

There are many excellent restaurants in Carmel: Grasings, Flying Fish Grill (Japanese), Little Napoli (Italian), Patisserie Boisiere (for coffee and pastries--I don%26#39;t recommend dining there).

Visit the Carmel Mission for a bit of California history. See www.sunsetcenter.org to find out if there is a musical performance or play on while you%26#39;re there. If you%26#39;re there on a Sunday, you might enjoy the jazz brunch at Mission Ranch.

You didn%26#39;t say if you%26#39;d have a car. If so, then drive 10 minutes south of Carmel on Highway 1 to Point Lobos State Reserve. There are easy hiking trails with spectacular views. Also, consider a drive into Carmel Valley. You can wine taste at Chateau Julien Winery and then have dinner at Cafe Rustica in Carmel Valley Village (which is a 20-minute from Carmel)

Big Sur is amazing. See www.bigsurcalifornia.org for information. It%26#39;s a one-hour drive south of Monterey. Some people find the road a bit scary because it winds around in places and you%26#39;re up high above the Pacific. If you%26#39;re comfortable with driving, it%26#39;s worth a visit: Pfeiffer State Beach; Nepenthe for lunch.

What is worth seeing and doing in Carmel/Monteray

PGDenizen thanks so much for all your advice and taking the time to come back to me. Many thanks to you. Janet

Don%26#39;t forget Pacific Grove! This is a very quaint, scenic little town almost adjacent to Cannery Row in Monterey. Go to Lover%26#39;s Point Park and walk down to the beach there. We like to stretch out on a blanket, relax, read and people-watch here. Since you%26#39;re coming in June, if you%26#39;re there on the weekend, you may see a wedding or two going on. There is also a very nice walking/bike riding path that is scenic and fun to walk or bike ride. Have dinner at Robert%26#39;s White House in PG.

You may also want to consider Monterey, go to the aquarium, Cannery Row and Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf. We recently enjoyed a nice meal at the Duck Club at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. The Sardine Factory is also very good. Tarpey%26#39;s Roadhouse for dinner, you can wine taste next door before dinner at Ventana, they make some really great Sauv Blanc. The tasting is complimentary at Ventana.

I would also suggest you schedule some time for 17 Mile Drive, have a meal at Roy%26#39;s at sunset and listen to the bagpiper play. Your entrance fee to the drive will be re-embursed with your meal here. Have fun! :)

Thanks Syrah Girl for all your recommendations and they sound great. It is really hard to buy guidebooks in UK for Carmel/Mont area - they tend to have small chapter in the California Guides only.

Not that my opinion is worth anything, but...

I%26#39;m seriously impressed with PG and Syrah. I spend a lot of time on the Vegas forum, and there%26#39;s tons of sarcasm and sometimes rudeness, without offering good advice.

Both of you offer such great information in and around the Monterey Bay. I hope TA knows how great both of you are!