Carmel, CA?

We got married in Carmel and go back every so often. We stay at the Carmel Country Inn when we go. I like it because they have mini suites - its more of a B&B than a hotel.

Lugano Swiss Bistro is a fun place to eat. It's fondue style - pricey but fun.

You can drive 17 mile drive, go to Monterey, check out Pebble Beach Golf Course. The shops in Carmel are fun to stroll through too.

The Colonial Terrace Inn is a nice place to stay. The Mission Ranch Hotel is nice too. For food we always go to the Forge in the Forrest and Hogsbreath Inn which is fun.

I meant to say that the Carmel Beach is NOT for swimming. dangerous rip tides and undertow.
the weather could be rainy or it might be nice! hard to predict our NCal storms these days!

I love the nature walk at point lobos state reserve, just south of Carmel. When we say we're going to Carmel that's what we go see. Garrapata state park is also a great hike. We like to have lunch in Carmel but it's always a different place, it's just a nice place to walk around.

Dowtown Carmel is a fun place to walk around. Definitely check out 17 mile drive. If you have time, you can drive down to Big Sur or north to Moss Landing and go kayaking. You can get REALLY close to otters, seals and other marine life. 

Dh and I had dinner here once...I'd recommend it: Cassanova's

We had a great breakfast at the Red House Cafe in Pacific Grove and rented a Surrey Bike in Monterey. I can't remember who we rented from, but there were a few choices and you could also rent regular bikes, of course. My family has a hard time resisting Surrey Bikes when on vacation.

We had kids with us and stayed at the Monterey Hyatt for the pool & tennis courts. If it were DH & I, we'd look for a smaller boutique hotel in Carmel. I love poking through the stores there.

If you are driving up the PCH from LA you must stop at the Heart Castle and take a tour. Give yourself enough time to see the movie in the visitor center first. I highly recommend reserving tour tickets in advance and I think they only book 2 months in advance.

We have stayed at the Best Western Plus several blocks up from Ocean Avenue for about $130 a night. If you get a room in the back annex it is very quiet and you have covered parking.

I go to Carmel every year for a 3-day crop and it is just lovely. Close enough to Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and the rest of that neighborhood to really see and enjoy a lot while you're there.

We always stay at the Carmel Mission Inn which is kind of an upscale motel with a nice dining room. It's also walking distance to Lugano's Swiss Bistro which someone recommended upthread. I've eaten there a number of times.

We've also done afternoon tea at the Cypress Inn which is owned by Doris Day and allows dogs. It's an old building and I just love it. I haven't stayed there, but my brother and SIL and their dog have! They do a nice tea, as well.

In Monterey nearby, you need to visit the aquarium for sure. I'm sure someone or more than one someones have suggested it already (I just sort of skimmed through).

have fun!!

I enjoyed the 17 Mile Drive,the aquarium in Monterey, and the bakery in Carmel has terrific shortbread cookies! Enjoy your stay.

With a few days, I would be spending asome many of them as possible at Yosemite. I've only been there once and would love to go back.

I live in Texas. 4 hours is close for a Texan.

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Carmel and stayed at the Tickle Pink Inn outside of town. It's a gorgeous place and we go back every chance we get.

We like to walk across the street and hike in the park and watch the waves. There are several little seaside restaurants that we enjoy too. The one in the Hyatt is good but fussy. We always go down to Rocky Point Restaurant because it's very relaxed and the food and view are both great.