Carmel is an ideal long weekend destination for basically any season. Your base will be the picturesque town of Carmel, where you can stroll charming streets, stepping into tasting rooms to sample local wines, and taking in spectacular sunsets from Carmel Beach. The standout dinner in town is La Bicyclette Restaurant (also apparently loved by Reese Witherspoon!).

Just a stone’s throw from the town of Carmel is so much amazingness to be explored. Drive inland to the mountains of Carmel Valley where you can visit charming wineries, or conquer the scenic 17 Mile Drive, stopping for lunch at The Bench, a casual-chic restaurant overlooking the 16th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Club.

For active types, the Garland Regional Park is a hiker’s paradise, and pet owners will be excited to know that dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the park!

If you have enough days (or if you’re visiting with children), wander into Monterey and check out the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Before you head out, make sure to do Sunday brunch at Mission Ranch! It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet with live music. Snag a seat outside so you can watch the sheep grazing as you feast.

Stay: L’Auberge Carmel

Wineries: Cowgirl Winery; Georis Winery; Holman Ranch

Do: 17 Mile Drive; Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand; Garland Ranch Regional Park; Bixby Creek Bridge; Monterey Bay Aquarium

Eat: The Bench; Mission Ranch; Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel; La Bicyclette Restaurant; Casanova