Last week I shared all about our stay at Hofsas House in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Today I’m going to share all the fun and unique things we did in our short stay there! Mike and I hadn’t been in over 14 years and I wasn’t sure what to expect with kids in tow. It turns out that a weekend in Carmel with kids is actually a lot of fun and the perfect small-town beach getaway on the California coast!

a weekend in Carmel

what to eat

Carmel has so many delicious places to eat that are within walking distance from anywhere you’ll stay in town. Bonus–most restaurants have plenty of outdoor seating and are even super dog friendly. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between you have plenty of options. Our recommendation is to pick up lunch from a local deli and take it with you while you sight see! We were given gift certificates to 5th Avenue Deli which is conveniently located near Hofsas House. The sandwiches were so delicious and were the perfect picnic lunch for our adventure of the day! I’ll tell you all about where we ate them in a bit.

| Why You Should Travel with Kids While They’re Still Young |

The first night we ate outside at Mulligan’s Public House. It’s a casual, Irish pub that we felt comfortable sitting at with our large and loud family. If you have little ones like we do though take note–they do not have high chairs. However, all of our food was delicious and the service was very fast and friendly. I had the fish and chips and it was some of the best I’d had in awhile! Mike had one of their burgers and had zero complaints. I also finished off my daughter’s pumpkin soup and let me just say–I’m still thinking about how delicious and creamy it was.

Insider Tip: Eating is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I highly suggest that you make reservations ahead of time. Especially for dinner and extra especially if you have a large party like we do!

The second night we made reservations at SUR at the Barnyard. Y’all… this is the place to come with kids! Everyone loved all their food (the salmon fish tacos were so tasty!) and the dessert was a show in itself. Make a note now that you have to order SUR’s Famous Arctic Ice-cream Lava Rocks. Trust me–your kids will be so impressed! There is also ample seating both indoors and outdoors with a really fun vibe. Last but not least, the service was absolutely exceptional!

what to do

One of the most popular and laid back activities to do in Carmel with kids is to walk around the town. You can explore the little shops and hidden parks. Forest Hill Park is really close to Hofsas House and Devendorf Park was a quaint little space in the middle of town that was full of happy kids when we were there! We also loved stopping at Cottage of Sweets for some delicious fudge with flavors like crème brulée and birthday cake. While you’re walking through town don’t forget to go hunting for the murals of Carmel, you especially don’t want to miss the Carmel Shell. The Carmel Shell is by the artist Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham who also worked on some art for Hofsas House. And of course, don’t forget to visit the beautiful white sand beaches of Carmel. The beach is a short walk down Ocean Avenue.

| 50+ Things to do in California with Kids |

Make sure to plan a trip to Point Lobos while you’re in Carmel. It is known as “the crown jewel of the State Park System” for good reason! We walked the Sea Lion Point Trail first, then drove over to the China Beach picnic area where we enjoyed out sandwiches from 5th Street Deli. From there we took the short walk to Hidden Beach. This is a very rocky beach and we recommend beach shoes for maximum comfort. We can’t wait to return to Point Lobos to explore more someday.

Insider tip: Get to Point Lobos early! We should up right before 11:00 am on a Saturday and were one of the last cars they allowed in. It still didn’t seem very crowded but you would hate to show up and have to turn around!

Before we left on Sunday we headed over to the Carmel Mission Basilica. Founded in 1771 it has been beautifully restored and continues to be an active Catholic Parish today. Mass was just ending when we arrived at 11:00 am. We walked around the grounds and learned a lot at the museum. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 and over but if you only want to go in the gift shop no tickets are needed.

Have you ever had a weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea?