A Perfect Thursday in Carmel
Leah Cabardo spent years working in corporate beauty in New York and San Francisco, before moving to Carmel and founding her “conscious body care” line, BY TIDE. A student of herbalism, cosmetic chemistry and natural perfumery, Leah blends her East Coast sensibility with her love of the West Coast's natural abundance for a style of living that’s beautifully balanced and perfectly accessible.
AM
8A
Take an early morning walk at Point Lobos. The trails will lead you to magical views of the ocean.
9A
Grab breakfast at Stationæry. The Chilaquiles and Breakfast Plate are my go-tos, but they offer lots of tasty seasonal dishes, and the Potato Pancake always sells out! Order an iced matcha latte with oat milk or ask about their seasonal latte for a real treat.
10A
If it’s Thursday, absolutely go to the Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmer’s Market for pastries/snacks/souvenirs. Take your goodies down to the beach and sit on a picnic blanket while watching the dogs running and the surfers in the ocean.
12P
From San Carlos Street, head down the bridged alleyway to the Secret Garden that leads into Pilgrim’s Way, the most charming local bookstore. Across the street from its front entrance is Carmel Art Association, where you can view various works by local artists. Other favorite shops to stop into: Pepper Drive Living, Tejido Collective, Somewhere in Carmel, House of Cardoon, and Foxy Couture.
PM
2P
If you are feeling hungry again, grab fresh doughnuts made to order at Dutch Door in Carmel Plaza and peruse the shops there.
3P
Get lost! Walk Carmel’s residential streets to check out the amazing architecture and landscaping. Spring and Summer bring the bounty of absolutely stunning gardens in front of storybook homes. You will also find tons of gorgeous hidden alleyways all around town.
5P
Grab drinks and bites at Chez Noir’s bar. Their mocktails are delicious, too. Insider Tip: If you arrive early you can snag a seat without a reservation.
6:30P
For a romantic dinner, book a reservation at La Bicyclette or Casanova. For the ultimate splurge, Aubergine is nothing but exceptional.
8P
Catch the late summer sunset at Carmel Beach! It truly is stunning. Drive all the way down Scenic Road for the full viewing experience.
*Editor’s Note: Check here for daily sunset times.
Photography by Kelsey Wisdom
PLAN YOUR DAY
on the Peninsula
- Point Lobos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Stationæry
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmer’s Market
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Pilgrim’s Way
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Carmel Art Association
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Pepper Drive Living
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Tejido Collective
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Somewhere in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - House of Cardoon
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Foxy Couture
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Dutch Door
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Carmel Plaza
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Chez Noir
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - La Bicyclette
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Casanova
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Aubergine
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
