Monterey Shopping Itinerary

Whether you're searching for high-end designer handbags, unique antique jewelry or hand-crafted one-of-a-kind art, Monterey County can fill your every need to acquire. Indulge in a little retail therapy with our three-day shopping spree itinerary.

Friday

4pm
The Haute Enchilada Art Cafe is a dining destination and an art gallery. It's known throughout the area for its elegant take on both Mexican and traditional cuisine, as well as the high-profile paintings and sculptures in the gallery behind the dining room. Browse, but don't fuel up just yet; you'll be visiting its sibling restaurant to feast!

5:30pm
Dine on authentic Oaxacan cuisine at funky, fun and brash Whole Enchilada, which serves up regional Mexican food with an emphasis on seafood. Friday night's live musical performances only add to the festive atmosphere.

7:30pm
You've arrived at Carmel-by-the-Sea's Tally Ho Inn, the perfect spot for a weekend of shopping. It's at one end of the famous Ocean Avenue shopping strip and has large Jacuzzi tubs perfect for massaging tired limbs after a day of hard-charging consumerism. Gather with the girls in front of your in-room fireplace and plan your next day of shopping!

Saturday

8:30am
No need to get in your car for breakfast. The Village Corner, just a few blocks from your lodging, is in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shopping district. Have breakfast on the patio next to the fire pit and enjoy watching the people of Carmel-by-the-Sea and their dogs as they walk by.

10am
Put on your best walking shoes; it's time for serious, marathon shopping in one of the country's greatest retail destinations: Carmel-by-the-Sea. Between the many exclusive shops, you'll find art galleries that speak to the town's origins as a bohemian arts colony.

The center of Carmel's commercial circulatory system is Ocean Avenue - and Carmel Plaza, an understated shopping mall with over-the-top options, is its pulsing heart.

1:30pm
If you're shopping at Carmel Plaza, you won't have to go far for your late lunch. Bistro Beaujolais, on the ground floor, serves a Mediterranean mélange of French, Greek and Moroccan food, all delectable. Sit in the courtyard, sip a glass of wine, and watch other shoppers walk by. Ooooo, is that Chanel?

3pm
Stash your recent purchases in your room, then hop in your car - but not for long. The Barnyard and The Crossroads, both loaded with unique boutiques, are located on the opposite side of Highway One just outside of Carmel-by-the-Sea proper.

7pm
Enjoy an evening of anti pastas and pizza at Carmel-by-the-Sea's Cantinetta Luca. Their authentic Italian wood-burning pizza oven creates the perfect margherita and salumi pizzas.

Sunday

10am
Fuel up for another marathon day of shopping with a French-accented brunch at one of Pacific Grove's favorite destinations, Fandango Restaurant. Carbo-load for your athletic shopping expedition, or ensure that nothing will spoil the lines of your dress by brunching on a delectable light salad.

Noon
Cannery Row is lined with shops featuring everything from antiques to art glass to chocolates and, of course, wine. As you walk along the Row, take breaks from your shopping-stravaganza with tastings at wineries such as Pierce Ranch Vineyards and find wine-lifestyle accouterments at A Taste of Monterey, which serves wines from a number of different area wineries and has a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay.

5:30pm
Celebrate the conclusion of your shopping trip with a dinner of small plates, sangria and fabulous cocktails at Esteban in downtown Monterey. Show off your purchases to your friends. If you're a vlogger, practice what you're going to say in your haul video when you get home!