Charming Carmel Getaway

Casita Carmel is a colorful, roomy 1-bedroom, 1-bath retreat on a quiet cut-de-sac, away from the world but minutes from all of the richness that the Monterey Coast and Big Sur have to offer.

Fresh from a good night’s sleep in the comfortable queen-size bed, open the curtains to the storybook garden. Start your morning with a good shower and premium-quality coffee or tea while you plan the day's adventures out on the deck or wander downstairs to take in the garden from the cushioned glider.

If you’d rather stretch your legs, there's Starbucks or local purveyor, Carmel Valley Roasting Co., both within walking distance at the Crossroads Shopping Center. And, you can stock the casita's mini-fridge at the Safeway.

The entry room just off the deck is equipped with a coffeemaker, convection oven/microwave, dishes, silverware, placemats, napkins, cups, wine glasses and opener, and trays. There's also a daybed/sofa plus table and chairs.

In the bedroom, there's also an overstuffed armchair, ottoman, and a seating bench, along with a wall-mounted cable television. Bring your Netflix password. Your internet password will be provided at check-in.

The bedroom and bath include all bedding, quality towels, and sundry toiletries in case you forgot to pack something. We'll provide recommendations on local restaurants if you like.

Our casita sits in a Mediterranean microclimate, warmed by the sun and the heat of the bluff across the road. You'll enjoy a mild temperature range most months. When it's hot inland, you'll get to experience - and give thanks for - our marine layer, with fog coming in at night and in the morning. It's Nature's best air conditioner.

When you're ready for the day, the Peninsula awaits – check out the beaches and coves, hike or bike coastal trails, or explore Palo Corona regional park. Hike 3,400 feet to the very top to take in stunning views and photos of the Pacific and its unforgettable coastline. Visit Point Lobos State Park, only 2 miles from the casita down the famed Highway One, or go 26 miles to Big Sur to lose yourself in its beauty. Stand slack-jawed in a grove of towering redwoods. Stop off at Big Sur River Inn. Grab some grub there and renew your spirits, sitting in an Adirondack chair while the cool waters of Big Sur River run over your feet.

Carve out time to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the world's finest aquariums, John Steinbeck's Cannery Row, and 17 Mile Drive that traverses the famed Pebble Beach and passes the Lone Cypress.

Sample wines from Monterey County's finest wineries in Carmel Valley or in the downtown Carmel tasting rooms. Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops, art galleries, restaurants, unique houses, and its sprawling, pristine beach.

Rent a kayak in Monterey Bay and have a close, but not too close, encounter with sea otters, sea lions and seals. Take a whale watching trip from Fisherman's Wharf to see Blue whales, Humpbacks, Orcas and more Bay denizens. Get chills when a 70,000-pound Humpback reaches for the sky, breaches the waters and slams back to the surface. Unforgettable.

Score a seat outside at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch restaurant to take in a sunset, looking out across the sheep meadow to the Pacific. And golf however you choose, from world-class courses to quality public courses.

This area hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, with Casita Carmel in the middle of it all - from the Concours D'Elegance car show, AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament, auto racing at Laguna Seca, and the Sea Otter Classic for biking enthusiasts.

For music and food fans, come visit during the Monterey Jazz, Bach, Roots Music & Arts, and Blues festivals, or the annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine event. We should mention our casita is about two blocks from the finish line of the Big Sur International Marathon.

It's all right here. At Casita Carmel, you have a haven and a front-row seat to all Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur have to offer. So pack your bags. We look forward to hosting you.