A Perfect, Low-Key, Casual Day in Carmel & Big Sur with CVCRC

This is a legit itinerary for Carmel and Big Sur that’s equal parts stunning, chill, and just a tad rebellious—fueled by the gloriously organic, delish coffee from yours truly, CVCRC. Starting at the freshly zhuzhed-up Carmel Mission Inn, this is your guide to a casually epic adventure.

Morning: Sunrise Sips of CVCRC at Carmel Mission Inn

Roll out of bed at the recently renovated Carmel Mission Inn, where the vibes are modern but the charm’s still old-school Carmel. Stumble to the lobby’s coffee cart, where they’re slinging certified organic, sustainably sourced beans from CVCRC. Grab a smugly perfect latte with Organic Cone Peak Espresso or a tall pour of the yummy fan-favorite Foglifter® blend for the journey. Pair it with a pastry so buttery it’s basically a love letter from France. Sip in the lobby, eyeballing the early-riser tourists, or cruise straight to the car and kick off the adventure. 

Mid-Morning: Ribera Beach’s Sneaky Serenity

With CVCRC’s caffeine buzzing like a good punchline, hop in your car and zip to Ribera Beach, a sly little gem in the Carmel Meadows community, just a 5-minute drive south. This isn’t your basic, overcrowded beach—it’s the kind of secret spot that winks at locals and snubs the selfie-stick crowd. Park along Ribera Road, saunter down the public path, and let the soft sand and Point Lobos views hit you like a plot twist in a rom-com. Dip your toes, snap a pic that’ll make your group chat jealous, and soak in the quiet before the day cranks up. Keep it chill; this beach is too cool for the Instagram invasion.

Lunch: Big Sur Deli’s Sandwich Swagger and a Pfeiffer Beach Picnic

Hiking’s got you hangry, so hit Big Sur Deli, a family-run joint next to the post office that’s been schooling sandwich newbies for over 25 years. Open 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, they’re dishing out custom sandwiches so massive they could star in an action movie. Pile on the turkey, local cheese, and veggies on a roll that doesn’t mess around, or grab a BBQ chicken sandwich or a tasty calzone. Wrap it up to go, because you’re headed to Pfeiffer Beach (right onto Sycamore Canyon Road, a mile past Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park; $12 or state park pass). Plop down on the purple-sand shore by Keyhole Rock, where the waves crash like they’re auditioning for an Oscar. This picnic’s so epic, it deserves its own hashtag.

Afternoon: Fernwood General Store for a road soda, ehem… coffee. 

On your way back to Carmel, swing by Fernwood General Store, the Big Sur road-side equivalent of a cool uncle who’s seen some stuff. This redwood-shaded spot has everything—tavern, campground, and, most importantly, CVCRC’s organic coffee to keep your edge sharp on the drive back to town for some meaningful retail therapy.

Back in Carmel, it’s time for retail therapy with a side of sass. Downtown’s a goldmine, so park and strut to:

• Carmel Surf Shop: Grab coastal gear that says, “I surf… in theory.”

• Art Galleries: Wander through a maze of paintings and sculptures that make you feel artsy without trying.

• Diggidy Dog: Spoil your pup, because they’re the only one who gets your jokes.

• Girl Boy Girl: Score couture-casual threads sharper than a one-liner.

• Carmel Cheese Shop: Snag local wines and cheeses for a midnight munchies snack sesh that’s fancier than your average night on the town.

• Fourtane: Ogle estate jewelry and Rolexes so nice they could star in a George Clooney movie.

Late Afternoon: CVCRC Cafe & Sunset Stroll

Need a recharge? Swing by CVCRC’s cafe on Ocean Avenue, Carmel’s coffee mecca, for an afternoon treat or a quick jolt. Grab a cappuccino frothier than a rom-com climax or a Kouign Amann pastry baked fresh daily from Ad Astra that’s basically dessert’s opening act. Then, mosey down to Carmel Beach, just blocks away, for a golden-hour sunset stroll. The white sand, cypress trees, and waves glowing like they’re in love are so perfect it’s almost unfair. Dodge the overeager dogs and work up an appetite for the next chapter of your day.

Evening: Vesuvio’s Rooftop for Rejuvenation

Back in Carmel, wrap your day at Vesuvio, the Italian spot with a rooftop deck that’s basically begging you to show off your glow. The vibe’s lively, the views of Carmel’s twinkly streets are on point, and the food’s got just enough sass to match your mood. Share some seared Carmel rolls or crispy calamari. Wash it down with a nice glass of local wine or, if you haven’t quite had your caffeine fix for the day, ask for one of Christian Pepe’s signature Espresso Martinis.

So, pack your hiking shoes, bring your appetite, and let Carmel and Big Sur work their casual magic. With CVCRC’s coffee in hand, this day is bound to be unforgettable. Have a favorite spot or CVCRC drink? Tag @CarmelValleyCoffee on social media to share your adventure!

Pro Tip: Check trail conditions, Pfeiffer Beach access, and restaurant hours before you go—Big Sur dances to its own drum.