My friend Jenna lucked out during her week long trip to California. I had a completely blocked itinerary for her as soon as she arrived at the San Jose airport. I’m not saying it was so cholker-blocked that she couldn’t relax, it was the epitome of relaxation if I do say so myself. Hotel stays, wine tours and spa treatments — I’m tellin’ ya, not everyone is going to get that type of treatment. I’ve known Jenna since we were three years old, and it’s been close to 4 years since we’ve seen each other in person. It was long overdue for a girls trip, so I invited her down to Sunny California. Except, it happened to be really chilly and only kinda sunny the entire time she was here. Whoops. Can’t change Mother Nature.
After our overnight trip to San Francisco came to an end, we woke up at a reasonable hour, packed up our belongings and started the drive down to Carmel. To break up our 2 hour commute I swung by the city of Palo Alto and stopped at the new Hana Haus Blue Bottle coffee shop. More on that place later, but it’s a beautiful spot to relax and/or work if you so choose. I had to show her all the cool spots, you know.
Then we stopped for lunch  at one of favourite brunch spots in Los Altos: Bumble (see what I did my first visit to Bumble)! We had a nice little lunch on their adult patio away from any children, and had a grand ol’ chat, catching up. After we were done there, we took our time driving down the scenic Highway 1 to Carmel.
I always love to stay at the warm and welcoming Hofsas House when visiting Carmel. I surprised my husband for his birthday last year for a trip down to Carmel as a late honeymoon gift for the both of us, so I knew Hofsas House was the place to go once again. I love going there!
Our room was so spacious, quite large really! Such an airy, and sweet feeling room. Perfect for our little getaway for just the two of us.
Talk about being spoiled. A bottle of red plus some chocolates and wine walk tour tickets were waiting for us in the room as we arrived. We definitely hit up the Wine Walk tour right away but not before showing Jenna the little town of Carmel and taking her to the serene Carmel beach, hoowee!
The sand here is the softest I have ever felt underneath my feet. Surfers galore. Dogs frolicking on the beach and couples holding hands. My heart was swooing! Can you now see why I love this place so much that I need to take every visitor here?
After a quick visit to the beach, since it was windy and chilly, we walked around the downtown core, and did the self-guided Wine Walk Tour and sampled wines at three different wine tasting rooms before heading off to supper.
This one being my favourite. Because, how fun is it to pretend you’re taking a bath drinking wine? It’d be better if the tub was filled up and in my own bathroom. Hehe! Cheers to that!
After our wine tastings were over with, we walked back to our room at Hofsas House, grabbed some warmer clothes and got ready for supper.
We headed out for a quick 15 minute drive up north to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove to have a meal at The Beach House in our trusty 2015 Prius Five that took us everywhere on our week long excursion. I never thought about buying a red car, and not for any real reason to be honest. But doesn’t this red just pop out at you?
I don’t know what place is prettier, Pacific Grove or Carmel. Both places are absolutely breathtaking. This was our balcony-type view from The Beach House, in Pacific Grove. I mean. Come on! Watching the sunset while eating supper with this view… unreal, and nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my life. We couldn’t stop raving about it.
Our meals at The Beach House hit the spot, but the winners of the entire meal was most definitely the home made ice cream cakes. I’m still thinking of how good they both were.
After we finished our delicious meals, we drove around Pacific Grove for a little bit just as the sun was setting. Perfect timing for that golden hour photo op, am I right? I think I have a thing for taking photos of trees. Especially the ones around this area, they’re really cool looking.
Once we were back in our room at Hofsas House, we lit a fire and hung out for the rest of the evening, watching a bit of TV before falling asleep. The next morning, we woke up super early because I wanted to take Jenna back to Carmel Beach for some more photos then off to Point Lobos (you can see more photos here from when my Husband and I went). I’ll let the photos do the talking for themselves…
Secluded beaches = everything dreams are made of.
Hooray for my camera balancing on the edge of a fence, and me racing down to beat the self-timer count down. Oof!
That next day when we went to Point Lobos, we were heading back to San Jose — but not before doing a bit of outlet shopping in Gilroy. Such a fun way to end this leg of the trip! Stay tuned for the San Jose staycation in Santana Row which will be up next week sometime.
Hofsas House
San Carlos St, Carmel, CA 93921
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The Beach House at Lovers Point
620 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
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Disclaimer: Thank you to Hofsas House in Carmel, and The Beach House in Pacific Grove for hosting our stay and feeding us yummy supper!
42 Comments
Everything about that is great! The beaches were gorgeous, the architecture was beautiful, and those rooms were breathtaking. I really enjoyed that old-school wallpaper look.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..Best Buy Wedding Registry Experience @BestBuy #BestBuyWedding
@Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle: Yeah the Hofsas House is known for it’s quaint rooms, every one of them look different but have that old cottage feel to them.
Nancy recently posted..A Day With Dad
What a great little getaway! The place you stayed at is so charming and it sounds like you had a blast!
I am so jealous of this trip! Even though Mother Nature didn’t cooperate, it looks like you had an amazing time. The pictures are beautiful. I love the room and the food you had looks so good! I love the secluded beaches too.
Christy Maurer recently posted..Hidden Identities $25 Giveaway WW Ends 6/25
The beaches are amazing. The room is spacious and cozy and the food looks delicious.
mykidsguide recently posted..Join the Revolution: Sneak Peek at the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Oh, what a fun trip! I’ve never been to any of those places and I’ve always wanted to visit Carmel. The photos are so pretty, especially the trees at sunset. The food looks good, too!
Alli Smith recently posted..Mango Peach Cupcakes
Okay, I may have to visit Carmel one of these days. Gorgeous photos and that B&B looks so warm and inviting.
What a wonderful and exciting trip!! I have only experienced beaches along the Gulf Coast. I love going to different beaches. Secluded, even better!
Sandy KS recently posted..Western Cowgirl Theme
wow, looks like you two had an amazing trip together after so many years apart! That hotel room is beautiful!
Ronda Ogilvie recently posted..June is National Iced Tea Month!!
Wow, everything looked so beautiful! I haven’t been to the beach in ages, how I would love to go to one.
celebbabylaundry recently posted..Tips For Packing Kids Luggage For Vacation
What a great trip! And as wonderful as the hotel, the beaches and the wine were, I’ll bet the best part was enjoying it all with your friend!
Megan Elford recently posted..S’Mores Chocolate Chip Tarts
This must have been such an awesome adventure and the weather looked perfect. Gosh trying wines and some of those delicious dishes sounds great.
Liz Mays recently posted..Panhandle Paradise – Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in South Walton
What a lovely girls trip! Driving down Highway one is so scenic and relaxing. With an experience like this, I’m sure she’ll be back to visit soon.
Elayne recently posted..El Gusano Mexican Restaurant Oakland, Ca.
@Elayne: I hope so!! :)
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
Your room looks so cute and comfortable. I love your beach shots. I wish I were there.
Christi from sexymoxiemama.com recently posted..Instant Gratification: The Marshmallow Test
I LOVE your pics!! That room is adorable and I love all the personal touches. I need to look into this for me and my friends!!
Ricci recently posted..Staying in a Great Hotel on a Budget
@Ricci: Thank you for the sweet comments! :)
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
Looks like you had a blast. Some of the places are awesome. Some of the places had architecture that reminded me of some of the locations I’ve been to in Mexico. Very cool. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. :)
Nile recently posted..#WordPressWednesday 2015 Volume #3
@Nile: Oh no way, reminds you of Mexico a bit? That’s awesome – I still haven’t been down that way.
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
Wow! Okay, so I’m coming to visit! (lol, I wish…. still so sad) These photos are AMAZING. Looks like a beautiful place to visit, and stay. The room looks lovely too, although there is A LOT of wallpaper! So pretty, and quiet. A little vacation I could sure use – Maybe one day!
Jeanine recently posted..Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Such pretty pictures. I love the cobblestone and the couch in your room is so cool. This looks like a great place to visit.
Melissa recently posted..101 Uses for Huggies Wipes at Walmart
One of the reasons why I so wanted to visit California is because of those breathtaking views. My hometown is by the beach and your photos made me miss it the more.
Lynndee recently posted..Asheville is Not Only My Hometown, But Also a Place of History
This entire trip looks wonderful! I would love the Wine Walk Tour! Also the food looks amazing!
The Carmel/Monterrey Bay Area was always one of my favorite places to visit when we still lived in California. The scenery is gorgeous.
Kori Tomelden recently posted..Easy Swedish Meatball Recipe
Those views look amazing!! I have only been on the ocean once and I loved it. I wish I could live near one.
@Jacqui Odell: Me too. I’m about a half hour drive or more from one. I want to live across the street from a beach :) #Dreams
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
It looks like you and your bestie had a wonderful and relaxing trip. The Hofas house looks cozy and inviting.
I love your little red car even though I’m usually not a fan of red cars.
The beach looks amazing too. I’m ready for a vacation.
Uplifting Families recently posted..Best Store Offers
I need to find where you got that bag from! I NEED one. An iced coffee would be nice too :)
Life as a Convert recently posted..Meal Planning Printable (FREE MENU SHEETS)
Oh those sandy white beaches. I just want to jump through the screen. I’ll be that way in just two short weeks.
Abundant Journeys recently posted..South Africa Family Adventure
@Abundant Journeys: Have fun here! Let me know if you need any recommendations. I’m new to the Bay Area (and USA in general) but I’m still going around like a tourist. Lol
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
I love love love your photos! This looks like an amazing trip – the beaches look incredible.
I really want to go now! It looks like such a beautiful place. The ice cream cake looks so creamy and delicious.
@manuela W.: They were dreamy! I can’t wait to go back and have more. I’m a piggy hehehehe
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
It looks like you both had a wonderful time! I hope to be able to take a fun trip like this with a girlfriend of mine soon!
Carly Brydon recently posted..Outdoor Dining Space
I just love California, but have only been a few times. This looks like such a relaxing getaway for the girls (or for a romantic getaway)
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted..Easy 4 Ingredient Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe
Wow it looks so beautiful there! What an amazing and fun experience.
I’m so jelly of this trip! The Blue Bottle coffee always reminds me of our hangouts together :) That hotel is beyond adorable, I love the floral pattern on the walls. It looks like something from the 1950’s or something lol
Megan Joy recently posted..Fearless Fuchsia: New Arbonne Lip Collection
@Megan Joy: Blue Bottle = our coffee spot always friend <3
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
Ummmmmm can someone crave ocean?!? Because I’m totally craving the ocean right now after looking at your pictures! I sooooo need a vacation!
@CourtneyLynne: I’m still craving it! I’m about a half hour away from it and I can’t wait to go back!
Nancy recently posted..Laid back California style with Prius
This is totally an awesome trip indeed and I would love to do this some day with one of my friends. These places are just gorgeous and I love how you made the stops on the way. I totally love these gorgeous picture. Glad you both had an amazing time. Thanks for sharing.