Are you on an assignment in San Francisco or San Jose? If so you are in luck!
One of the best weekend (or any couple of days for that matter) side trips is just an hour or two away. Carmel, California is one of the most wonderful places on earth.
Want a beautiful beach? At the end of Ocean is one of the most incredibly beautiful beaches on the face of the earth. Pure white sand borders the blue Pacific as great waves lap a wide beach with plenty of room for sunbathing or playing. You look across Monterey Bay right at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. If you want to go there (great place to have lunch) simply get on the famous 17 mile drive. You’ll be transported through great groves and past some of the nicest and priciest homes in California. Try the Tap Room for lunch and you are instantly a millionaire for the day.
Back in town, Ocean Street and most of the side streets are filled with quaint little shops and galleries that will take you days to cover. And the restaurants? You’ll never get to them all.
Here are some suggestions:
Il Fornaio. Located in the historic Pine Inn, this upscale eatery features a great menu and one of the most vibrant bars in town.
Mission Ranch. Owned by Clint Eastwood, this property was an old seaside dairy renovated by the man himself. Moderately priced menu. The best night life in town happens at the piano bar. And who knows? Maybe Clint will stop by and play for you!
Porta Bello. On Ocean, this is one of my favorites. Somewhat pricey but wonderful service and ambiance. Italian fare.
Jack London Inn. A local hangout with a regular bar crowd, TVs with sports and moderately priced food.
Where to stay? The town is full of bed and breakfast inns. One of my personal favorites is The Sandpiper. It is a block from the beach and miles of walking trails along the ocean. A great breakfast in the morning with freshly made pasty, fresh fruits and cereals served by Bill and Marie, the innkeepers. In the afternoon you can sit in front of the roaring fireplace and sip sherry or hot tea. Rooms run from $129 and up.
The Pine Inn. Right downtown in the heart of town, an historic old hotel with red velvet wallpaper and small but very nice rooms.
For more information on any of these just go to Google and type in the name along with “Carmel.”
For more information on a travel nursing job nearby, go to www.travelnursingUSA.com and fill out the “Request information” form and I will forward it to our partner agencies.
Getting there (From either SF or San Jose just head down the 101 freeway until you reach the Monterey/Carmel turnoff South of Gilroy. Take that highway all the way to Carmel. You will see a sign directing you to turn right and it will take you rihgt onto Ocean, the main street in town).
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