Carmel by the Sea, California

September 1, 2013

Most Labor Day weekends consist of beaches and BBQ's - so that is exactly what I planned on doing.  After talking with many of our 'dog friends' we decided to head over to Carmel - due to the fact the town and beach are so animal friendly.  This would be Ryu's first time to the Pacific Ocean so we wanted to make it a good trip.

So pretty!

Dog friendly to the max!

We left San Jose around 10am - what a mistake!  What should have been an 1 hour and 30 minute ride ended up being a 2 hour and 30 minute ride due to traffic on 101 and 156.  After getting on to Highway 1 we exited Ocean Ave and found parking quickly - although it was only for 2 hours.  We stopped and got out and went on our way to find a lunch spot.  Based on Yelp reviews we tried:  Carmel Bella.  The restaurant is very causal and is order and seat yourself style.  Because we had a dog we waited less than 5 minutes outside for a table.  In total there are about 5 tables outside, however, the turn over on the tables are pretty quick.  Unfortunately we missed breakfast at Carmel Bella - as on Saturday and Sunday it ends at 1pm.  For lunch I had the grilled cheddar warm sandwich on country toast.  I LOVE grilled cheese - so I am not going to lie I was a little disappointed in this one.  The bread was perfectly crunchy - and stayed so throughout the meal (which sometimes is not the case) so that was a positive but there was too much cheese and oil in the sandwich to eat the middle bites.  I would go back to the restaurant and try their breakfast and/or their salads/cheese plates.

Across the walkway from Carmel Bella was an adorable little jewelry shop called Blackbird.  As you know - I have an obsession with jewelry from Asia (specifically Japan and Taiwan) because the bands are thin and dainty.  It just so happens that Blackbird sold just that - amazing thin band rings and necklaces!  I got a gold band ring which could be worn alone or could be stack-able.

From here we headed off to the beach!  It was about a 10 minute walk due to a scared dog who wanted to stop and smell everything!  It was beautiful!  When you get to the end of Ocean Ave you run into the beach - the sand is soft and and the beach is really clean.  At the top you look down a hill of sand and can see the long stretch of beach and pick the least crowded area.  I was really surprised by the amount of people on the beach - and how you didnt feel crowded at all.  There are kids and dogs running in and out of the water, dogs playing fetch and people running up and down the beach.  Oddly with all of that it was still very relaxing!

Ryu was a trooper during his first time at beach.  After carrying him down the sand hill - it was determined he loved the sand but was not a fan of the Pacific Ocean.  I am not sure if it was because it was cold or if it was the salt water - maybe it was both.  After a few dips in the water - he made a point to avoid the waves washing up on shore.  However - he LOVED playing fetch in the sand and I think we got some really cute pics that I want to print out!

Myself and Ryu!

Getting his feet wet in the Ocean. 

He prefers to watch from a distance. 

Please dont take me back in the water!

Lets play!

Fetch in the sand.  

After wrapping up at the beach we decided to head back to San Jose as Ryu had enough for the day.  The town of Carmel was extremely dog friendly -  and when I mean dog friendly I mean dog friendly i.e. Ryu pee'ed and pooped in the middle of the sidewalk on the main street and although we cleaned it up not 1 person gave us a rude glare or a nasty comment.  In spite of the friendly atmosphere I think it was an overload for 4.5 month old Ryu.  The crowds and other dogs made him a little skid-ish at times and other times he got frustrated that he could not just go play with some dogs off leash like he does at home.  As he grows it is good to introduce him to new environments and he will learn to adapt.  I cant wait to take him back - and I cant wait to come back and explore more of the adorable town.