Take the scenic 12 mile trip from coastal Carmel-by-the-Sea down to sunny Carmel Valley Village for a side trip to remember! Among the rolling hills and grapevines of the valley, you'll find tucked-away boutique inns, rustic restaurants and a plethora of wine tasting experiences.

Here’s a quick sample itinerary for your next jaunt down Carmel Valley Road.

Start your afternoon adventure off with a late lunch at Roux. On a sunny day, or any day for that matter, you can’t beat their rustic outdoor patio. Complete with lanterns, party lights, fire pits and umbrellas, it’s no wonder why this is one of the hottest spots in town.

The rustic French menu prepared by Chef Fabrice Roux pairs nicely with a fantastic wine menu featuring both local and specialty wines. Order a few small plates like their Dungeness crab cakes and yucca fries or dabble in their savory entrée selections like their classic Spanish paella and Dijon mustard chicken sandwich.

Carmel-by-the-Sea isn’t the only gem in Monterey County where you can peruse fine art. Just down Carmel Valley Road is Patricia Qualls Contemporary Art Studio. The gallery is full of large-scale contemporary art pieces that are sure to make a statement in your living room. Now that’s a memorable memento worth splurging for!

No trip to Carmel Valley is complete without a wine tasting, or two! Stop by the brand new tasting complex next to Wills Fargo where Joyce Vineyards and Testarossa have set up shops.

Local favorite Joyce Vineyards moved their original tasting room from the East End Wine Row (just down the street) to this hip hangout. New comer Testarossa just placed roots here bringing down fans from their main tasting room in Los Gatos. Be sure to try their Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs!

Click here for even more ways to explore Carmel Valley.