For an easy weekend trip from San Francisco, drive two hours south and pull off Highway 1 into Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming town just north of Big Sur. With a calm breeze blowing off the ocean, sun-kissed sand, and bright blue waters, Carmel is a town of fairy-tale cottages, boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. You can head into the nearby hills and Carmel Valley for wine tasting experiences, or just stay in town and soak in the charm.