Mission Ranch

Established as a dairy ranch in the 1850s, the renovated bunkhouses and barn today offer quaint, period-style rooms south of downtown Carmel overlooking Carmel River Beach (not all rooms have ocean views). The marshy cove at the property’s edge is a haven for wildlife, with excellent winter bird-watching. Six tennis courts and a fitness center overlook the cove. The Restaurant at Mission Ranch (831/625-9040) and surrounding patio offer the best view of the cove. Sunday brunch features performances by local jazz musicians, and dinners of prime rib and local salmon are richly satisfying (closed Sundays for dinner).