In Carmel, I would recommend the famous 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach with a bit of a splurge for lunch at the clubhouse restaurant on the 18th hole. Watching those amatuers finishing up their $500 rounds of golf with that great backdrop is awesome, even if you don't play the game.

Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch resort in Carmel has a great steakhouse restaurant and next door is a pretty lively bar with live music. Get there just before sunset and watch them round up the grazing sheep and enjoy the view of the sunset on the pasture and ocean.