If you happen to be headed south down the coast on a Sunday, maybe to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I highly recommend the Sunday Brunch at Mission Ranch. It’s a quick, yet scenic 15-minute drive from Monterey.
Mission Ranch Restaurant & Hotel
Mission Ranch is, in fact, both a hotel and a restaurant that used to be a dairy farm. Another fun fact, it’s also owned by Clint Eastwood, who at one point was the mayor of Carmel. BUT getting to the fun stuff: Mission Ranch hosts a buffet-style brunch every Sunday from 10 am-1:30 pm. The traditional brunch has a ton of kid-friendly foods. The lines are the busiest right at 10 am, so if you want to hold off until closer to lunch time, you’ll have a better chance of snagging a seat on their epic patio. “Why?” might you ask? SHEEP.
The sheep at Mission Ranch are an attraction on their own. They graze in a picture-perfect pasture and are seriously the fluffiest, happiest sheep I have ever encountered, in my whole life. Think cute overload: sheep edition.
The restaurant does not accept reservations, but with an expansive 22-acre property and views of the ocean, there is plenty of beauty to explore while you wait for a table.
If you plan to dawdle around the fairytale-esque Carmel for the day, here are some other fun facts: there are no street addresses or high heels allowed!
Plan your visit to Mission Ranch in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Mission Ranch is located at 26270 Dolores St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- I recommend layers if you plan to sit outside on the patio (and you will want to!)
- Phone: (831) 624-6436
- Website >
- Sunday Brunch Seating Hours: 10 am to 1:30 pm
- Cost: Adults $45, Children $25 (ages 5-10)
