Many travelers use Carmel-by-the-Sea as a base for exploring the greater area, taking in such nearby attractions as the always fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium and picturesque Point Lobos.

I get that. Yet I also understand why someone might never want to leave once they set foot in this lovely European-style village. It offers just about everything one could want, from sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery to first-rate accommodations, restaurants and all kinds of recreational activities.

It would be a great spot for a monthlong vacation — maybe longer. Yet you can enjoy this gorgeous city in bite-size chunks, too, as a weekend jaunt or simply one perfect day in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Amble and taste

When it comes to wine tasting, people often think of Napa and Sonoma first, but Monterey County also is a premier wine region. And there's arguably no better — or, at least, easier — way to experience it than via the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea, a self-guided, self-paced tour that winds through 12 tasting rooms in a square mile. The stroll includes such wineries as De Tierra Vineyards, Manzoni Cellars and Scheid Vineyards.

Pick up a $65 wine-tasting "passport," which gives you a $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms. The best thing about this wine walk is that you don't have to drive between tasting rooms. Plus, the passport doesn't expire, so you can spread out your wine tasting over the course of several trips to the area.

Beach picnic

Visitors will find many excellent dining options in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea, but none can offer a view that competes with what you will find at Carmel Beach, just a short stroll from the village down Ocean Avenue. Pack a picnic and revel in the soft sand, exceptional surf and scenic setting. It's one of Carmel's definitive experiences, especially at sunset, which is as dramatic as it is romantic.

Scheid Vineyards is among more than a dozen stops on the Carmel Wine Walk.

Plenty of local businesses can help you pack a picnic, but one of the best spots is 5th Ave Deli, which offers fully loaded picnic "lunchboxes." The Carmel Classic ($16.99) includes an oven-roasted turkey and cheddar sandwich, pasta salad, chips and a dessert, while the Deluxe ($18.50) offers a curried chicken sandwich, green salad, chips, water and yummy carrot cake. If none of the lunchboxes strikes your fancy, simply create your own picnic from the bounty of sandwiches and salads here — or browse the offerings at the Cheese Shop, where you will find items from around the globe.

Tuneful evening

What better way to conclude a perfect day than with some live music at one of Northern California's best venues? Schedule your trip to Carmel when there's something happening at the Sunset Center. This facility, which feels as much like a cathedral as it does a concert hall, boasts some truly mind-blowing acoustics, great sight lines and comfortable seats.

The regular bookings include a number of significant local arts organizations, including the Monterey Symphony, Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay and the Carmel Bach Festival, but the venue also hosts international touring acts. I've seen everyone from folk star John Prine to singer-songwriter Mike Scott at the Sunset Center. The hall also hosts theater, dance and other events.

If You Go

Wine Walk: A Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea tasting passport costs $65 and is available at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (www.carmelwinewalk.org).

Picnic: Choose from gourmet sandwiches, salads and picnic "lunchboxes" at the 5th Ave Deli and Catering (www.5thavedeli.com), or try the Cheese Shop (www.thecheese­shopinc.com).

Music: The Sunset Center has concerts and other events booked through mid-2015. Upcoming shows include the Chris Isaak Holiday Tour on Nov. 29, R&B-gospel legend Mavis Staples on Jan. 18, and Roseanne Cash on March 19. Find calendar and ticket information at www.sunsetcenter.org.