Welcome to Carmel-by-the-Sea, where dreams come alive against the backdrop of California’s Monterey Peninsula. Just 11 minutes from Monterey City, this coastal haven entices with rugged landscapes, dramatic beaches, and lush forests. Stroll through Downtown Carmel’s cobblestone streets, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and oceanfront restaurants. Carmel isn’t just a destination; it’s a gateway to the Central Coast’s wonders, perfect for scenic day trips. With abundant experiences awaiting, we’ve crafted a guide to the top ten things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Get ready for an enchanting journey of the fun things to do in Carmel by the sea, where every corner reveals a story, and each moment creates lasting memories.
Things to Do in Carmel-A List Of Not To Miss Adventures
Carmel might be a small town, but it’s brimming with delightful activities that will make your visit unforgettable. Let’s dive into seven must-do experiences:
Explore Carmel Beach And Ocean Avenue
Carmel Beach is a true gem. It’s a picture-perfect coastal haven with its soft white sands, rocky bluffs, and Pacific waves crashing gently along the shore. While swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or playing beach games. Take a walk along the Scenic Bluff Path for breathtaking views from Point Lobos to Pebble Beach.
Visit Carmel Mission
The Carmel Mission, founded in 1770, is one of California’s most captivating historic sites. Wander through the Basilica with its intricate interior, lush garden courtyard, and iconic bell tower. Don’t miss the Carmel Mission Museum, where you can explore the mission’s rich history and view stunning Spanish Colonial art.
Discover Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
For nature enthusiasts, Point Lobos is paradise. Marvel at the dramatic coastal scenery, hike through forests of Monterey Pines and Cypress trees and explore tide pools filled with vibrant marine life. Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea otters, and colorful underwater landscapes.
Embark On The 17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic wonderland. Along this coastal route, you’ll encounter iconic sights like the Lone Cypress, world-class golf courses, and pristine beaches. Be sure to stop at Bird Rock and Seal Rock for wildlife viewing and Spanish Bay Beach for a serene picnic spot.
Enjoy Shopping And Dining In Carmel
Carmel’s downtown is a shopper’s paradise. Stroll through the charming streets, discovering unique boutiques, jewelers, and art galleries. When hunger strikes, relish the diverse dining scene, offering everything from the Mediterranean to traditional French cuisine.
Explore Fairy-Tale Cottages And Hidden Passageways
Carmel’s whimsical architecture is captivating. Take a self-guided tour to find Hugh Comstock’s fairy-tale cottages, known for their steep thatched roofs and storybook charm. While exploring, you’ll also stumble upon hidden passageways leading to quaint boutiques and cafés.
Visit Tor House And Hawk Tower
Poetry and history merge at Tor House, a granite-clad home with sweeping ocean views. Built-in 1919, it includes the whimsical Hawk Tower. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the life of poet Robinson Jeffers and his family.
Day Trip To Monterey Aquarium And Cannery Row
Carmel’s proximity to Monterey is a bonus. Just a short drive away, you can explore Cannery Row, a historic waterfront district known for its shops and seafood restaurants. However, the real highlight here is the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Marvel at playful sea otters, colorful fish, and majestic sea turtles. The aquarium’s observation decks provide stunning views of the bay, making it perfect for whale-watching.
Discover Garland Ranch, Regional Park
Nature enthusiasts will find a haven at Garland Ranch Regional Park. This vast parkland offers a variety of hiking trails, taking you through enchanting landscapes, from redwood forests to oak woodlands. Bird watchers will appreciate the chance to spot various species, and photographers will have a field day capturing the park’s natural beauty.
Experience Mission Ranch Hotel And Restaurant
Owned by Clint Eastwood, the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant is a charming retreat with a rich history. Originally a dairy farm from the 1850s, it now offers luxury accommodations, tennis courts, and a fitness club. Enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean while dining at the Mission Ranch Restaurant, where live piano music sets the mood for a delightful evening.
Tee Off At Pebble Beach Golf Links
For golf enthusiasts, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a dream come true. This legendary 18-hole golf course is set against a backdrop of Monterey pine and cypress trees, with the crashing surf providing a soothing soundtrack. Even if you’re not a golfer, a visit to this iconic location is a must. The course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, making it a true gem for sports and nature lovers alike.
Attend Festivals And Events
Carmel offers a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The Carmel Art Festival, held in May, showcases plein-air painting and features a juried competition. In September, the Carmel International Arts Festival turns the Arts and Design District into an outdoor venue with art displays, live music, and local cuisine. If you’re a fan of Baroque classical music, consider attending the Carmel Bach Festival, usually held in July.
Stroll Through Downtown Carmel
While you’ve likely wandered around town already, Downtown Carmel deserves a special mention. Its charming streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and seafood restaurants facing the Pacific Ocean create an enchanting atmosphere. Take your time to explore the hidden passageways and quiet courtyards, where you might stumble upon outdoor cafés and small boutiques. It’s a delightful way to soak in the town’s European charm.
Visit Garrapata State Park
For those who love the outdoors, Garrapata State Park offers a haven of natural beauty. It features two miles of pristine beach and coastal hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks. Keep an eye out for sea lions and harbor seals. Snorkeling, windsurfing, and swimming are popular activities here, and the park’s diverse landscapes, including rocky shores and wildflower fields, provide ample opportunities for exploration.
Explore Carmel Valley
A short drive inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea will lead you to the picturesque Carmel Valley. This wine region boasts numerous wineries, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers. Spend a day exploring the vineyards, tasting locally produced wines, and enjoying the serene countryside. Charming tasting rooms and opportunities to savor some of California’s finest vintages.
Carmel Wine Tasting
Indulge your taste buds by exploring Carmel’s wine scene. Beyond Carmel Valley, the town itself offers several tasting rooms where you can sample exquisite local wines. From Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, you’ll find a wide array of varietals to enjoy. Many tasting rooms feature charming courtyards and knowledgeable staff to guide you through your wine adventure.
Explore The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum
While the Carmel Mission is well-known, delve deeper by exploring its Basilica Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the mission through exhibits featuring artifacts, religious art, and historical documents. Gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this iconic site.
Enchanting Hotels In Carmel-Best Accommodation Options
After exploring the captivating array of things to do in Carmel, it’s time to delve into the equally mesmerizing world of accommodations. Nestled among its cobblestone streets and storybook cottages, you’ll find a range of exquisite hotels and engaging events that make your stay in this coastal paradise truly unforgettable Here are some of them.
Carmel Valley Ranch – Best Hotel For Families
Carmel Valley Ranch is perfect for equestrians and active families seeking luxury ranch-style living. If you head inland to Carmel Valley after the coastal fog has set in Carmel, you can nearly always count on lots of sunshine. Travelers can find organic farms, twisting oak trees, vineyard-covered hillsides, and several opulent resorts in the valley, including Carmel Valley Ranch.
Cypress Inn – Best Boutique Hotel
Cypress Inn is a gem for admirers of old Hollywood glamour and the artsOne of Carmel’s most unique lodgings is the Cypress Inn, which is rich in history and fairytale beauty. Completed in 1929 as the Hotel La Ribera, kings, queens, and Hollywood royalty have all checked in here over the years.
Villa Mara Carmel – Best Romantic Hotel
Villa Mara Carmel is an excellent choice for luxury travelers seeking a residential feel. Villa Mara Carmel in Tony Carmel Point feels more like an upscale residence than a hotel. It is close to many of Carmel’s most exquisite private residences, including the Clinton Walker House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
La Playa Carmel – Best Beachfront Hotel
La Playa Carmel is an ideal choice for beach lovers and romantics. An artist built a beautiful stone residence with views of Carmel Beach and Pebble Beach in 1905 for his Ghirardelli descendant wife. One of the most romantic and artistic hotels in Carmel has persisted as La Playa Carmel.
Bottom Line
In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where every corner tells a story and each moment creates lasting memories, your adventure of discovering the best things to do in Carmel finds its perfect ending. As you’ve explored captivating beaches, historic sites, and hidden gems, you’ve woven a tapestry of experiences. But Carmel’s magic lingers, inviting you to savor its boutique inns, local events, and endless charm. As you reflect on cherished memories, know that Carmel’s allure remains, ready to welcome you back with open arms.
