Things To Do In Carmel

The seaside town of Carmel in California's Monterey County is a treasured destination known for its unspoiled beaches, rich history, and signature passageways leading to discreet courtyard gardens, fairytale cottages, and unique boutiques. The cobblestone streets of the quaint village reveal original architecture structures rich in history and charm, and within them, visitors discover the culture and heart of the village community. From tasting rooms and exquisite eateries to art galleries and preserved whispers of the past - this family-friendly destination offers timeless appeal and romantic charm all year long.

If you're looking to plan your perfect Carmel getaway, it helps to have a little help from the locals. We'd hate for you to miss out on the highlights, and in a town that defines "hidden gem", there's more than a few of those to go around. 

Carmel Beaches 

Arguably one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, Carmel Beach is an expansive stretch of soft, white sand, sensibly situated at the end of Ocean Avenue. Carmel Beach is a prime choice for scenic strolls, sunbathing, photography, surfing, and waterside play in the sand. The rugged coastline hosts remarkable sunsets as well, heightened by the drama of the crashing waves of the  Pacific Ocean. This is also the site of popular annual events like The Great Sandcastle Contest in September and June's Sunshine Freestyle Surfabout.

If the epic sights from Carmel Beach dazzle you, make sure to check out the Scenic Bluff Path. Though Scenic Road makes for a nice drive, it's a much more impressive trek by foot or bicycle. The walkway, less than two miles in length, provides a gentle path parallel to the beach. Follow the bluff path to spellbinding panoramas from above, or detour down one of the stairways to the beach.

Just south of the town of Carmel, Carmel River State Beach provides a more subdued beach experience, with its tranquil, crescent-shaped shores fed by the confluence of the Carmel River and the Pacific Ocean. A great choice for nostalgic beach fun, Carmel River State Beach is perfect for kayaking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands National Preserve are home to more than 350 bird species.

Shopping And Sipping In Carmel

Though the beach holds an undeniable appeal, it's far from the only lure in town. In fact, Carmel has been recognized as one of the nation's best shopping destinations by USA Today. A surprising collection of original specialty shops and artisan boutiques line the streets and passageways along Ocean Avenue, Dolores Street, and Mission Street. This one-square-mile village is jam-packed with retail therapy potential, and the possibilities are endless! Located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza is a worthy first stop to enjoy community events, shopping, dining, and three wine tasting rooms.

If wine tasting is right up your alley, consider continuing on the flavorful path of the Carmel Wine Walk, a self-paced, self-led tour to 13 tasting rooms along the coast between Big Sur and Monterey. The Wine Walk Passport ($100) provides guests a choice of 10 full flights at any of the 13 participating locations. There are also a number of vineyards open to the public in Carmel Valley, just a few minutes’ drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Beyond the upscale shops, tasting rooms, and charming cafes, art galleries are also an Ocean Avenue mainstay. As you sip, shop, and stroll in swanky California style, make sure to keep an eye out for masterful creations from local artists who keep Carmel's artistic roots alive. The Carmel Art Association Gallery on Dolores Street showcases the works of over 100 local artists, making it an ideal site to see a range of inspired perspectives. For another take on local culture, visit the Sunset Center, a public school-turned performing arts venue, and home to the annual Carmel Bach Festival.

Fairy Tale Cottages and Winding Passageways

As you make your way into Carmel, it's impossible to miss the village's unique architecture, which embodies the very nature of whimsy. Most captivating of all are the famous fairy tale cottages conceived and created by Hugh Comstock in the early 1900s. The first Comstock cottage was designed as a doll-making studio for Hugh's wife, Mayotta. He went on to build 29 more. Straight out of a storybook, the cottages feature thatched roofs, stone chimneys, and fine timbered details. Of the original 30 Comstock cottages 21 still remain in Carmel, including the original "Hansel and Gretel" cottages on Torres Street and The Tuck Box English tea room. For a guide map to Carmel's Comstock cottages, stop by the Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission. 

The enchantment extends well beyond Comstock's creations, however. The fairy tale continues throughout the colorful courtyards and beckoning nooks tucked along the winding passageways of the village. Carmel is very walkable, and a short stroll will reveal one discovery after another - like those shops and cafés along Ocean Avenue!

Historical Sites and Amazing Architecture 

Artistry and passion define the foundation of Carmel-by-the Sea, and the history of its most devoted residents remains remarkably preserved for visitors to appreciate. A fine example is the Tor House with its adjacent Hawk Tower. Built by poet Robinson Jeffers, Tor House is made of granite boulders from the shores of Carmel Bay. Its inspiring location overlooking the sea served to provide the ideal muse for the lauded poet and a wonderful home for his family. Hawk Tower was soon built to serve as a fun and creative space for wife, Una, and the Jeffers children in their own private coastal paradise. Today, visitors are invited to tour the grounds and gardens of Tor House, with informative, docent-led tours conducted on Fridays and Saturdays.

If architecture is of interest, don't miss the Della Walker House At Carmel Point, the only ocean home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. On one day each year in June, the Walker family opens the house for public tours to benefit the Carmel Heritage Society as part of the Carmel Annual House & Garden Tour.

History buffs are surely well-acquainted with California's extensive system of Spanish missions and monuments. Formally known as San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, the iconic Carmel Mission was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra of Spain, who led Spanish missionaries in the building of nearly two dozen such missions between San Diego and San Francisco. The Carmel Mission is the second of these missions and the site of Father Serra's burial.

250 years from its beginnings, the mission remains an active place of worship. The Carmel Mission is situated around the basilica, a National Historic Landmark with remarkable artistic detail and stunning décor, and host to a museum displaying authentic artifacts in tribute to the site's storied past. This is the only one of California's Spanish missions to retain its original bell tower and bell.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an impeccable display of natural wonder and scenic beauty just south of Carmel on Highway 1. This protected site boasts ecological significance as a thriving coastal habitat to a diverse array of wildlife and vibrant ecosystems including forests, tide pools, coastal scrub, and clusters of colorful wildflowers intertwined with dramatic geological formations creating rocky outcroppings and jagged shores. Additionally, more than 20 species of land mammals call Point Lobos home.

Wander ocean view hiking trails for once-in-a-lifetime discoveries. Sea Lion Point Trail (0.6-mile loop) leads to a staircase overlooking a vibrant habitat for shorebirds and marine mammals like sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions surrounding the offshore rocks and coves. Cypress Grove Trail follows a 0.8-mile loop through Monterey Cypress forests teeming with deer to shoreline views of playful sea otters and sea lions swimming in Headland Cove. Meander to the Pit on Granite Point Trail (1.3 miles) to find Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and Western Gull nests, and the Whalers Cabin Museum. Bird Island Trail is the only in-out trail in the park, weaving around to China Cove, Gibson Beach, and Pelican Point. The round-trip is less than one-mile and fully accessible. 

From Carmel's earliest days as an artists' colony, Point Lobos has always served as a source of brilliant inspiration - some believe it may have been the inspiration for the setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Scuba divers are equally impressed by the incomparable seascapes found beneath the water's surface as well.

Natural Excursions in Regional and State Parks

Though Carmel's beaches and Point Lobos hold rank in popularity, they are not the only sources of natural outdoor recreation in the area. Local favorites include Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, Palo Corona Regional Park on Highway 1, and Garrapata State Park on California State Route 1 just south of Carmel. 

Garland Ranch Regional Park is a coastal parkland covering more than 500 acres. Home to pioneer settlement structures and an assortment of riding and hiking trails, including "Inspiration Point", Garland Ranch hosts an array of landscapes and vibrant ecosystems along the banks of the Carmel River and into the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

Palo Corona Regional Park is a popular choice for photographers, wildlife spotters, and anyone in search of spellbinding ocean views. The 10,000-acre plot represents the largest land conservation project in Monterey county history, overseen by The Nature Conservancy, The Big Sur Land Trust, State of California, and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, with the park area occupying the northern 4,000+ acres. Within the Park, there are over 500 species of plants and an array of wildlife, from coastal trout and salamanders to deer, bobcat, and even California condor!

Garrapata State Park is situated along two miles of beach front, with lush coastal hiking trails blessed with scenic overlooks. Observe playful sea lions, harbor seals, and otters, or spend some time in the water swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing. Garrapata State Park is also home to Soberanes Canyon Trail, a challenging 5.4-mile hike featuring a waterfall reward.

Take to the Road for a 17-Mile Drive 

The legendary 17-Mile Drive is one of many picturesque routes worthy of exploring in California. Running from Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove, this journey covers beaches, golf courses, and epic displays of West Coast luxury along the Monterey Peninsula separating Monterey Bay from Carmel Bay. On the path, make sure to plan stops at Bird Rock, the Del Monte Forest, and the iconic, centuries-old Lone Cypress - one of the most photographed trees in North America. If you fancy yourself a golfer, take a swing at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, nestled amongst a forest of Monterey pine and cypress trees, overlooking the pounding surf. Of course, this is just the beginning of the road trip possibilities!

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes an ideal home base to explore the best of California's central coast. Favorite day trips from Carmel include nearby Monterey - home to Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Big Sur - where the journey is half the destination. If you're conquering the iconic Pacific Coast Highway road trip, or looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life in San Francisco or Los Angeles, Carmel is the "worlds away" escape you're daydreaming of.