Carmel-By-The-Sea is a beautiful beach city that lies on the Monterey Peninsula of California. It is a dreamlike destination that you would surely love. There are beautiful museums for you to explore and learn about the locale. The library of the historic Carmel Mission is a place where you can spend hours reading and dreaming of far off destinations. Being close to the sea, there are so many water activities that you can try your hand at in Carmel-By-The-Sea. There are so many places to visit here. You must not miss out on the beautiful Carmel Beach that has white sand and is a great spot for surfing. Let the winds caress your hair and the waves sweep you off of your feet. There’s so much more to explore in this lovely coastal town. Read on to find out the different things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
1. Watch the sunset at the beautiful Carmel River State Beach
Posted by Giacomo Scinardo on Wednesday, 8 August 2018
One of the best beaches Carmel-By-The-Sea has to offer is the mile-long (less than 2 km) Carmel River State Beach. This lovely and stunning beach will allow you to witness the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen. It also has a lagoon which is frequented by migratory birds. This beautiful beach is located just south of town and is perfect for lazing around and spending some quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but there are also several activities you can try such as kayaking and scuba diving.
Carmel River State Beach
Address: 26478 Carmelo St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Carmel River State Beach
2. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Ocean Avenue in Downtown Carmel
Downtown Carmel’s Ocean Avenue is a treasure trove. It is lined with shops and quaint art galleries where you can spend hours browsing them without even knowing. The stores are not hard to locate–all you have to do is walk down the street. If you venture off onto the side streets, you would want to visit boutique shops and tiny passages that look and feel absolutely stunning.
3. Explore the scenic coastal areas at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Posted by Point Lobos State Natural Reserve on Friday, 21 June 2019
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located south of town and is a great place to enjoy some wonderful outdoor activities. Visit this place to enjoy great hikes that will give you an adrenaline rush. The reserve also offers dramatic shoreline rockscape. That’s not all–the reserve has great wildlife that add to its beauty. You will also find sea otters and harbor seals here.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Address: 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Tip from Content Creator
Point Lobos has to be one of the most scenic state parks in California, and it's easy to see why it is called the “crown jewel of the California State Park System.” Any time of the year is a good time to visit, but we would recommend visiting in the winter—there will be sunnier weather and less seaweed in the water. Apart from the spots in the video, visit the beautiful Sea Lion Point, Cypress Cove, Whaler’s Knoll Lookout, and Bluefish Cove.
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4. Enjoy Sunday Brunch on the patio at Mission Ranch Restaurant
Guest photo by: Paul R
Posted by Mission Ranch on Monday, 21 January 2019
If you are a lover of pastoral setting and have read too many Romantic poems, you would love this restaurant. Mission Ranch lets you enjoy your meal in the midst of a farm setting. At the distance, you can also see the ocean. Nothing can be more magical than sitting here on a sunny day. What is even better is grabbing an early evening drink here. If you time yourself perfectly, you may also be able to watch the sheep get into their pen. It really is a sight to behold. Come here for a Sunday brunch buffet and have a great time.
Mission Ranch Restaurant
Address: 26270 Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Mission Ranch Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 10:15am – 1:30pm, 5pm – 9:30pm
5. Sip sunset cocktails at the amazing Highlands Inn
Our glass-enclosed lounge features intimate seating groups with comfortable armchairs where you can sip and socialize...
Posted by Hyatt Carmel Highlands on Saturday, 1 June 2019
There is a different kind of fun and joy in sipping cocktails while enjoying terrific views. This is what Highland Inns aim to achieve. This is the place where you can enjoy the amazing sunset. Just make sure to reach this place half an hour before the sunset and grab a seat next to their floor-to-ceiling windows to view the sunset and enjoy the spectacular moment while sipping your cocktail.
Highlands Inn
Address: 120 Highlands Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Highlands Inn
6. See an eclectic performance at Sunset Center for the Performing Arts
Did you know Sunset Center and Black Violin worked with Carmel High School music students to perform the encore at Black...
Posted by Sunset Center on Thursday, 13 September 2018
The Sunset Center for the Performing Arts is a beautiful and electrifying performing arts center located just outside of downtown Carmel. They usually have some well-known names in their lin- up. It is quite fun to witness their eclectic mix of classical music, classic rock, ballet, dance, and stage performance. Catching a show here can really take your mind off other things. Do make sure that you do not miss out on this. Check out their website for details on performances.
Sunset Center for the Performing Arts
Address: San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Website: Sunset Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12ppm - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
7. Warm up by the outdoor fireplace at the magical The Forge in the Forest
Posted by Forge In The Forest on Saturday, 22 October 2016
The Forge in the Forest is located in downtown Carmel. It is a restaurant that offers a magical experience in its lush and airy setting–a beautiful and landscaped place that will instantly make you fall in love with it. The Forge is dog-friendly so if you have one, you are welcome to take him along. They have great food that you can enjoy in their outside seating area. They have overhead heaters in this area for those cold days. You could also get a seat by their outdoor fireplaces. It is quite fun to toast your feet while relishing their amazing food. The best time to visit is after dark; this is the time where you get a true Californian feel here.
The Forge in the Forest
Address: Junipero Street &, 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: The Forge in the Forest
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
8. Admire the unique architecture at historic Mission San Carlos de Borromeo
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Caramelo Founded in 1771 by Junipero Serra
Posted by Thru Di's Eyes Photography on Thursday, 8 September 2016
History is a big part of any city, and Carmel is no different. This lovely city is one of the oldest cities in California and thus boasts a rich and eventful history. Mission San Carlos de Borromeo was founded by the Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra. The mission has unique architecture that will amaze anyone. Even if you are not very keen on history and the roots of this city, you will surely enjoy the lovely atmosphere and the gardens at the mission so make sure to make it one of the stops on your trip.
Mission San Carlos de Borromeo
Address: 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Mission San Carlos de Borromeo
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
9. Immerse yourself in art on a tour of galleries with Carmel Art Tours
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
There are so many art galleries in Carmel that you are never short of different options to visit here. Carmel Art Tours bring to you the rich artistic history of Carmel. This guided tour will take you to some of the best visual arts galleries with some of the finest collections. Follow an expert guide through off-the-beaten paths and discover both well-known and fresh artists’ work, whether in the field of painting, photography, and others. Whether an art connoisseur or not, you must definitely give this a try.
Carmel Art Tours
Address: 6th Avenue between Dolores & Lincoln Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Carmel Art Tours
Opening hours: 11am - 12:30pm (daily)
Price: From 30 USD
10. Pay a visit to Tor House, home of celebrated American poet Robinson Jeffers
Tor House will be 100 Years Old in 2019. Will you make a year-end donation to continue preserving Robinson and Una...
Posted by Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation on Wednesday, 19 December 2018
Tor House was the home of one of the greatest American poets, Robinson Jeffers. It is a masterpiece of a home with a magical aura. It is believed that the Tor House heavily inspired the development of Robinson Jeffers as a poet. The Hawk Tower meanwhile was constructed by Jeffers himself and it took him four years to complete it. It was during the construction of this building that he emerged as a poet. Visiting this place will tell you so much about its history; you will also marvel at the architecture of the house. Go on a guided tour to fully understand its allure.
Tor House
Address: 26304 Ocean View Ave., Carmel, California
Website: Tor House
Price: From 7 USD
11. Get mesmerized by world-class performances at the incredible Golden Bough Playhouse
And... show.
Posted by Golden Bough Playhouse on Wednesday, 21 November 2018
A historic theatre, Golden Bough Playhouse is a two-theatre facility. This is a great place to catch some great shows. You will find world-renowned artists performing here. This is a family-friendly place that will ab appreciated by all, including kids. It has a long history. You will surely be mesmerized by the performances here.
Golden Bough Playhouse
Address: Monte Verde St., Between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Golden Bough Playhouse
Opening hours: Tues - Wed: 10 am - 4 pm; Thurs - Sat: 10 am - 10 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed on Monday)
12. Browse through the items at high-end shopping destination, The Barnyard
The Barnyard Shopping Village features a variety of boutique shops specializing in art and gift collections, couture...
Posted by Barnyard Shopping Village on Wednesday, 2 November 2016
The Barnyard shopping village is going to take your shopping experience to a whole new level. Opened in 1976, this shopping village has over 45 merchants bringing you everything from fashion, couture, professional services, and art galleries. This is the one-stop destination for all your needs. No matter what you are looking for, this place has it all. Shopping, dining, and entertainment options are all available for you here. This is also an absolutely magical place to arrange a wedding.
The Barnyard
Address: California 93923, USA
Website: The Barnyard
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
13. Learn about the wine-making process at the sophisticated Caraccioli Cellars
Private vineyard tasting magic ? . . . . . #tastingroom #caracciolicellars #winetasting #CarmelbytheSea ...
Posted by Caraccioli Cellars on Friday, 21 June 2019
Caraccioli Cellars is a family-run winery that promises only the most delectable and high-quality wine. They take pride in the wine they put forward for you and ensure that their hard work and commitment begins from the vineyard and ends with the perfect wine that touches your lips and satiates your senses. Go behind the scenes and learn about what goes into the process and end your visit with a tasting of their special wines.
Caraccioli Cellars
Address: Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Website: Caraccioli Cellars
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
14. Grab a cup of cappuccino at the adorable Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company
So many places to find joy and beauty around Carmel - we always suggest starting with coffee... or tea, or chai, or...
Posted by Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. on Monday, 29 April 2019
The sweet aroma of coffee is enough to wake up the senses. Get captivated by the amazing coffee at Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company. Established in 1994, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company provides premium handcrafted coffee using only the best and the finest Arabica beans. Visit this wonderful place to grab a cup of cappuccino or espresso, or even try out their other brews.
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company
Address: 316 Mid Valley Center, #157 Carmel CA 93923
Website: Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 7:30pm
15. Have an exquisite dining experience at the rooftop Treehouse Café
Treehouse Café is not just a place to dine, it is a place to create tons of beautiful memories. This is a charming restaurant that provides a home-like atmosphere. You will feel like you are dining at your own verandah. You will find the menu filled with wonderful selections from green, Mediterranean, and Thai cuisines. Find some of the most delectable dishes that are complemented by their great choice of wines.
Treehouse Café
Address: San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Website: Treehouse Café
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
16. Admire abstract art work at Westbrook Modern Art Gallery
Untitled, 2018 Watercolor, graphite and crayon on paper by Gustavo Ramos Rivera 27 1/2" x 19 1/2"
Posted by Westbrook Modern on Friday, 9 November 2018
Westbrook Modern Art Gallery is definitely the place to go to if you are a lover of art–but even if you are not. The collection of amazing abstract art at this gallery will amaze and leave you awestruck. Some of the artists featured here are Mostafa Afiri, Steven Alexander, and Felipe Castaneda. They have some of the most wonderful collections, with colorful shapes and patterns, that you can have a look at and mull over for a while.
Westbrook Modern Art Gallery
Address: Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Website: Westbrook Modern Art Gallery
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
17. Trek through the incredible Palo Corona Regional Park
REMOVAL OF SEASONAL FOOT BRIDGES AT GARZAS CREEK/REDWOOD CANYON MPRPD staff has removed the seasonal foot bridges at...
Posted by Palo Corona Regional Park on Thursday, 3 November 2016
Palo Corona Regional Park provides the best hike in Carmel. While the lovely beaches are enthralling enough, you must not miss out on this wonderful part of Carmel-By-The-Sea here. The park provides incredible pastoral views as well as views of the ocean. This is a great place for hiking and walking amidst rich nature. You will spot a lot of rare amphibians and raptors here. The rich flora of the park gets you acquainted with more than 500 species of plants. Palo Corona Regional Park is definitely worth a visit.
Palo Corona Regional Park
Address: California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website: Palo Corona Regional Park
18. Take a self-guided tour of the fancy Fairy Tale Cottages
One of the gorgeous fairy tale cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea -- to be featured in the Spring 2015 issue of Faerie Magazine! http://on.trulia.com/153w0uh
Posted by Faerie Magazine on Thursday, 15 January 2015
Who wouldn’t want to step into a storybook world and see places straight out of fairy tales? The fancy Fairy Tale Cottages of Carmel, created by Hugh Comstock, will make you experience the dream life. You will surely be enchanted by the beauty and magic of these surreal structures. You should definitely experience this magic. Be sure to capture the experience with a few photos.
Fairy-Tale Cottages
Address: Torres Street, NE of 6th Avenue, Carmel, CA
19. Wander aimlessly to discover hidden passageways and courtyards in the town
The orange glow the sunset casts over Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for the perfect backdrop for a bike ride. Photo by @maddogscarmel
Posted by Carmel by the Sea on Saturday, 1 June 2019
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place with a lot of spectacular hidden passageways and courtyards. These are the things that you must discover to know the city thoroughly. Instead of taking a guided tour through the touristic places, go on off-the-beaten paths and explore the lesser-known spots of this city on your own. Wander aimlessly, which is the best way to find all the hidden gems. Try this out for yourself to know the city as locals know it.
20. Go hiking through canyons at Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park is a rustic park that lets you enjoy the most pristine form of nature. Visit this park for a wonderful time wherein you can reflect, contemplate, or simply let loose and relax with no worries. This park is also pet-friendly so if you have your dog/s with you, you may want to take them for a walk, too. They would surely love the free and open environment. There are extensive hiking trails here that let you get that much-needed exercise in a fun atmosphere. The trails wind through canyons and woodlands so you have a lot to see on your walk.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Address: 700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, USA
Website: Garland Ranch Regional Park
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
21. Unwind at the romantic China Cove Beach
China Cove Beach is one of the most frequented places by travelers. It is quite a photogenic location so be ready with your camera because you too will not be able to stop clicking tons of pictures. Go swimming, basking underneath the sun, or even scuba diving–there’s lots to do on this brilliant natural area in Carmel. Take your family here and you will all have a great time.
China Cove Beach
Address: 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
22. Get some reading done at Harrison Memorial Library
You might want to get some reading done even on vacation. Otherwise, you might be looking for a place to spend a quiet afternoon–why not spend it in the library and maybe learn a thing or two while you’re at it? The Harrison Memorial Library that was founded in 1928 is one place where you can read to your heart’s content. They have an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, documentaries, and audiobooks, among other resources. This is a very good place to take a retreat from your everyday life.
Harrison Memorial Library
Address: Corner of Ocean Ave and, Lincoln St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
Website: Harrison Memorial Library
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm
23. Pay your holy respect at the United Methodist Church of the Wayfarer
Amidst all the rush and exhilaration, you need a few moments of peace wherein you can simply relax and be. If you are looking for a community where you can find love, peace, and happiness, you must visit the United Methodist Church of the Wayfarer. Admire the glorious past of the church and enjoy a few peaceful moments amidst all the mayhem.
United Methodist Church of the Wayfarer
Address: Lincoln St &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: United Methodist Church of the Wayfarer
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3:30pm; Sun: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sat)
24. Visit the interesting vintage and contemporary photographs at Weston Gallery Inc.
The lovely Weston Gallery was established in 1975. The gallery is well-renowned for its extensive collection and exhibition of contemporary and vintage photography. They are deeply dedicated to this medium of art and it is this dedication that makes them a leader in the field. They have art that contributes to the overall history of the 19th-, 20th- modernist, as well as contemporary photography. Visit this place for a plethora of knowledge about this extremely interesting form of art.
Weston Gallery Inc
Address: 6th Ave & Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
Website: Weston Gallery Inc
Opening hours: Tue - Sun 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
25. Sample the wines at De Tierra Vineyards
The beautiful journey of De Tierra Vineyards began in 1998 and since then, it has grown extensively. It is known for its award-winning and sustainably harvested wines. They have some of the best wines that are loved by all. Their goal is to bring to you great wine that is characterized by their defining flavours. All of their wines are made using nothing but the best quality grapes from vineyards in Monterey County and beyond.
De Tierra Vineyards
Address: Mission St &, 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: De Tierra Vineyards
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 8pm
26. Learn about the local history at Carmel Heritage Society
The Carmel Heritage Society is a great place for history buffs who love knowing about a place’s history. This society contains historic exhibits that showcase the history of the city and the way it has taken shape in all these years. There is also a research library where you will find a lot of historical items pertaining to the history of the city. It is a great place to take your kids too; they will surely love to know all the history regarding the city they are visiting. They also conduct historic walking tours if you’d want to see the city through a more discerning lens.
Carmel Heritage Society
Address: Lincoln St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Carmel Heritage Society
27. Relish new and innovative American cuisine at Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel
Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel is an award-winning restaurant that is going to change your dining experience forever. They use only the finest of ingredients to bring to you a platter of delicacies bursting with flavor and presented in novel ways. The menu course changes every day making sure that you always have a diverse platter whenever you visit. You also cannot miss out on their desserts that are skillfully prepared and are served with a lot of love. The eight-course, ever-changing menu is reason enough to visit Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel
Address: 7th avenue Monte Verde St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 6pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)
28. Try the cocktails at Terry's Lounge
Are you someone who is looking for lip-smacking cocktails and a chill place to kick back on the evenings? If yes then there is no place better for you than Terry’s Lounge. Apart from cocktails, you can also try their wide range of deliciously prepared food items such as their special Lamb and Chicken Harira served with couscous, Chickpea Curry, and Monterey Sand Dabs. There are also starters that you must try along with your cocktails.
Terry's Lounge
Address: Lincoln St & 7th Street, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Terry’s Lounge
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9:45pm (daily)
29. Rejuvenate yourself in the relaxing Signature Day Spa
Our life is full of constant stresses and tension, thanks to the modern world that constantly demands that we rush through everything. Signature Day Spa helps us get back the calmness and relaxation. Visit this sanctuary that offers a high-end spa experience, which helps you unwind and relieve your mind. They have staff that are polite, professional, and courteous. There are several facilities offered that would cater to what you specifically need. Just stop by and let them do their magic–then come back feeling more refreshed than ever.
Signature Day Spa
Address: 210 San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Signature Day Spa
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
30. Shop till you drop at the huge Carmel Plaza
Who doesn’t love shopping? And when you find a place (and no reason) to shop till you drop, nobody would want to miss that opportunity. The Carmel Plaza gives you just that opportunity to make you want to shop until your feet hurt. The plaza has a relaxed atmosphere and several shops specializing in all the items that you may need. If you are in Carmel, do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity of shopping in this wonderland, under the wide sky.
Carmel Plaza
Address: Ocean Avenue & Mission Street, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, United States
Website: Carmel Plaza
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Magical Carmel-By-The-Sea
These were some of the best things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea. This quaint city will make you fall in love with it right from the moment you step on its bustling streets. So, what are you waiting for? Get enchanted by the beauty of the place and create tons of memories at the fairy-tale world of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
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