Carmel-by-the-Sea CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
1. Point Lobos State Reserve
CROWN JEWEL OF PARKS
Point Lobos State Reserve is known as the crown jewel of the California State Park system, offering diverse hiking trails through stunning cypress groves, meadows, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors can enjoy frequent wildlife sightings including sea lions, otters, and a variety of bird species while exploring the natural beauty. The reserve also features historical whaling exhibits that provide insights into the area's maritime past.
2. Carmel Beach
PRISTINE WHITE SANDS
Carmel Beach features striking white sand beaches perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics with breathtaking views. The water is brisk and the surf can be hazardous, but the scenic beauty draws visitors year-round. Sunset at Carmel Beach offers one of the most spectacular coastal views in California.
3. Ocean Avenue
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Ocean Avenue serves as the main thoroughfare in Carmel, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and fine restaurants. Visitors can spend hours exploring the unique stores that offer everything from high-end fashion to local crafts and souvenirs. The avenue slopes gently down to Carmel Beach, creating a picturesque corridor from the heart of town to the Pacific Ocean.
4. Scenic Road Walkway
COASTAL VIEWS WITHOUT SAND
Scenic Road Walkway offers one of the best strolls in Carmel with panoramic ocean views on one side and stunning homes on the other. The walkway begins at the intersection of Scenic and 8th Avenue, providing a perfect blend of seaside vistas without having to walk on sand. This popular path allows visitors to experience the beauty of Carmel's coastline while admiring the architectural diversity of the town's most exclusive residences.
5. Carmel Mission
HISTORIC SPANISH ARCHITECTURE
Carmel Mission, officially known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo, is a historic Spanish mission founded in 1771. The beautifully restored complex features stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, and a museum showcasing California's colonial history. As the final resting place of Father Junípero Serra, the mission holds significant cultural and religious importance in California's history.
6. Fairy-Tale Cottages
WHIMSICAL STORYBOOK ARCHITECTURE
The Fairy-Tale Cottages of Carmel showcase the fantasy architecture created by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s and 1930s, featuring steeply pitched thatched roofs, paned windows, and half-timbered details. Twenty-one of Comstock's original thirty whimsical cottages survive today, including the famous Hansel and Gretel cottages. Visitors can obtain a map from the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue to take a self-guided tour of these enchanting structures.
7. The Tuck Box
CHARMING ENGLISH TEAROOM
The Tuck Box is a beloved English tearoom housed in one of Hugh Comstock's original fairy-tale cottages in downtown Carmel. The establishment is popular not only for its afternoon tea but also for its breakfast and lunch offerings in a storybook setting. With its thatched roof and whimsical architecture, The Tuck Box represents the unique charm that defines Carmel's aesthetic.
8. Garrapata State Park
RUGGED COASTAL BEAUTY
Garrapata State Park features rocky beaches that exemplify the stunning scenery along the Big Sur coastline. The park offers hiking trails with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Visitors can enjoy wildflower displays in spring and whale watching during migration seasons.
9. Carmel Valley
WINE TASTING PARADISE
Carmel Valley is a sun-soaked region just inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its numerous wineries and tasting rooms. The valley offers a warmer microclimate than the foggy coast, making it perfect for wine production and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore charming Carmel Valley Village with its restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops nestled among the rolling hills.
10. Monterey Bay Aquarium
WORLD-CLASS MARINE EXHIBITS
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned facility showcasing the rich marine life of Monterey Bay through interactive exhibits and massive tanks. Visitors can observe sea otters, jellyfish, penguins, and thousands of other marine species in naturalistic habitats. The aquarium's Open Sea exhibit features a million-gallon tank with tuna, sharks, and sea turtles visible through one of the world's largest single-pane windows.
11. 17-Mile Drive
SCENIC COASTAL ROUTE
17-Mile Drive is a famous scenic road that winds through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, offering spectacular views of the coastline, golf courses, and mansions. The route features notable landmarks such as the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Visitors must pay an entrance fee to drive the route, but the stunning vistas and photo opportunities make it well worth the price.
12. Historic Cannery Row
STEINBECK'S FAMOUS SETTING
Historic Cannery Row was immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel of the same name and has transformed from a sardine-canning hub to a vibrant waterfront district. The area now features restaurants, boutiques, and hotels housed in converted cannery buildings that preserve the industrial character. Visitors can enjoy waterfront views, learn about the area's fishing history, and access the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
13. Old Fisherman's Wharf
SEAFOOD AND SEAL WATCHING
Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey offers a colorful collection of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and whale watching tour operators. Visitors can sample free clam chowder while shopping or watch sea lions and otters playing in the harbor. The wharf provides excellent views of Monterey Bay and serves as a departure point for fishing trips and bay cruises.
14. China Cove
HIDDEN TURQUOISE GEM
China Cove is a breathtaking turquoise cove accessible via an easy and short hiking trail. The dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters make it one of the most photographed spots in the area. Visitors should check tide schedules as the cove is best viewed during low tide when the vibrant colors are most visible.
15. Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca
LEGENDARY MOTORSPORTS VENUE
Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous motorsports facility known for its challenging 2.238-mile road course featuring the infamous Corkscrew turn. The raceway hosts major events throughout the year including the Monterey Reunion featuring historic race cars and motorcycle grand prix competitions. Visitors can attend race days or driving experiences, or simply enjoy the motorsports museum on site.