This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation.
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers eclectic architecture, streets rich in bohemian history, and a laid-back lifestyle. Spanish explorers and missionaries first claimed the area around Carmel in the 17th and 18th centuries. It wasn’t until the after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that the sleepy hamlet began to develop into a charming and ecclectic town that continues to draw art lovers and romantics.
Carmel’s heady bohemian days may have long passed, but the city is still fully engaged in the arts and determined to preserve the small community’s characteristic atmosphere and aesthetic. Several artists have served as mayor, including actor and director Clint Eastwood. Historic theaters, including the Sunset Theater and Forest Theater, are still thriving. Check local guides for current productions. There are over 80 art galleries dotted throughout the downtown area, which is impressive for a town with a population of less than 4,000. Pick up a Carmel Gallery Guide or simply take a wander.
Architecture is one of Carmel’s main attractions. Don’t miss Tor House on Carmel Point. Once the home of renowned American poet Robinson Jeffers, the house was built by Jeffers himself with stones collected from the beach below. This extraordinary home features a 40-foot (12-meter) tower embedded with stones from around the world, including the Great Wall of China. Walker Residence is another of the city’s architectural marvels. This modern stone building sits just above the beach and was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ocean Avenue is the old town’s busy hub and is perfect for people-watching. There are over 500 boutiques to explore, and plenty of excellent cafés and restaurants. Monterey County’s reputation as a commercial fishing hub means the seafood is fresh and abundant. Carmel is also close to the California wine region, resulting in wine lists that are long and impressive. The city is renowned for its relaxed attitude towards dogs, and that includes the beach and many restaurants.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 15-minute drive from Monterey and is accessible by bus from downtown Monterey. Once you arrive, it’s best to sightsee on foot. Pick up a self-guided tour map or join one of the fascinating two-hour Carmel Walks.
Where to stay in Carmel
Golden Rectangle
5/5Exceptional!(11 area reviews)
If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Beach and Sunset Center are top sights worth seeing.
Though Northeast Carmel may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica.
While Carmel Riviera may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Point Lobos State Reserve and Carmel Beach.
Located in Quail Lodge, this golf hotel is 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from The Barnyard, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Monterey Museum of Art and Monterey Symphony.…Located in Quail Lodge, this golf hotel is 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from The Barnyard, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Monterey Museum of Art and Monterey Symphony.WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (1,193 reviews)
"Beautiful setting with easy to walk areas. Truly dog friendly. Staff especially at check-in we’re exceptional."…""Beautiful setting with easy to walk areas. Truly dog friendly. Staff especially at check-in we’re exceptional."WWW…"
This family-friendly Carmel resort is located in the mountains, 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Garland Ranch Regional Park, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Carmel Beach and ...…This family-friendly Carmel resort is located in the mountains, 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Garland Ranch Regional Park, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Carmel Beach and ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (679 reviews)
"The family rooms were spacious and comfy, bath was huge - we all tried it - and the view from the terrace beautiful."…""The family rooms were spacious and comfy, bath was huge - we all tried it - and the view from the terrace beautiful."WWW…"
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of The Barnyard and Carmel Mission Basilica. Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive are also within ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of The Barnyard and Carmel Mission Basilica. Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive are also within ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (1,949 reviews)
"Bathroom needs an exhaust fan. Heating unit is a somewhat noisy.."…""Bathroom needs an exhaust fan. Heating unit is a somewhat noisy.."WWW…"
Enjoy a round of golf in Carmel at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carmel River State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carmel. Visit the area's shops or amble around its seaside.
Itinerary It all begins at a scenic spot that's a local favorite. You'll get your quest and learn instructions/ground rules for the game. After a warmup to prepare for this true sport, teams will take off to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations throughout town.
Scenic 17-Mile Self Drive Tour Mobile GPS Audio Guide (from Monterey and Carmel)
£4
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Pass By: Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA We begin our tour at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Drive down Oliver Street until you hit the pedestrian-only zone. To your left should be an interesting pink building.
California Big Sur (Monterey to Pismo Beach) GPS Self Guided Audio Drive
£5
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Pass By: 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, Monterey, CA 93953 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California Pass By: The House of Hansel & Gretel, between 5th and 6th Ave.
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Carmel Valley, Carmel Valley, California Let our Historic Trolleys “Glory” and the “Mona Lisa” take you on an unforgettable journey wine tasting through Carmel Valley, California.
Choose your own start time and embark on your adventure. With your smartphone as your guide, go on a brain-teasing and educational walking tour of your chosen neighborhood. Visit a series of locations and answer the questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction.
Private 8 Hours Tour To Carmel Luxury Mercedes Sprinter From San Francisco.
£82
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Pass By: Carmel River State Beach, Carmelo St, Carmel, CA 93923 Have unforgettable moments on tour in a Luxury Mercedes Sprinter guided by our chauffeur to Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history.
