Are you one half of a couple looking for a romantic break? Perhaps you and your family are craving a vacation where the ocean, arts and crafts, and wilderness combine to form one memorable experience? Or maybe you just want to get away for a wine tasting with your girlfriends? You can do all this and so much more on a road trip to the charming and wild Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This enchanting Californian village was once an artist colony, so it’s full of quaint cottages, stellar mid-century modern architecture, unique art galleries and boutiques, and even a dash of Spanish history. Of course, as the name implies, it’s also surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and regional parks. Those who love the great American outdoors will be more than satisfied with the range of natural locales to explore.
If you’re looking for things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, or you’re curious to see if it’s the spot for your next American vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Point Lobos State Reserve
If you’re a lover of coastal wildernesses, be sure to add a visit to Point Lobos State Reserve to your Carmel bucket list. With numerous ocean-side trails and unique and beautiful flora and fauna, Point Lobos is regularly rated among California’s must-visit state parks. Top trails include the mile-long Cypress Grove and Bird Island trails. Best of all, it’s only an eight-minute drive from Carmel! Just be aware that you can’t take your furry friend here, so if you’re traveling with your pup, organize a pet sitter for the day.
Carmel Mission Basilica
This ancient church was built way back in 1771 by Spanish missionaries who settled in Carmel during the Spanish colonization. One of the church members, Father Junípero Serra, is even buried here. The church still has an active community of worshippers, but it’s also open to visitors as a museum. Head here to view the ancient church, replete with its original tower and bell, and explore the gardens and stunning fountain. Be prepared to pay an admission fee and don’t arrive too late in the day, or you’ll be fighting for parking.
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Scenic Highway 1
If you’re more a fan of driving than walking, pack the family into the car and head out on Scenic Highway 1. On one side, you’ll be flanked by the stunning California coastline, and on the other, you’ll spot one quaint Carmel cottage after another. Stop at one of the many lookout points to take photos, sit on a bench and admire the view, or tackle one of the short cypress-lined trails to stretch your legs. Dogs are allowed on these trails, but keep Fido on their leash.
Ocean Avenue
Are you looking for a great spot to go shopping? There’s nothing better than browsing the boutiques in Carmel’s famous Ocean Avenue. Ocean Avenue is the town’s main thoroughfare, running from the beach to Highway One. Stroll the sidewalks, and you’ll encounter clothing, book, and craft shops, art galleries (more on this later), trendy cafes, and even some upscale restaurants. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and be sure to find something delectable. While you’re walking, pop down some of the other Carmel Village streets to find more hidden gems and admire the cute cottages (more on this later, too).
Carmel Beach
A visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea wouldn’t be complete without a day spent at Carmel Beach! To find it, simply head down Ocean Avenue, and eventually, you’ll land right on the sand. This long stretch of a cove is lined with tall cypress trees and is the perfect spot for swimming (well, wading, since there are no lifeguards), surfing, picnicking, or just admiring the sunset while on a stroll. If you have a well-behaved pooch, you can let them off-leash, too.
Carmel’s Unique Art Galleries
Carmel has long been a popular artist locale: poet Robinson Jeffers and authors George Sterling and Jack London arrived in the town as far back as the early 1900s, reportedly living in tents on the beach! As such, the village is considered something of an artistic incubator right up to today. There are close to 100 art galleries in town, showing everything from painting to sculpture to performance art. If you can only visit one gallery during your stay, make it the Carmel Art Association’s space. Founded in 1927, it’s the oldest of the Carmel galleries.
Della Walker House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Continuing on the art and culture trail, another must-visit sight is the Della Walker House, crafted by none other than America’s greatest mid-century modern architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The iconic 1,200-square-foot home was designed in 1948 and completed in 1951 for Mrs. Clinton Walker (also known as Della Walker) and boasts walls crafted from local stone, a slate-blue roof, and maroon window frames. Still owned by the Walker family, the Della Walker House only opens once a year for public tours, so be sure to time your Carmel-by-the-Sea vacation accordingly.
Pebble Beach
Another scenic ocean drive right near Carmel—just eight minutes from the village, in fact—is the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. There are a ton of famous sights to check off your tour list on this journey: the Lone Cypress, dramatically perched on a granite cliff, Bird Rock, with its colony of Brandt’s cormorants, and picturesque Spanish Bay. Note that you do need to pay a vehicle fee, but if you stop for a bite at any of the restaurants within the Drive, you’ll get your money back.
Hugh Comstock’s Fairytale Cottages
If there’s one thing that’s iconically Carmel, it’s the gorgeous fairytale-like cottages that dot the streets. Word has it that a man called Hugh Comstock came up with the original design—despite never being trained in architecture. His wife, Mayotta Comstock, the designer of the classic Otsy-Totsy dolls of the early 1900s, needed a workshop. So Hugh put pen to paper and drew out a whimsical design. Once built, people found the cottage workshop so cute that they were inspired to build their own. To view the houses, join a tour group or download a self-guided tour online.
Piccadilly Park
The sweetly named Piccadilly Park might seem small, but it packs a punch in the relaxation department. The park is expertly maintained by garden club volunteers, filled with comfortable seating, and is guaranteed to delight the senses all year round. While exploring Carmel Village, take a break here amongst the locally-themed plantings—such as drought-resistant shrubs and mature native trees. The park is located south of Ocean Drive on Dolores Street.
Sunset Center
You might be wondering what there is to do at night in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Of course, you can head to a restaurant for dinner, but if you really want to treat yourself, why not see a show at Sunset Center? From quartets and piano concerts to stunt dog shows and dance performances, this beautiful performance space has something to tempt those of all ages. We also recommend the Golden Bough Playhouse if you really want to immerse yourself in Carmel culture.
Carmel River State Beach
Just around the corner from the famous Carmel Beach is the smaller, yet no-less-beautiful sister cove, Carmel River State Beach. While swimming isn’t recommended here due to dangerous currents, the beach is perfect for an early morning or evening stroll. Visit the lagoon for a bit of birdwatching or explore the ocean on a kayak. It’s less popular than Carmel Beach, so you might even have the sand and surf to yourself!
Carmel Valley Vineyards
Are you interested in trying some of the tasty wines California state is famous for? Nearby Carmel Valley is full of vineyards with well-equipped tasting rooms and restaurants. Hire a driver and head out with the girls for a day of tipples or enjoy a romantic lunch overlooking the vines with your significant other. It takes just a few minutes to drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to the Valley, so it’s a perfect activity for weekend travelers.
Carmel River Bird Sanctuary
As we briefly mentioned just a few minutes ago, Carmel River State Beach is home to the Carmel River Bird Sanctuary. The mix of fresh and saline water attracts a wide variety of local and migratory birds. Twitchers and wildlife photographers alike will enjoy spending half a day at this protected wetland, where you might spot everything from pelicans, Brandt’s cormorants, and ducks to raptors and the sadly endangered snowy plover. Don’t forget your zoom lens!
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park is another sight located in nearby Carmel Valley. Head here for spring wildflowers, Santa Lucia mountain vistas, oak chaparral and woodlands, and panoramic views. Sit on the banks of the Carmel River, ride horses or mountain bikes along the scenic trails, or go hiking with your dogs off-leash.
Tor House
If you love the written word, you’ll want to pay a visit to Tor House and Hawk Tour. That’s because it was once the home of famed American poet Robinson Jeffers and his family. The house was finished in 1919 and is built of Carmel stone—as is Hawk Tower, which Jeffers built with his own two hands over four years! Visitors can do a guided tour or stroll the ocean-side grounds.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California? Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Debate the not-to-be-missed areas and share your secret scenic spots in the comment section below. If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and subscribe. Hit that notification bell while you’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.