Mission San Carlos Borromeo de...
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Things to Do in Carmel, California: See Tripadvisor's 91,242 traveler reviews and photos of Carmel tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Carmel. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Things to Do Near Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Getting to Carmel, CA
- Where to Stay in Carmel, CA
- Where to Eat in Carmel, CA
- When to Visit Carmel, CA
Visit the Carmel Mission
The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo. Established in 1771, the Carmel Mission was the second of the missions built in California by the Spanish missionariesled by Father Junípero Serra, who is buried here. An active church, but also a museum, the beautiful Carmel Mission is a National Historic Landmark. It has been painstakingly restored, and is the only Spanish mission in California that has its original bell tower and bell. Exploring the Car...
Walk Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to not one but two beautiful sandy beaches. Carmel Beach, located at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, is long and sandy, and fringed with cypresses. It’s a great place to experience a west coast sunset! Walking along the beach is a popular activity, and the beach does get busy, especially on weekends. Wading or playing near the water line are allowed, but know that there are no lifeguards at the beach. You can also surf. Bring a wetsuit because the water can be cold much...
enjoy Carmel River State Beach
Right around the corner from Carmel Beach is Carmel River State Beach. The crescent shaped mile long beach is quieter than Carmel Beach, but just as beautiful. The Carmel River flows into the ocean here. Swimming is not recommended at Carmel River State Beach, on account of dangerous rip tides. Walk on the beach, go kayaking, or fly a kite. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed, because the lagoon here is a habitat for birds. The parking area is small, and tends to fill up early in the day on...
Do the 17-Mile Drive Through Pebble Beach
For beautiful ocean vistas and views of gawk-worthy mansions and golf courses, drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. While there is a vehicle fee, you can have it reimbursed if you eat in one of the restaurants along the drive (and spend a certain amount). Check your ticket receipt for details. The Lone Cypress is one of the most impressive points of interest along the drive, but you will also enjoy Bird Rock, which has hundreds of Brandt’s cormorants sitting on it in season, a...
Hike Garland Ranch Regional Park
To experience the inland natural environment in the region, plan a hike in Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley! The park features diverse landscapes from the banks of the Carmel River up into the heights of the Santa Lucia mountains. You’ll pass through oak, chaparral, and maple on your way to the top, where you get spectacular panoramic views. Lots of wildflowers bloom in the park in spring, which is a great time to visit. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, insects, and wildlife. Brin...
hike Palo Corona Regional Park
Another much-visited local park with spectacular ocean views is Palo Corona Regional Park. With several hundred species of plants and numerous wildlife species, Palo Corona is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The most popular trail in Palo Corona Regional Park is the hike to Inspiration Point. Classed as moderate to strenuous, the out-and-back trail is about 1.3 miles in length and sports about 850 feet of elevation gain. You get fabulous views of the Carmel coast from the vi...
Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the Central California coast, about a 2-hour drive south from San Francisco (by the freeway) and about a 5-hour drive north from Los Angeles (by the freeway). Carmel is one of the most popular weekend trip destinations from San Franciscoand the SF Bay Area, and a great stop if you are doing the Pacific Coast Highway ...
Hotels in Carmel, CA
Carriage House Inn is located in downtown Carmel. Rooms are elegantly decorated, and feature fireplaces. Enjoy a free continental breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, a free snack basket, and a mini-fridge stocked with free drinks. Some suites have a two-person spa bath, if you are considering a couples getaway. Book a stay here! Tradewinds Carmel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the action in Carmel Village. The garden has lovely water features and a fire pit. Serene room...
Vacation Rentals in CarMel, CA
Le Petite Papillon is a one-bed, one bath studio located very close to downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Located on a beautifully-landscaped lot, the cottage is furnished with meticulous care and is perfect for a couple. Book a stay here! This lovely one-bed, one-bath cottage is pet-friendly and features beautiful forest views. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings and a fireplace in the living room, and peek-a-boo ocean views from the patio. Book a stay here! This beautiful home...
Carmel-by-the-Sea has so many fabulous places to eat that it is difficult to narrow down two or three choices. But here are some of our favorite places. Little Napoliis a popular Italian bistro on Dolores Street that features outside seating. The menu has many Italian classics, and everything we’ve had here has been delicious. The truffled mushroom...
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are fabulous times to visit, with less chances of the coastal fog obstructing water views. In the spring, area parks showcase riotous wildflower blooms, especially if the preceding winter was wet. Daytime temperatures are pleasant (but bring layers), and it’s to fun to dine outside ...
Top Things To Do. Cultural Activities. Runs, Hikes & Walks. Courtyards. Parks. Wellness & Beauty. History & Heritage. Attractions Near Carmel. The Official Travel Site for Carmel-by-the-Sea, California offers you exclusive specials on hotels and inns, restaurants and bars, shopping, art galleries,...
Points of Interest & Landmarks (18) Cultural Tours (8) Audio Guides (17) Hiking Trails (6) Full-day Tours (10) Bus Tours (20) Architectural Buildings (7) Half-day Tours (7) Mountain Bike Tours (7) Sacred & Religious Sites (4)
- Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue. Curving around a cove of Carmel Bay, this magnificent stretch of soft white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in California.
- Carmel Mission. The San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo Mission is one of the most interesting and beautiful Spanish mission sites in California. Founded in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra of Spain, the Carmel Mission is still an active parish church.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Dramatic coastal scenery and an incredible diversity of wildlife make Point Lobos State Natural Reserve an amazing place to discover.
- 17-Mile Drive. This scenic drive is not to be missed! Marvel over the spectacular landscapes and dazzling coastal vistas at every turn of the curving oceanfront route.
Mar 21, 2024 · With beaches straight out of a postcard, houses straight out of a storybook, and food from out of this world, Carmel has everything you need for a fun weekend seaside trip. By the end of this guide, you’ll know all the best things to do in Carmel so you can get the most out of your adventure!
Apr 12, 2024 · 7. Have a Sun-Soaked Beach Day. 8. Take the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk. 9. Live the High Life in Pebble Beach. 10. Spot Orcas & Humpback Whales. 11. Eat Your Way Through Carmel's Best Restaurants. 12. Check Out Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Cabin on the Rocks'
