Located on the Monterey Bay Peninsula, the lovely town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its fairytale cottages, cobblestone streets, vast array of wine tasting rooms, and an incredible beach with pristine white sand to relax on.
The charming small-town vibe and coastal location of this enchanting European-style village make it a desirable vacation spot.
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea will reward you with some of the world’s most stunning scenery, historic sites, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops.
You’ll never run out of delightful things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Let’s start exploring the top 10 things you must include in your itinerary!
Credit: Image by Richard James | Unsplash
1. Explore Carmel Beach
Located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California’s Central Coast and should be at the top of your list of Carmel-by-the-Sea things to do.
Take in the majestic scenery from morning to night. For surfers, the view from the crystal-clear water of Point Lobos to the South and Pebble Beach to the north is breathtaking, adding to the mood of an incredible ride.
For those with furry companions, Carmel Beach allows dogs off-leash, but they must be under the voice control of their owners.
There is no lifeguard service at the beach. Visitors are reminded to be aware of rip currents and rogue or sleeper waves, which can be unpredictable.
2. Stroll Through Downtown Carmel
Ocean Avenue is the main artery running through the center of Downtown Carmel, stretching from Highway 1 all the way to the pristine sands of Carmel Beach.
Walking around Downtown Carmel, you’ll find unique shops, charming art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and gourmet restaurants. This place is a great way to spend the whole day indulging in art, culture, fine wine, delicious cuisines, and shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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3. Visit the Carmel Mission
The Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, also called the Carmel Mission, is an architectural and cultural gem. It is one of the chain of 21 California Missions built in 1770 and restored to its original glory in the 1940s.
A self-guided tour will take you back to the 18th century when the Carmel Mission was the only structure to be seen in this area. Tours are available for groups of 15 or more.
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4. Scenic Drive Along 17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive has long been praised as the most beautiful stretch of road in the state of California.
From its origin in Pacific Grove, the road winds through the scenic coastline, well-maintained golf courses, grandiose mansions, lush cypress forests, and stunning sections of California’s landscape until it reaches Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The drive offers unforgettable ocean views at stops like Stillwater Cove, Seal Rock, and Spanish Bay. Get to spot an amazing variety of native wildlife, including shorebirds, harbor seals, otters, and black-tailed deer along this stretch of the California coastline.
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5. Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley
Wine lovers, welcome to vino paradise! With almost 20 tasting rooms, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a delightful walkable wine-tasting experience.
Discover the region’s premium wines. Wine producers in the area offer something for every taste, with most featuring the wines of the highly-rated Monterey County appellations — a region with micro-climates that help sustain a vast range of varietals.
Check out the table below for some of the best venues to find amazing opportunities to explore and learn about wine.
| Wine Tasting Venue | Location |
|---|---|
| Bar Napoli | Dolores & 7th, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Blair Wines Estate Tasting Room | The Carmel Plaza Mission Street between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Dawn's Dream Winery | San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| De Tierra Vineyards | Mission 3SE, 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Galante Family Winery | Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| KORi Wines | Mission Street &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Manzoni Cellars | #4 Hampton Court on 7th Ave between San Carlos and, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Scheid Vineyards Tasting Room | San Carlos St &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Shale Canyon Wines | 416 San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Talbott Vineyards | East Side of Lincoln St., between 5th &, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| The Annex | 7th Avenue &, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Windy Oaks Tasting Room | Lincoln Bet Ocean &, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea |
| Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room | Ocean Ave & Mission Street, Carmel Plaza, Ground Floor, Carmel-by-the-Sea |
Credit: Image by Y S | Unsplash
6. Hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Reserve is a great destination for sightseeing, scuba diving, trail running, and viewing geological sites, plants, and animals, such as harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, gray whales, and sea otters.
The reserve boasts some of the most diverse and rich marine habitats in the state. In fact, Francis McComas, an Australian-born landscape artist who spent most of his adult life in California, referred it as the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”
Credit: Image by Artur Matosyan | Unsplash
7. Art and Culture in Carmel
A haven for artists and art enthusiasts, Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to nearly 100 art galleries featuring the works of world-renowned artists as well as one-of-a-kind finds.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has been drawing in artists and creatives since the early 1900s, and they have helped shape this quaint coastal town into the whimsical, bohemian destination it is today.
You can visit artist-owned galleries and meet local artists by joining the Carmel Art Walk, a free family-friendly event held every second Saturday of the month from 4pm-7pm.
8. Enjoy Gourmet Dining
Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts a vibrant culinary scene that will satisfy every craving, from old-school Italian to modern California cuisine.
Nearly all the restaurants in this town are locally owned and operated. Many owners are warm and engaging, offering a personal, intimate dining experience.
Here are some of the must-try fine-dining restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
9. Visit the Tor House and Hawk Tower
Take a tour of the beautiful interior of the Tor House and climb the Hawk Tower, reminiscent of an English Tudor cottage with a two-story stone tower. The house and tower were built by a poet named Robinson Jeffers in the 1920s.
Robinson Jeffers wrote mostly about nature, and Carmel-by-the-Sea provided him with the inspiration he needed for his poetry. It also became his home with his wife, Una, and their two sons from 1919 to 1999.
One of his famous poems is titled Tor House. The poem is an ode to “the wild sea-fragrance of wind,” “sea-worn granite,” and “evenings strung in the throat of the valley like a lamp-lighted bridge.”
Credit: Image by Jordan Seott | Unsplash
10. Experience the Sunset at Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach is an idyllic one-mile stretch where the river gracefully flows into the Pacific Ocean.
Nestled between Carmel and Point Lobos, this beach park is a vital habitat for various shorebirds and waterfowl, making it a haven for birdwatchers. It’s also a great spot for beachcombers and those looking for a tranquil coastal getaway.
Carmel River State Beach’s pristine sandy shores provide the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic while taking in the breathtaking coastal views, the gentle breeze, and the soothing sound of the waves.
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 things to do in the beautiful coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea! Now you know why many who have visited this place keep coming back.
If you’d like to know more about this location, particularly its neighborhoods and the wonderful homes available for sale in the area, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at (831) 292-5097 or send me an email at team@heinrichbrooksher.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carmel-by-the-Sea located?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the Monterey Bay Peninsula. The city is situated in Monterey County in the state of California.
What is the best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Although Carmel-by-the-Sea has a moderate climate and the weather is pleasant all year round, the fall season is one of the best times to visit this coastal town for its warm, sunny days and crisp evenings.
Is Carmel Beach dog-friendly?
Yes. In fact, it is rated the #1 Dog-Friendly Town in America.
