Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA: 15 MUST-DO’s
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town with a small-town vibe, known for its fairytale cottages, abundant wineries, and beautiful beaches.
Located on the Monterey Bay Peninsula, Carmel has attracted artists since the early 1900s, leading to its whimsical and bohemian charm. The town features cobblestone streets, around 100 art galleries, historic buildings, and numerous eateries.
Table of Contents
- 1. Take a Walk Down Ocean Avenue
- 2. Explore The Town on a Walking Tour
- 3. Walk and Beach Bum on Carmel Beach
- 4. Discover Carmel River State Beach and Bird Sanctuary
- 5. Sip Some of The Finest Carmel Wines
- 6. Take a Hike at Point Lobos State Reserve
- 7. Check out Carmel’s Art Galleries
- 8. Admire the Shell Mural
- 9. Take a Hike in Mission Trail Park
- 10. Take in The Sights Along The Carmel Meadows Trail
- 11. See More of The Town Via e-Bike
- 12. Make Delicious Macarons
- 13. Get Cultural on a Food And Wine Tour
- 14. Take The Scenic 17-Mile Drive
- 15. Check Out Nearby Monterey and Cannery Row
- Where to Stay in Carmel
- 👉 More Accommodation in Carmel-By-The-Sea
1. Take a Walk Down Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue is the main road leading from Highway 1 to the beach, filled with places to eat, drink, and shop. Walking down this street gives you an overview of the town.
READ MORE: 8 West Coast Towns That Look Like Europe!
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2. Explore The Town on a Walking Tour
A walking tour with a knowledgeable guide will help you discover interesting facts about Carmel’s history and points of interest, like the Church of the Wayfarer and Hog’s Breath Inn.
3. Walk and Beach Bum on Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach, the main beach, is sandy and wide, perfect for strolling or relaxing. Be aware that swimming isn’t recommended due to the lack of lifeguards, but it’s great for surfing.
4. Discover Carmel River State Beach and Bird Sanctuary
Carmel River State Beach is quieter than Carmel Beach and ideal for a more solitary experience. It’s home to the Carmel River Bird Sanctuary, perfect for birdwatching with over 350 species spotted.
5. Sip Some of The Finest Carmel Wines
Carmel boasts around 20 tasting rooms within one square mile, making wine tasting a delightful activity. Enjoy tastings at places like Wrath Wines and Galantes Vineyards.
There is even a dedicated wine walk mobile guide to get you special offers at the tasting rooms, so you know they are serious about their wines.
6. Take a Hike at Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos State Reserve offers stunning coastal hikes, with options like the Cypress Grove Trail and Sea Lion Point Loop Trail. Expect beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
READ MORE: Point Lobos Hike
7. Check out Carmel’s Art Galleries
Carmel is home to over 80 art galleries, making it a hub for art lovers. You can take a self-guided art walk or visit notable galleries like Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery and the Weston Gallery.
8. Admire the Shell Mural
The iconic Carmel Shell Mural, painted by local artist Marie-Clare Treseder Gorham in 2020, serves as a beloved photo backdrop for visitors.
9. Take a Hike in Mission Trail Park
Mission Trail Park offers a peaceful retreat for walkers with three miles of trails, set against the backdrop of rugged pines and meadows.
10. Take in The Sights Along The Carmel Meadows Trail
The Carmel Meadows Trail offers stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
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11. See More of The Town Via e-Bike
Exploring Carmel on an e-bike allows you to cover more ground while enjoying attractions like the Carmel Mission and scenic views of the coastline.
12. Make Delicious Macarons
Macaron-making classes are a fun and tasty way to spend your time in Carmel. These classes guide you through the tricky process of making these delightful treats.
13. Get Cultural on a Food And Wine Tour
Join a food and wine tour to sample local delights while learning about Carmel’s history. You’ll visit around 6-7 places to eat, with all food and wine included in the tour price.
14. Take The Scenic 17-Mile Drive
The 17-mile drive offers stunning coastal views, including Spanish Bay Beach and the iconic Lone Cypress tree.
15. Check Out Nearby Monterey and Cannery Row
Monterey offers a rich array of attractions, including the historic Cannery Row and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s a must-visit day trip from Carmel.
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Where to Stay in Carmel
- Carmel Beach Hotel – Set in a stunning historic building and just steps from the beach, this is an amazing spot to base for your Carmel adventures.
- Le Petit Pali – You couldn’t be better located as you’ll be right on Ocean Ave, and you’ll have a cute cottage-style room with a fireplace too!
- Atherton Cottage – You’ll sleep well in your cozy and eco-friendly cottage. You’ll get the whole property making it a great getaway for a family.
- Barefoot Cottage – This is a couples retreat in a cute 1920s cottage and only a couple of blocks from the beach!
More options around Carmel-by-the-Sea
Read more about the best things to do on the West Coast!
