Carmel-by-the-Sea is among the most charming small towns in California, remaining so even under the pressure of tourism. The primary attraction here is shopping, and Carmel streets are lined with galleries and shops of all descriptions.
You can plan your Carmel day trip or weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like It?
- Carmel is popular for laid back, romantic getaways.
- See It Now: Take a photo tour of Carmel
- See how other California for Visitors readers rate Carmel
If you want to visit the other towns on the Monterey Peninsula, read our guides to a weekend getaway in Monterey or Pacific Grove.
Best Time to Go
Carmel weather is fine most of the year, but it can be rainy in the winter. The most popular time is summer, but it's less crowded off-season and if you can manage to get away mid-week in fall and winter, you'll find it quiet and relaxing (and the hotel rates lower, too).Don't Miss
If you've only got a day to spend in Carmel, enjoy a stroll around downtown. While you're walking, Carmel's hidden courtyards are worth seeking out. You'll find the Court of the Fountains just off Mission Street between 7th and Ocean Avenues, but we'll leave the rest for you to discover for yourself. You can pick up a self-guided courtyard walking tour brochure at the visitor center on San Carlos between 5th and 6th.
4 More Great Things to Do in Carmel
- 17-Mile Drive: You'll pay for the privilege of driving through this exclusive neighborhood, but it does boast some of the best scenery around.
- Point Lobos: Sometimes called "the greatest meeting of land and water in the world," Point Lobos is the place for crashing waves, still coves, abundant wildlife and flowers in the spring.
- Carmel Beach: At the end of Ocean Avenue you'll find a nice stretch of white sand that's fun for a walk, sunbathing or people-watching.
- Scenic Drive: Take Ocean Avenue toward the beach and turn left onto the aptly-name Scenic Drive. It runs along the water's edge and around to Carmel River State Beach.
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament: (February) Even if you don't want to go, you should know when this one is going on because of the crowds it attracts.
- Carmel Valley Art and Wine Festival (June)
- Carmel Bach Festival: (July-August) A professional music event featuring Baroque and modern music
- Concours on the Avenue: (August) More than 130 seldom-seen collector's cars made in Europe and the U. S. after World War II will be on display
- More Area Events
Tips for Visiting Carmel
- Public restrooms are located in the city park at Ocean Avenue and Junipero, and also at Lincoln Street and 6th Avenue. You'll also find restrooms on the top level near the back of the Carmel Plaza shopping center.
- For reasons unknown to us, properties in the town of Carmel do not have street addresses. It's less of a problem than you might think at first, and most places will simply give you the streets they're located on and between.
- Carmel is a great place to go if you're traveling with your pet. You'll find almost two dozen pet-friendly restaurants and plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, too.
- Ladies, leave your high heels at home. While adding to Carmel's charm, rustic cobblestone paths and walkways provide uneven footing.
- Outside about two blocks either side of Ocean Avenue, streetlights are sparse. Take a flashlight if you plan to walk around town after dark.
Best Bites
A weekend getaway is a great time to enjoy a leisurely brunch, and there's no better place for it than Mission Ranch.
Forge in the Forest with outdoor fireplaces and much California atmosphere is one of my Carmel-by-the-Sea favorites. The The Cypress Inn is dog-friendly and serves afternoon tea to both owners and their pets. It's a great place to relax after a few hours of tramping around town.
Where to Stay
Check our recommended hotels and bed and breakfast inns.
For help getting the best possible deal, read about how to find a good place to stay, cheap.
Getting To Carmel
Driving? Carmel is 120 miles from San Francisco, 350 miles from Los Angeles and 193 miles from Sacramento.
Flying? The nearest airport is in Monterey. Check airfares.
Parking downtown is limited to 30 or 90 minutes in many areas of downtown Carmel. To find a place where you can park for longer and not worry about vigilant enforcement, follow the signs that say "public parking" or look for streetside spots a few blocks away from the main shopping area.
What Do You Think?
How do you rate Carmel, California as a tourist destination?
