Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

The best way to see Carmel is to walk around and admire all of the unique, quaint charm that makes it so special.

Wander in shops & art galleries such as Somewhere, Carmel Surf Shop, Carmel Bay Company, the Thomas Kinkade Gallery, and so many more.

One of our favorite places to visit is The Cheese Shop where you can do a cheese tasting!

Walk down Carmel Beach and Scenic Drive. There is a great coastal trail right along the road that is a walk worth doing, a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee.

If you're looking to grab a meal in town, consider:

Breakfast: Katy's Place, Stationaery, Carmel Belle, Dutch Door Donuts, Rise + Roam or Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company.

Lunch: Treehouse Cafe, A.W. Shucks, Alvarado Street Brewery, Portabella

Dinner: Casanova, Cultura, Mission Bistro, Brophy's Tavern

Drive the 17 Mile Drive

For those with a car, we recommend driving through the 17 Mile Drive, home of the famous Pebble Beach golf course and the Lone Cypress. You can visit the Pro shops or stop for a bite to eat at any of the Pebble Beach properties. Be sure to pick up a map at the entrance gate to stop and see the sights!

Explore the Coast & Big Sur

Point Lobos is a stunning State Natural Reserve just less than 10 minutes from Carmel with loads of scenic trails, coastal views, tidepools, etc. There is a fee to park there, but the lot often fills up fast so you may need to park alongside Highway 1 if so. It gets crowded, so go early!

Hike Soberanes Canyon Trailhead which is only about 15-20 min drive from Carmel, but you still get a very ‘Big Sur’ experience. On the west side of Highway 1, there is a short Ocean-side trail, and on the east side, you can enter a trailhead that is a longer loop through the redwoods with lots of beautiful views, creeks, etc.

There are so many hikes in Big Sur to explore! If you’re thinking of extending your trip for some camping, glamping, or just staying in Big Sur, here are some accommodation recommendations to look into: Glen Oaks and Fernwood

Explore Carmel Valley

There are so many amazing wine tasting spots in Carmel Valley, such as Folktale, Cowgirl Winery, Blue Fox Cellars, Joyce, and more! Visit one or two and consider stopping at Corkscrew for lunch.

Garland Ranch Regional Park is also a great spot for a nice walk/hike to spend some time in nature.