There is limited parking right by the beach, but unless you arrive really early, you may want to find a parking spot near the village and walk down. While pelicans, Western gulls, and Brandt’s cormorants are common in the lagoon, more than 350 species have been spotted in the area. The lagoon, and the river corridor just upstream, are home to the Carmel River Bird Sanctuary. Rooms are open to the outdoors.Book a stay here! Featuring spectacular views, the property is close to Carmel Valley Village for shops and restaurants. Go to the Beach. 22 Big Sur Attractions You Must Not Miss (+ Map to Find Them! It generally burns off by early afternoon. It is Carmel Valley’s first tasting room! You’ll find Carmel draped in fog most mornings in the summer. But there are a lot more things to do in California, many more places to visit than just Hollywood. They carry several California olive oils, and the store makes for great browsing, with fun food products, skin care, cookbooks, and kitchen knickknacks. You get fabulous views of the Carmel coast from the viewpoint. Carmel Valley Road makes for a pleasant countryside drive even if you don’t do wine. There are benches to sit and take in the view, and sets of stairs at intervals to get down to the beach or back up to the road. Walk on the beach, go kayaking, or fly a kite. This is one of the most unique states on the US mainland. If you are staying in the village, you can taste all the wine you want without worrying about a designated driver, because the village is eminently walkable. To fully experience the charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, head down 8th Avenue to Scenic Road where you will arrive upon pristine Carmel Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea has so many fabulous places to eat that it is difficult to narrow down two or three choices. Mayotta Comstock’s “otsy-totsy dolls” were becoming a rage, and the cottage was to serve as her workspace. A cypress hedge affords privacy, but you can see it from the beach or from the street. The most popular trail in Palo Corona Regional Park is the hike to Inspiration Point. In the fall, you’ll likely have warm temperatures and clear days, perfect for the beach. The park is maintained by volunteers from the local garden club. The sweet little cottage was built in 1922, and originally located on Delores Street. The Church of the Wayfarer is one of the more recent historic buildings: the original was demolished and the current church built in 1940. Cypresses line the road, and in the spring, flowers add an extra touch of brightness. For the ultimate stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea, consider this charming fairytale cottage with gorgeous gardens that will make you feel like you are in Europe! Note: Dogs are not allowed inside the park. You can also surf. Another great place for olive oils and vinegars is Quail and Olive, in Carmel Valley. In 2020, places may be closed and information is constantly changing. Pop into Carmel Bakery for a delectable sweet treat. Dhara loves to explore her home state of California. The most fun (and easy) way to explore the local roads are with an electric bike from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop. Each room is uniquely designed with Bavarian-inspired decor … In the El Paseo Courtyard, you can see lots of tile from Spain. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in setting. With spectacular ocean views, beautiful coastal flora, and lots of birds and marine life to observe, Point Lobos is a must-visit when you are in Carmel. We have reviews of the best places to see in Carmel. Treat yourself to the perfect stay in Carmel! The top attractions to visit in Carmel are: What are the best outdoor activities in Carmel? Carmel Village is home to many historic homes and buildings. Carmel River State Beach includes a lagoon. A trend started by Hugh Comstock in the early 1900s, Carmel’s fairytale cottages feature high pitched roofs, stone chimneys, and timbered details that make you think you are in Alsace. The truffled mushroom pizza is one of our favorite things to eat here, as is the gnocchi starter. Check out Thinker Toys: we browse this delightful toy store each time we visit the village, and we have picked up some nice games and puzzles here. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The beautifully decorated space features a king bed, small kitchen, and laundry, and the studio is walking distance to Ocean Avenue. 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. If you visit in the mornings, or on the weekends, you’ll see lots of dogs romping on the beach. Looking to rent a car for your Carmel trip? Also, some links on this page may be affiliate links. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Carmel, California on Tripadvisor: See 14,021 traveler reviews and photos of Carmel tourist attractions. There is also a bluff path that runs along the beach, parallel to the road. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur: How to Visit this Very Cool Purple Sand Beach! Disclaimer: We were guests of the Hofsas House Bed and Breakfast, 5th Avenue Deli, and the Beach House on Lover’s Point. You'll find a couple of excellent, easily accessible beaches in Carmel. Pick the car that best meets your needs! With several hundred species of plants and numerous wildlife species, Palo Corona is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Carmel River flows into the ocean here. The village of Carmel has more than a dozen tasting rooms. Whether you have a day - or two or three - Carmel-by-the-Sea will reward you with some of the world's finest scenery, historic sites, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops. Many land birds and raptors love the riparian corridor as well. If you are lucky, you may even see the endangered Snowy Plover on the beach here! Our website uses cookies. Love shopping? The park features diverse landscapes from the banks of the Carmel River up into the heights of the Santa Lucia mountains. Showcasing the colors of local historic buildings, the mural includes an “Artist Inspiration Map” of local historic points of interest and is the perfect place to take a photo for Instagram! Browsing Carmel’s art galleries and meeting local artists is one of the most fun things to do in the village.