Things to do in Carmel by the Sea California

Carmel by the Sea was once an artist colony, so it’s full of quaint cottages, stellar mid-century modern architecture, unique art galleries, and boutiques, and even a dash of Spanish history. As the name implies, it’s also surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and regional parks. Those who love the great American outdoors will be more than satisfied with the range of natural locales to explore. If you’re looking for things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California, or if you’re curious to see if it’s the spot for your next vacation, read on.

Things to do in Carmel by the Sea California

Following are the things to do in Carmel by the Sea

Point Lobos State Reserve 🌊

If you’re a lover of coastal wilderness, be sure to add a visit to Point Lobos State Reserve to your Carmel bucket list. With numerous oceanside trails and unique flora and fauna, Point Lobos is regularly rated among California’s must-visit state parks. Top trails include the mile-long Cypress Grove and Bird Island trails. Best of all, it’s only an eight-minute drive from Carmel. Just be aware you can’t take your furry friend here, so if you’re traveling with your pup, organize a pet sitter for the day.

Carmel Mission Basilica ⛪

This ancient church was built in 1771 by Spanish missionaries who settled in Carmel during the Spanish colonization. One of the church members, Father Junipero Serra, is even buried there. The church still has an active community of worshipers, but it’s also open to visitors as a museum. Head here to view the ancient church, replete with its original tower and bell, and explore the gardens and stunning fountain. Be prepared to pay an admission fee, and don’t arrive too late in the day or you’ll be fighting for parking.

Scenic Highway One 🏞

If you’re more a fan of driving than walking, pack the family into the car and head out on Scenic Highway One. On one side, you’ll be flanked by the stunning California coastline, and on the other, you’ll spot one quaint Carmel cottage after another. Stop at one of the many lookout points to take photos, sit on a bench and admire the view, or tackle one of the short cypress-lined trails to stretch your legs. Dogs are allowed on these trails, but keep them on a leash. Things to do in Carmel by the Sea California

Ocean Avenue 🛍️

Are you looking for a great spot for shopping? There’s nothing better than browsing the boutiques in Carmel’s famous Ocean Avenue. Ocean Avenue is the main thoroughfare running from the beach to Highway 1. Stroll the sidewalks and you’ll encounter clothing, book, and craft shops, art galleries, trendy cafes, and upscale restaurants. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and be sure to find something delectable. While walking, pop down some of the other Carmel Village streets to find more hidden gems and admire the cute cottages.

Carmel Beach 🏖️

A visit to Carmel by the Sea wouldn’t be complete without a day at Carmel Beach. Simply head down Ocean Avenue and eventually, you’ll land on the sand. This long stretch of a cove is lined with tall cypress trees and is the perfect spot for swimming, surfing, picnicking, or just admiring the sunset while on a stroll. If you have a well-behaved dog, you can let them off-leash too.

Carmel’s Unique Art Galleries 🎨

Carmel has long been a popular artist locale. Poet Robinson Jeffers and authors George Sterling and Jack London arrived in the town as far back as the early 1900s, reportedly living in tents on the beach. As such, the village is considered something of an artistic incubator. There are close to 100 art galleries in town showing everything from painting to sculpture to performance art. If you can only visit one gallery during your stay, make it the Carmel Art Association, founded in 1927. It’s the oldest of the Carmel galleries.

Della Walker House by Frank Lloyd Wright 🏰

Another must-visit site is the Della Walker House, created by none other than America’s greatest mid-century modern architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The iconic 1,200-square-foot home was designed in 1948 and completed in 1951 for Mrs. Clinton Walker, also known as Della Walker. It boasts walls crafted from local stone, a slate-blue roof, and maroon window frames. Still owned by the Walker family, the Della Walker House only opens once a year for public tours, so time your vacation accordingly.

Pebble Beach & 17-Mile Drive 🌿

Another scenic ocean drive right near Carmel, just eight minutes from the village, is the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. There are a ton of famous sites to check off your tour list on this journey, including The Lone Cypress dramatically perched on a granite cliff, Bird Rock with its colony of Brandt’s cormorants, and picturesque Spanish Bay. Note that you do need to pay a vehicle fee, but if you stop for a bite at any of the restaurants within the drive, you’ll get your money back.

Hugh Comstock’s Fairy Tale Cottages 🏡

If there’s one thing that is iconically Carmel, it’s the gorgeous fairy tale-like cottages that dot the streets. Word has it that a man named Hugh Comstock came up with the original design despite never being trained in architecture. His wife, Mayotta Comstock, the designer of the classic Otsy-Totsy dolls of the early 1900s, needed a workshop, so Hugh put pen to paper and drew out a whimsical design. Once built, people found the cottage workshop so cute they were inspired to build their own. To view the houses, join a tour group or download a self-guided tour online.

Sunset Center 🎭

If you want to treat yourself at night, why not see a show at Sunset Center? From quartets and piano concerts to stunt dog shows and dance performances, this beautiful performance space has something to tempt those of all ages. We also recommend the Golden Bough Playhouse if you really want to immerse yourself in Carmel culture.

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