Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must-see destination on your California Highway 1 Road Trip. Located 120 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles, plan on spending at least a full day in the area. The history of the Monterey Peninsula goes back to the 6th century— it was first home to Native Americans, then explored and settled by Europeans before becoming an artist colony and a vacation paradise. Today the small town is home to approximately 4,000 year-round residents.
There is something to do for everyone in Carmel. Our visit focused on the historical sites and outdoor recreation, with a little shopping thrown in before our evening culinary experience.
Carmel Mission Basilica & Tor House
Start your day at the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, one of the 21 California missions. The mission opens at 9:30am, and the self-guided tour takes about an hour. Upon purchasing a ticket, use the brochure to navigate the Moorish-style religious site. Docents are typically available to answer any specific questions.
Carmel has been an artistic center going back to the early 1900’s. Head over to Carmel Point and take the 1:15 tour of the Tor House and Hawk Tower. The house was built between 1918-19 for the poet Robinson Jeffers and his wife, Una. We recommend this attraction for people interested in the arts and literary history, as Jefferson was a giant among American poets. The Tor Foundation hosts special events throughout the year and guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Outdoor Activities
Spend the afternoon at Point Lobos State Nature Preserve. Get a map at the visitor kiosk and plan your visit. It would be easy to spend the remainder of the afternoon walking the trails, heading down to seal beach, and visiting the Whalers Cabin museum. At a minimum, walk the .8 mile Cypress Grove Trail to get great views of the rocky shoreline and large waves crashing on the rocks. Listen for sea lions barking on offshore rocks. If it’s a clear day, watch for sea otters close to shore and whales a little further out as you walk through the grove of ancient Monterey Cypress trees.
Shopping
Before dinner, spend some time walking around the intersection of Ocean Avenue and San Carlos Street, the heart of downtown Carmel. There are dozens of unique stores and upscale retailers that cater to both the locals and visitors. Some of our favorites include: Steven Whyte’s Sculpture Studio and Gallery, Black Bird, The Cheese Shop, and the Cottage of Sweets.
If you have a little extra time before dinner, walk west on Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach, a great photo spot. The neighborhood bordering downtown and along the beach has some truly unique houses, with architecture you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Dining
There are plenty of choices for dinner in Carmel. We suggest Il Tegamino, a fabulous Italian restaurant in downtown. Another one of our favorites for Californian cuisine is Grasing’s. Wine bars, casual dining, and fine dining options abound. The service in Carmel is well above average, and the people are extremely friendly. Ask some of the locals about their favorite restaurants and bars.
Stay
The hotels and resorts around Carmel can be pricey. It’s difficult to find economical lodging, but you’re paying for luxurious accommodations and service. Enjoy the amenities and spoil yourself by staying at a world-class property in Carmel. If you want to say downtown, L’Auberge Carmel is in a great location. It has a fabulous restaurant of its own and is walking distance to the downtown shops and restaurants. Another option is Carmel Valley Ranch, less than 10 miles away in Carmel Valley. This is a destination resort with a pool, spa, and restaurants.
If you have the time, we recommend spending two or three days and visiting a few of the almost 30 wineries in the area, playing a round of golf, and adding Carmel River State Beach and Garrapata State Park to your itinerary.
Bonus: You are only three miles from Pebble Beach Golf Links and Resort, a must-see for any golf enthusiast. Take the 17-mile drive from Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove that runs along the Pacific coastline, and don’t forget to stop at Lone Cypress and Bird Rock.
