California Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations and Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most charming towns in the area. With its stunning ocean views, white sand beaches, charming shops and restaurants, and well-manicured gardens, it’s no wonder this town is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. If you’re thinking about a weekend trip and looking for things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, here are a few suggestions of top attractions.
Things To Do In Carmel
Whether you’re planning a family trip or a getaway with your significant other, Carmel is the perfect destination. There’s plenty to do in this charming town, from exploring its stunning beaches to checking out the local art scene. Here are a few things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Ocean AvenueS
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Carmel, then make sure to stroll along the Ocean Avenue. This is one of the most popular attractions in Carmel, and it’s not hard to see why. The avenue is lined with beautiful homes, quaint shops, and lovely gardens. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the area. You can stop by at a fine restaurant offering the best quality sea food or have a cup of coffee in a small cafe.
Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach is a must-see destination when visiting Carmel. With its dramatic ocean views and serene setting, the beach is a perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of California. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the tide pools along the shoreline. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, making it easy to spend an entire day at Carmel Beach.
Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley Village is a community located around 13 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s a beautiful location, so make sure that when you’re visiting Carmel, you check out Carmel Valley Village! There are plenty of things to see in this area. This place is known for its delicious wine, so make sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area. The best wineries and wine tasting rooms include: Holman Ranch, Sinnet, Heller Estate and San Saba. There is also the Monterey Wine Trolley that takes you on a guided tour of these wineries.
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, picniking and other outdoor activities. Apart from the beautiful sandy beach, the place offers stunning views of the Monterey Bay. Visitors can also find a number of restaurants and cafes in the area. If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Carmel, the River State Beach is a perfect place for scuba diving and kayaking. The beautiful lagoon attracts many migrating birds and offers a great opportunity for bird watching and photography.
Pebble Beach
If you’re in Carmel-by-the-Sea, be sure to visit Pebble Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful and well-known beaches in California. Pebble Beach is also home to a world-famous golf course, Pebble Beach Golf, so it’s the perfect spot for a day of relaxation and recreation. The 17 Mile Drive is another popular attraction. It’s a scenic road that winds through the forest and along the coastline. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and bald eagles. There are also plenty of restaurants and galleries to explore in this charming area.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
It is one of the things to do in Carmel. This reserve is known for its rugged coastline, spectacular views, and abundance of wildlife. Point Lobos is considered to be the richest underwater habitats in the world and is home to a large variety of marine life. Visitors can explore the reserve’s many hiking trails, go jogging, scuba dive and explore unique geological formations. This spot is a popular place for sight seeing, photography, picniking and nature study so everyone will be able to find an activity to enjoy there.
Carmel Mission Basilica Museum
Built in 1797, it is one of the oldest churches in California. The Mission is famous for its intricate architecture and beautiful murals. It is on the list of National Register of Historic Places and is considered a National Historic Landmark. There are several notable persons buried in the church and yard including Juan Crespi and Ferman Lausen who were Spanish missionaries and explorers. The Mission holds concerts, exhibits, lectures and other activities. If you’re a history art and want to explore the state’s early roots, the Carmel Mission is a great place to start.
Art Galleries
If you’re an art lover and wonder what are best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, then you should visit at least one of the many art galleries in town. Carmel is home to a thriving art scene with many talented artists from around the world calling it home. There are galleries to suit every taste, from contemporary to traditional, and everything in between. Some of the best places include:
- Zantman Art Gallery: which exhibits contemporary art pieces of American and European artists;
- Dawson Cole Fine Art: which is located in a beautiful building and exhibits stunning sculptures among others;
- Nancy Dodds Galery: this place offers various pieces of artwork made by Nothern California artists and are available to purchase.
Mission Ranch
Mission Ranch is a charming hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea that is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the ocean. The hotel is located on 22 acres of land and features a variety of things to do, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The place is known to be preserved and restored by an actor and former Carmel Mayor, Clint Eastwood, who rescued the property from condominium development. There is a beautiful dining restaurant, tennis club and it is a perfect spot for weddings and romantic getaways.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This impressive aquarium is located in Monterey, California, about 6 miles away from Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its marine life exhibits. This place is a beautiful display of marine life that will make you feel like you’re under the sea! Some of the things you can see at the aquarium include otters, penguins, seals, and dolphins. There are also interactive exhibits where you can touch some of the animals. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours, educational programs, and special events. This is a great place to learn about marine life and have a fun family time.
Best Time To Go To Carmel
The best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea is during the spring and fall. These seasons are known to be the sunniest and have milder temperatures. Summers in Calmer-by-the-Sea are usually very hot with the average temperature reaching almost 85.50°F, so fall may be a better option. However, there is no definite answer for that question. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of things to do no matter what season you plan to take a trip to Carmel.
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