There’s nothing like arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea for the first time. A stroll down Ocean Avenue is charming. With its quaint cottages, candy stores, and flower-filled courtyards, this quaint seaside town may be small at just one square mile, but it packs a mighty punch. At the heart of Carmel-the-Sea, tucked away on the Monterey Peninsula, this village is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. But the main attraction is Carmel Beach, which is very dog-friendly. The mile-long white-sand Crescent Beach, surrounded by cypress trees, is often home to as many dogs as people and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Beautiful coastline and cute, lively villages make this the perfect California weekend getaway. Although autumn usually has the best weather, Carmel-by-the-Sea is beautiful any time of the year. No matter when you visit, check out our list of top hotels, restaurants, and activities to plan your perfect weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Accommodations
This coastal village has more than 40 hotels and inns and is within walking distance to restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful Carmel Beach.
lamplighter in
Lamp Lighter Inn is just a 3-minute walk to the beach. It offers comfortable, stylish and pet-friendly rooms, but the highlight of this property is the lush garden. Featuring a gazebo, handcrafted birdhouse, and outdoor fireplace, the Lamp Lighter Inn provides the perfect setting for relaxing by the fire outdoors on chilly evenings.
candle light inn
Another property with an outdoor fireplace, the Candle Light Inn, offers spacious rooms and suites with fireplaces and jetted bathtubs. Add the Romance Getaway package, which includes sparkling wine, chocolate truffles and a meal voucher, for the ultimate romantic getaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The Normandy Inn
The Normandy Inn has been welcoming Carmel guests for the past 90 years. This French country-style property is surrounded by pops of color from fragrant gardens. From April to October, the heated outdoor pool is a great way to cool off on warm days. Vintage Cottage is the perfect vacation destination for families visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. Each has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen.
The Cypress Inn
With 20’s-style Spanish architecture, a lively lounge, and a Hollywood vibe, Cypress Inn is a historic landmark since 1929, blending classic hospitality with modern amenities. For 20 years, the Cypress Inn was co-owned by legendary Hollywood actress Doris Day. As an avid animal activist, Day was instrumental in Cypress Inn’s popularity as the “most pet-friendly” inn in the “most pet-friendly” town in the United States.
Where to eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea have 60 restaurants, all within walking distance.
breakfast
Carmel Valley Roasting Co. is a great place to enjoy coffee and a delicious breakfast. Located on Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde, this place won’t disappoint. If you want to sit down and enjoy breakfast, try Katy’s Place. Established in 1982, this cozy Carmel restaurant serves hearty, classic American cuisine.
lunch
Built in 1925, Porta Bella has a cottage-like exterior with a landscaped garden entrance and a few outdoor tables. The inside is equally lovely. Serving fresh, local cuisine in a romantic setting, our extensive lunch menu includes pasta, salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees such as grilled king salmon and wild mushroom risotto. Brophy’s Tavern has a more casual atmosphere and serves great pub food and a large selection of cocktails and cold beers.
dinner
For an intimate dining experience with an eight-course tasting menu, try Aubergine. His one-star Michelin-rated restaurant serves California coastal cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients, including seaweed straight from Carmel Beach.
More great dinner options include Il Tegamino, which serves Italian comfort food in one of Carmel’s many hidden courtyards, and La Bicyclette, which serves European bistro fare cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Best time to go to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a mild climate year-round, so you can’t go wrong with a visit. In the spring he flowers in May, but Carmel’s busiest season is summer. Tourists flock to the village to spend their days relaxing on the beach. Winters are quiet and cool, but just as beautiful.
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun California summer activity, but the village typically offers even nicer weather in the fall. Fall is known as Carmel’s secret season, with the longest daylight hours of the year and average high temperatures of 72 degrees. Sunny, warm days and refreshing sea breezes make for a picturesque fall afternoon, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the town’s charming streets or along the shoreline of Carmel Beach.
Visitors visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea in October should consider attending the annual City of Carmel Birthday Party and Parade. The city he was founded on October 31, 1916 and this day is celebrated every year. The village welcomes residents and visitors to the City Birthday and Halloween parades downtown, trick-or-treating and fall festivities in quaint shops and boutiques.
Things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
go to carmel beach
Carmel Beach attracts tourists and locals from early morning until sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This ultra-Instagrammable destination is the perfect place to stroll the sand, walk the dog, take in the views, and have a picnic. The wide sandy beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in California. The beach is popular for surfing, and swimming is permitted, but the water will be too cold for most visitors. For those brave enough to enter the cold water, beware of unpredictable rip currents.
Stroll along the scenic cliff path
Nine steps lead from the famous white sand beach to the beautiful Bluff Pass. This trail offers visitors an easy stroll or run along a jagged shoreline surrounded by Monterey Cypress and beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
go shopping
Ocean Avenue is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s main shopping street. Tourists will find hundreds of unique, locally-owned shops on both sides of the streets and throughout major intersections, alleyways and charming courtyards. Favorites include Diggity Dog for gifts for his favorite four-legged friends, Thinker Toys for little ones, and Hat Shop Carmel, a store specializing in hats. Ocean Avenue is also filled with women’s clothing stores, restaurants, candy shops, and boutique souvenir shops.
Visit an art gallery
Carmel is home to nearly 100 art galleries. You’ll find world-renowned artists, local California artwork, pottery, sculpture, photography, and more. Tourists can easily spend an afternoon being inspired by the moving masterpieces. Some of our favorite galleries include the Weston Gallery for photography, Gallery by the Sea Carmel for local works, and the Jones & Terwilliger Gallery for beautiful paintings.
Take a sip and enjoy
Carmel by the Sea has 18 wine tasting rooms. A popular place to drink, the casual watering holes are small and friendly and often include a meet and greet with the winemaker. Wine lovers should try the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk.To participate, simply Sign up for our free mobile guide. The guide will be delivered to your phone instantly. Follow our guide to participating wine tasting rooms in the village to check in and redeem special offers like full bottle coupons, complimentary cheese and salumi tapas plates, and additional tastings.
