13 Best Things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

1. Stroll Down Ocean Avenue

You can’t visit Carmel without enjoying a leisurely stroll through town. Ocean Avenue is the main road in Carmel-by-the-Sea, stretching from Highway 1 all the way down to the beach. 

As you walk down Ocean Avenue and explore the surrounding side streets, you’ll pass by cute boutiques, countless art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. There are also plenty of great photo opps as you walk around town – you can’t miss out on Carmel’s famous courtyards and passageways, as well as the eclectic mix of architectural styles.

2. Visit Carmel Beach

Walk (or drive) to the end of Ocean Avenue to hit up picture-perfect Carmel Beach. While it doesn’t often get super hot in Carmel, you’ll still see visitors wading in the water in the summer. When the weather is cooler, it’s still well-worth the visit – walk through the white sand and take in the views of the crystal clear water. Dog owners: it’s also a dog-friendly beach!

On the southern edge of the beach, you’ll see a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (more on that in a moment), and on the north end is the Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

If you want to spend more of your Carmel vacation by the water, you can also spend some time at Carmel River State Beach. It’s south of Carmel Beach, and can be reached via Scenic Road.  

3. Walk Along the Coastal Scenic Road

This is a must-do for your Carmel itinerary. As the name suggests, you’ll get some of the most stunning views of Carmel on Scenic Road. This cypress tree-lined road stretches from Ocean Avenue and takes you along the coast, going by Carmel Beach and ending at Carmel River State Beach. There are also nine stairways that will take you down to the sand. 

You’ll not only get gorgeous vistas of the coast, but will also pass by a few Carmel architectural landmarks. The first is the Clinton Walker House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. While you can’t go on the property, it is visible from the road (and from Carmel Beach), and you’ll pass right by the entrance. 

The second is the Butterfly House, designed by Francis W. Wynkoop. Again, you can’t go on the property, but you’ll get a glimpse of it from the road. You’ll also see plenty of adorable cottages and homes that look like they were plucked out of a fairytale. 

There’s a few ways to enjoy Scenic Road. Of course, you can drive down the road, but if possible, I highly recommend exploring by foot. There’s a walking path alongside Scenic Road that starts at 8th Avenue and ends by Martin Way, just before the Clinton Walker House. From there, you can continue walking on the road (just be mindful of cars!). 

5. Hike Through Point Lobos

One of the activities that I think everyone should add to their Carmel-by-the-Sea itinerary is a stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 

Beyond its proximity to town (it’s just about a 10-minute drive from downtown Carmel), what I love about Point Lobos is that there are tons of easy and short hiking paths scattered throughout the reserve. So if you’re not much of a hiker, don’t worry – you can see a ton without having to put in much effort!

You really can’t go wrong exploring any part of the reserve, but I especially recommend hiking the easy Cypress Grove Trail (it’s just under a mile long) and taking the Bird Island Trail (which is 0.8 miles) to get a view of the stunning China Cove.

If you want a local to show you the best spots, enjoy a guided 2-hour nature walk through Point Lobos. The guide will take you to the top areas for seeing wildlife, including seals, otters, deer, and more.

6. Drive the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach

The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road that takes you along the coastline and through gorgeous wooded areas. There are numerous points of interest along the drive, where you can enjoy dramatic coastal views and serene forests. Some stops on the 17-Mile Drive that I highly recommend checking out include the Sunset Point Overlook, the Lone Cypress, and the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point. 

Note that you do need to pay to enter the neighborhood. Tickets cost $12 per vehicle, and can be purchased at the gate when entering. You’ll get a map at the gate. 

You can enter the drive at the Carmel Gate, which is right on the border of Carmel and Pebble Beach. If you’re planning on spending some time in Monterey Bay during your trip, consider going through the drive and then exiting at the Pacific Grove Gate on the northern edge of Pebble Beach. From there, you can head into Monterey to spend some time exploring the coastal town.

7. Enjoy the Dining Scene

A trip to Carmel isn’t complete without indulging in some incredible food. Some iconic restaurants in Carmel include La Bicyclette, Stationæry, and Chez Noir. Beyond those, some personal favorites of mine are Cultura Comida y Bebida (the plantain tacos are a must, and they have amazing tequila and mezcal cocktails!), Toro Sushi, and Nicolas Cocina de Herencia (the maitake birria pictured below is insanely good). For more casual meals, I really love Rise and Roam (great for breakfast and lunch), Alvarado Street Brewery, and Carmel Belle. 

8. Sip on Cocktails at Bud’s at La Playa

Looking for the best cocktails in town? Head to Bud’s at La Playa Hotel. In addition to killer drinks (that are strong), the ambiance is amazing. Think dim lighting, wood paneling, and tons of historic memorabilia hung on the walls. 

The bar is also famous for its “Dime Time” tradition, which occurs once a day. A bartender will call out that it is dime time at a time they see fit, and for just ten minutes, visitors can pay for 10 cent drinks. The caveat is that you must pay with exact change. Of course, if you’re so lucky to be there during Dime Time, be sure to tip your bartenders for the full amount! 

10. Visit Folktale Winery & Vineyards

If you’re willing to make the short drive inland, you can’t miss Folktale Winery, which is about a 15-minute drive from town. Located just outside of Carmel Valley, this idyllic winery is the perfect place to soak up some sun while enjoying a glass or a flight of wine. If you want a small bite to eat, I love their salt and vinegar potatoes. The winery is popular (especially on weekends), so I recommend making a reservation. 

11. Visit the Carmel Mission Basilica

Get an insight into California’s history by visiting the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo – also known as the Carmel Mission. It was the second mission built in California by Franciscan missionaries, and is the only Spanish mission in the state that still has its original bell tower.  

If you’d like to enter the grounds and explore the museum, tickets are $15 for adults, and can be purchased in person. Alternatively, you can just do a quick visit to get a look at the beautiful exterior of the mission.