Experience Carmel-by-the-Sea and explore its beaches, shops, and history
Get ready to be enchanted by Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque haven where artisanal bungalows, celebrated art scenes, and the wild blue expanse of the ocean combine to create an unforgettable experience. Just a step into Carmel’s borders, and you’re swept up in a world of seaside charm and edifying revelations – all part of an intoxicating experience that will leave you wanting more. With something for everyone, California’s favorite spot is where families make memories, couples rekindle sparks, and solo adventurers find their flow.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it became an artists’ colony. You can almost hear the whispers of the past in the elegant lines and masterful craftsmanship of the community’s historic buildings and homes, echoes of a timeless artistic heritage.
- Top Places: Carmel Beach, Carmel Mission Basilica, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Scenic Road Walkway, Tor House and Hawk Tower, Ocean Avenue, Carmel River State Beach.
- Features: Stunning coastline, fairytale cottages, art galleries, gourmet dining, historical landmarks, boutique shopping, and cultural festivals.
- Activities: Beachcombing, hiking coastal trails, art gallery tours, wine tasting, dining at local restaurants, shopping, and visiting historical sites.
Hotels | Tours & Activities | Restaurants | Reservations | Events | Weather
Best Time To Visit
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea in the late summer through early fall offers a warm and inviting climate, often free of the coastal fog typical in summer. Temperatures hover around 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Springtime, from March to May, brings beautiful flowers and moderate temperatures between 55°F and 65°F (13°C to 18°C). Winter offers fewer tourists and cozy weather averaging 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C), suitable for enjoying Carmel’s charming indoor spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best season to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea?
A: The best seasons to visit are early fall and late summer for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Q: Are there any historical landmarks in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
A: Yes, Carmel-by-the-Sea features several historic sites, including the Carmel Mission Basilica.
Q: Can you beach camp in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
A: Beach camping is not allowed, but nearby parks and campgrounds offer camping facilities.
Q: Is Carmel-by-the-Sea family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The area offers numerous family-friendly activities and attractions.
Q: What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
A: You can go beachcombing, hiking, visiting nature reserves, and exploring scenic coastal trails.
Step into Carmel-by-the-Sea and you’ll notice the deliberate absence of cookie-cutter chain restaurants, a conscious effort to maintain the town’s charming ethos. Its rather surreal laws continue to amuse visitors, including one that mandates permits for women wearing stilettos over 2 inches – an apparently noble quest to spare these pedestrians from a cobblestone street stumble. Additionally, the town is extremely pet-friendly, with many restaurants, shops, and even a prestigious dog beach welcoming four-legged visitors.
Geovea has partnered with Booking.com the largest hotel supplier in the world. If you book a hotel by clicking our special hyperlinks, you’ll pay the exact same price as if you went directly to them and you can still use your account with them as you normally do. The only difference is we make a small commission that helps us employ people and add more features to Geovea for our users. So we greatly appreciate it if you book through us!
More Travel Inspiration
- Travel Inspiration
- Discover Top White Mountains, New Hampshire Attractions in Autumn
- Best Montpelier, Vermont Things To See and Do in The Fall
- Explore Top Things and Stuff to Do in Santa Monica, California
- Uncover the Best Things to Do in San Diego, California!
- 13 Best Breckenridge Hotels – Downtown, The Peaks & Four O’Clock
- 12 Best Lincoln & Conway, New Hampshire Hotels, Motels & Resorts
- 11 Best Franconia, Littleton, Bretton Woods, NH Inns & Hotels
- Experience Fall Colors on Kancamagus Scenic Highway – New Hampshire
- Stunning Autumn Views at Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire
- 12 Best Vail Hotels in Vail Village, Cascade Village & Lionshead
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Nature Lover’s Dream
- Explore Nashville Tennessee: Best Things To Do in Music City
- Camden, Maine: Must-Visit Harbor and Attractions
- Explore Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine’s Natural Beauty
- Top Things & Attractions In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Best Charleston, South Carolina Activities and Things to Do
- Discover Autumn Color Magic in Woodstock, Vermont
- Stunning Fall Autumn Colors in Stowe, Vermont
- Best Sedona, Arizona Attractions for Your Next Adventure
- Discover the Best of Finger Lakes, New York
- Explore Adirondack Mountains, New York: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
- Discover Pensacola Beach, Florida’s Hidden Gem
- Explore Siesta Key, Florida: Beachfront Fun Awaits!
- La Jolla California: Beach Adventures, Dining, and More
- Experience Laguna Beach, California: Best Beaches and More
- Discover Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado: A Must-Visit Destination
- Discover Lake Tahoe: Scenic Beauty in California & Nevada
- Explore, Visit, and See Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Discover Napa Valley Attractions, Wineries & Restaurants
- Discover Breathtaking Beaches in the Tropical Atolls – Maldives
- Uncover the Beauty of Oia on Santorini, Greece – Cyclades Islands
- Explore the Majestic South Rim, Grand Canyon – Arizona
- Explore Machu Picchu: The Lost Inca City – Cusco Region
- Explore the Incredible Antelope Canyon – Arizona
- Experience the beauty of Moraine Lake in Alberta’s Banff National Park
- Yellowstone’s Vibrant Heart: Grand Prismatic Spring – Wyoming
- Thea Foss Waterway – Tacoma, Washington
- Kennebunk River – Kennebunkport, Maine
- Long Key Viaduct – Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail – Florida
- Hall of Mosses – Olympic National Park – Forks, Washington
- Reflection Lakes – Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
- Jacob Hamblin Arch – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Utah
- Camden Harbor – Maine
- Delicate Arch, Arches National Park – Utah
- Ruby Beach, Olympic Peninsula – Washington
- Spa Creek, Annapolis – Maryland
- Picture Lake, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest – Washington
Common Links
Pre-built Road Trips
- Add Destinations (up to 25) and unlimited Places
- Add optional Trip Plan Title (one will automatically be created)
- Select the “Create My Trip” button
- Then view and modify the trip for your travel needs
