10 Incredible Things to Do in Carmel | Top Things to See and Do in Carmel CA

Carmel, California, is a small yet opulent hamlet on gorgeous Monterey Bay, home to just 4,000 permanent inhabitants.

This little beach hamlet is densely forested and teems with animals. Despite its modest population, Carmel offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Tree-lined alleys are studded with lovely Victorian houses and little cottages in a landscape that seems far distant from reality.

Old-world architecture, with its secret tunnels and peaceful courtyards, has a certain allure. Carmel is simple to get lost in since there are no street numbers (GPS doesnt pinpoint specific locations).

Yet, as much as you want to explore new locations and learn all there is to know about them, you don’t have to get lost at first while arranging all the things to do in Carmel.

I created this list for everybody who is set to be fascinated by the village atmosphere of Carmel, guaranteeing amazing experiences.

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Carmel

Pay a visit to the Carmel Mission.

+183162412713080 Rio Road Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Anybody interested in history will enjoy a visit to Carmel Mission, one of the California missions you may want to see. Junpero Serra, a Franciscan friar, constructed the Carmel Mission in 1771 as the seventh of 21 missions erected between San Diego and Sonoma.

Carmel Mission is also a museum in addition to a church. This is the only Spanish mission in California that has been meticulously restored and still holds its historic bell tower and bell.

There are many things to do in Carmel, but one of the greatest is to visit the Carmel Mission, which has a beautiful church, museum, fountain, and gardens. The museum grounds are magnificently designed, in addition to the spectacular treasures in the museum and basilica.

Carmel Beach Walk

93923 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Beach, the city’s only ocean beach, is one of my favorite things to do in Carmel. The beach is roughly a mile long and has a fishing pier as well as a playground for children with a double slide and swings. There are two restrooms next to the playground.

During weekends, the beach is unusually busy, since many people like wandering along the shore.

The beach is available for swimming and playing along the water’s edge, but there are no lifeguards on duty. Surfing is another possibility. Nonetheless, it may be cold in the water a lot of the time, therefore a wetsuit is recommended.

In general, unless you come extremely early, you may wish to park in the town and walk down, as parking near the beach is scarce.

Owners may let their dogs run free on the beach as long as they retain vocal control. As a result, you’ll witness a lot of dogs playing on the beach early in the morning or on weekends.

If you go on a beautiful day with a clear sky, the beach and water are highly rewarding to enjoy.

Relax and observe birds at Carmel River State Beach.

+1831649283626478 Carmel-By-The-Carmelo Sea’s Street

Carmel River State Beach is a safe swimming area. It is three miles long, surrounded by cypress trees and marshes, and runs through it.

According to the National Park Service, the river here is a bastion for all five species of salmon that previously frequented Californias rivers. Because to the significance of Carmel River State Beach, it is illegal to fish or swim in its waters.

During low tide, though, you may enjoy the landscape by walking on a trail above the beach. Bird watching is a fun beach pastime. The lagoon is home to a variety of waterfowl species, including egrets, hawks, and herons.

Several endangered species nest in this lagoon, including the Snowy Plover, Western Snowy Plover, and Piping Plover, which breed on the beach before traveling to Point Lobos to nest.

Hiking through the Point Lobos State Reserve.

CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea +1831624490962

Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the most beautiful ocean-front state parks in California. Point Lobos State Reserve is ideal for anybody who enjoys gorgeous coastal scenery, breathtaking ocean vistas, lovely coastal vegetation, and plenty of marine life to witness.

Thus, if you’re planning a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, keep in mind that Point Lobos State Reserve is just a few miles away.

Point Lobos State Reserve is one of my favorite places in all of California. There are several great coastline treks in the region to take in the finest views, however I like visiting early in the morning when there aren’t many other people there.

One of my favorite things to do on the California Coast is hike Point Lobos early in the morning. Nevertheless, dogs are not permitted on the Point Lobos Trails.

Take a stroll along Ocean Avenue.

93923 Carmel-by-the-Sea

During the 1920s and 1930s, Ocean Avenue, or Lincoln Street as it was originally known, has been the beating heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Restaurants, stores, galleries, and cafés line both sides of this busy road; enjoy live music and sidewalk entertainment along this famed pedestrian promenade at night during the summer months.

The Cottage of Sweets is a delightful shop where you can purchase largely imported British-style sweets, chocolates, and confectionery snacks. The adorable small cottage was constructed in 1922 and was originally situated on Dolores Street. The cottage was shifted by rolling logs underneath it!

Carmel’s Ocean Boulevard, which is home to boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, is a must-see for visitors to the area. You might start your shopping adventure in Carmel Plaza, which features upmarket retailers. If you’re still craving something sweet, go to Carmel Bakery.

Explore Carmel’s Art Galleries.

+18316246176 Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, between 5th and 6th Avenues

Carmel was all about artists, authors, and poets seeking inspiration away from New York City. It became a home for these folks who enjoyed what they did every day, and it has maintained that uniqueness to this day.

At this spot, you can still sense the passion for art. In Carmel, there are hundreds of art galleries to visit, where you may buy signed art prints by local artists or attend an opening event in an artist’s studio.

If you wish to help local artists, I suggest contacting the website ArtBeatCarmel or speaking with your concierge or tour guide while you’re here.

Exploring the village art galleries and meeting local artists is one of the nicest things to do in Carmel. Several local artists’ work has been shown in Smithsonian museums. Also, artist-owners are likely to love talking about their work with you.

Picadilly Park is a great place to unwind.

Dolores Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Carmels Picadilly Park is a secluded green space in the heart of the metropolis. You’d never guess that such a beautiful tiny green sanctuary existed next to the Carmel Library and across from an office building.

If you’re driving, you can’t even see it through the trees and shrubs that border The Village Shopping Center’s parking lot; but take a stroll around and you’ll discover it. You’ll be surprised at how much beauty may be found in plain sight.

The courtyard park has many mature trees that give shade, and drought-resistant flora grow there. In addition, the local garden club gives volunteers to help with park maintenance.

Picadilly Park has a tiny fountain and chairs for you to relax on while exploring Carmen Village.

Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation Tour

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA +1831624181326304 Ocean View Ave

If you’re interested in architecture and history, take a guided tour of Tor House and Hawk Tower! The house was created over many years by the great American poet Robinson Jeffers out of native stone.

After Jeffers and his wife Una finished Tor House in 1919, they moved there with their twin boys. In Tor House, he penned some of his most renowned masterpieces.

Hawk Tower, built for his wife’s refuge, still exists today. Jeffers created everything himself over the course of four years. The house is called for the tower on which it is constructed. You silently appreciate the river and take in the surroundings.

Walk around the Garland Ranch Regional Park.

Carmel Valley, +18313723196700 W Carmel Valley Rd

At Carmel Valley, Garland Ranch Regional Park is a wonderful introduction to inland natural surroundings. The Carmel River and the Santa Lucia Mountains are only two examples of the area’s unique nature, and it invites people from all over the globe.

As you rise, you will pass through oaks, chaparral, and maples and be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas.

The park is particularly attractive in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. If you pay attentively, you may spot birds, insects, and other creatures. Be sure to bring your binoculars and zoom lens!

At Cooper Ranch, you may also enjoy mountain biking or horseback riding. Since Garland Ranch is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, you are likely to meet other hikers.

Go to Palo Corona Regional Park.

+18313723196 Carmel 1, California -By-The-Sea

If you’re in the Monterey Peninsula region, visiting Palo Corona Regional Park is a lovely way to spend a day with family, friends, or yourself. The breathtaking trip from Mt. Carmel’s three summits will reward you with some of the greatest vistas in the region.

When you approach each of these peaks, you will have a new view of the same basin, and you will be able to pick from a range of hiking pathways based on your interests and fitness level.

Palo Corona Regional Park is an important but undeveloped open space on California’s Central Coast. As a consequence, a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife may be found here, from the Carmel River to the mixed hardwood forest on Mount Palo Corona, which towers over 3000 feet.

The park is home to uncommon amphibians such as the tiger salamander, the California red-legged frog, and the endangered Smiths blue butterfly.

Raptors that nest and wander across woods and meadows are protected. Mountain lions, deer, bobcats, California condors, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons are among the unique wildlife that live in the area. These creatures are getting more scarce in highly crowded places.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Carmel, California

It’s difficult to be bored at Carmel-by-the-Sea since there are so many lovely things to do. With its numerous boutiques and galleries, art studios, wine tasting rooms, and much more, this resort will appeal to anybody looking to just rest and unwind.

This quaint coastal village is situated right on the spectacular Central California Coast, and it has exquisite white sand beaches, breathtaking architecture, and culinary delights that will thrill any gourmet. Thus, whether you want to do something energetic or something relaxing, Carmel-by-the-Sea has enough to offer!