Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a quiet piece of storybook-style paradise tucked right along Highway 1 of the Pacific Coast. Here, the brick and stone sidewalks are lined with charming, ivy-covered buildings, picture-perfect gardens, and hidden courtyards.
The whole village has a bit of European flair to it, which is emphasized by half-timbered buildings and the adorable cottages designed by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s. On the other end of the spectrum, the multi-million dollar homes closer to the beach give off the feeling of fairy-tale castles with elements like hedged walls, bold stonework, and even the occasional turret.
Just a few weeks ago, Daniel and I had the privilege of visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, thanks to the hospitality of the Hofsas House Hotel. If you’ve never heard of Carmel, no worries–I hadn’t either! The town has gained some notoriety for the celebrities that have called this quiet getaway home, including Clint Eastwood (the town’s former mayor) and Doris Day, as well as its flourishing art scene. However, you may be more familiar with what’s just outside of Carmel, including the famed Point Lobos State Park, 17-Mile Drive, and Highway 1.
Despite its popularity as a luxury tourist destination, Carmel has retained a peaceful yet upscale village vibe that feels somehow separate from the rest of the world. There are no “big box” stores here–they’re not allowed! Instead, the streets are filled with boutique shops. There is also a strong emphasis on charming gardens and courtyards, local cuisine, and uniqueness. And to top things off, none of the homes have house numbers! Instead, every home has a name (and an envy-worthy garden!).
This incredible town immediately captured my heart with its beauty and style, and I’m so excited to share more about it with you today!
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Top 5 Things to Experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Unspoiled Beaches
Carmel-by-the-Sea sets right along the gorgeous Carmel Beach. Thanks to rulings that prohibit anyone from building directly on the beach, the beautiful coastline is free of commercial buildings and homes!
Free beach parking gives you easy access to this white-sand paradise, which has stunning views of the rocky coastline and the mountains off in the distance. Some Monterey Cypress trees dot the landscape, along with a few volleyball courts and an interesting variety of algae. In the morning, you’ll experience that famous West Coast fog hovering over the water, while the sunset hour paints the sky in gorgeous hues of red, pink, and orange.
Monterey Cypress and volleyball courts 
Carmel Beach at Sunset 
Old Monterey Cypress
Carmel Beach is dog-friendly, and your four-legged friends are welcome to roam the shoreline without their leashes! However, you and your pooch should be very careful about getting in the water. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular surfing destination due to its big waves, but this also makes it rather dangerous for swimmers. If you do get in, be sure to watch out for rip currents and big waves!
Boutique Shopping & Food
As I mentioned in the introduction, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not allow big chains and box stores in town. But that’s okay. There are plenty of options for both shopping and food run by Carmel residents.
The streets around town are filled with adorable and unique shops and restaurants, but don’t forget to check out the courtyards and alleyways, too! There are plenty of hidden gems tucked away in these little corners, dripping with color and flowers. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a spot in Carmel that hasn’t been splashed with character and eye-catching elements!
The biggest shopping center, however, is near the end of Ocean Avenue. Carmel Plaza is absolutely teeming with amazing shops and food, including a few brands you may recognize. This is the only place where I saw brands that were not strictly local, but they were all higher-end, like Kate Spade, Tommy Bahama, and Vineyard Vines.
As far as food goes, there are so many incredible options to try around town! Just be ready to drop some money, as most restaurants average $30-$50 per plate. However, you’re paying for the atmosphere as well as the food in these unique places.
Many of the restaurants offer outside seating (more than usual due to COVID), complete with heaters. Some of these are along the sidewalks while others are in private couryards or patios. We enjoyed the ocean view from the rooftop dining at Il Fornaio, although I definitely should have dressed warmer! A lot of these restaurants are also pet-friendly, which makes Carmel-by-the-Sea even more convenient for pet owners!
Carmel Mission
No visit to Carmel is complete without a stop at the place where it all began: The Carmel Mission. This stunning mission was actually founded by Father Sera almost 2 decades before the Pilgrim’s landed at Plymouth Rock! At one time, the place was abandoned and pretty much destroyed for building supplies. However, much of it has been restored to its former glory, and it is truly a beautiful place!
Be sure to stop by and take a tour of the grounds, museum, and basilica. Each section is filled with both beauty and fascinating history. You’ll learn quite a bit about Father Sera, Carmel, and the mission through the tour, and the whole experience is unique.
Walk Through Time
If you’re interested in history, you might also enjoy Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “Walk Through Time” tour. This is a self-tour of the town featuring some of its most notable buildings and landmarks. There are 14 stops total, and it’s a great way to see the whole town as you traverse from one point to the next.
Wayfarer’s Biblical Garden 
The Original Bank of Carmel 
Carmel Art Association 
Murphy Park 
El Paseo Courtyard sculpture
The tour includes stops at the first Murphy house, Carmel’s WW1 Memorial Arch, a fun mural of Carmel, Carmel’s oldest art gallery, and more!
Bill Bates Mural of Carmel 
Carmel’s Masonic Lodge 
The Valentine 
Milk Shrine 
1st Murphy House 
Original Ticket Booth for the Golden Bough Theatre 
Carmel’s First Dairy 
WWI Memorial Arch
Charming Scenery
If you can’t tell by now, just simply walking through Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fascinating experience. Everywhere you turn, there’s a little alleyway or nook waiting to be explored. And if you have time, you should definitely explore all of them! We found so many fun places when we veered off the main streets to see what shops were hidden behind the main storefronts.
Daniel and I also enjoyed walking through some of the neighborhoods closer to the beachfront. Many of these are multi-million dollar homes with perfect landscaping and unique architecture.
And if you can spare the time, be sure to take a seat in Devendorf Park to enjoy the flowers, fountains, and fresh air.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is the place to go! There’s obviously plenty to do in town, but it’s also perfectly situated for soaking up nature at the nearby state parks and scenic drives!
Scenic Drives and Excursions Near Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea has 46 hotels and inns you can choose from for your stay. However, due to the town’s boutique nature, prices average around $200 per night. If you’re looking for a more affordable stay in this luxury town without giving up any character, be sure to check out the Hofsas House Hotel! They hosted us during our visit, and we loved the unique rooms, Bavarian-style, and ocean views! You can read all about it in my post about our stay.
Stay tuned for more adventures from our trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea! We spent our time exploring many of the most beautiful places in the area, and I’ll be sharing them with you soon!
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Thanks for reading about Carmel-by-the-Sea, and I hope you get to visit it for yourself someday soon! In the meantime, stay safe out there, and happy travels!
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