Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a great spot for outdoor activities and attractions. From the scenic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to the diverse hiking trails of the Garland Ranch Regional Park, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Point Lobos is a must-visit for its stunning coastal views, while the trails of Garland Ranch offer a variety of terrain for hikers of all levels. Visitors can also explore the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic drive along the Monterey Peninsula, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the top aquariums in the world. With so many top attractions, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect destination.
Top Spots in and near Carmel-by-the-Sea
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel Beach
4.71.22 mi / 98 ft gainIt’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988. An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel. Everyone gets their mail at the post office, ...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride
5.07.75 mi / 312 ft gain17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail
4.01 mi / 100 ft gainKnown as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Surf Carmel River State Beach
5.0Carmel State beach is located in Monterey county. It's your typical beach break with both lefts and rights. One thing that is super unique about Carmel is that the water is some of the clearest in all of California. Depending on the sandbars, this can be a really fun wave! It's also a great p...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Inspiration Point
5.03.75 mi / 650 ft gainThis magnificent trail was recently converted into part of the Monterey Regional Parks System. Walk through pastures of cows, through coast oaks, up a steep incline with vast views of Carmel Valley, Carmel and the Pacific Ocean up to the top where a picnic table awaits you at Inspiration Point. ...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel Meadows Trail
5.00.55 mi / 49 ft gainThe Carmel Meadows Trail in California is a 0.6-mile scenic loop along the rugged coastline near Carmel-by-the-Sea. With breathtaking ocean views, sandy paths, and opportunities to see wildflowers and coastal wildlife, this easy trail is ideal for a short, relaxing hike. It’s a family-friendly ...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
Explore Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur
4.6Being from the Central Coast, every time I visit the area I like to do the same trip - Simply because it is amazing. The trip starts along 17 mile drive located in Carmel. From the road, you see the Central Coast icon, the Lone Cypress. Being one of the most photographed trees in North America, i...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Whalers Cove Loop
4.31.42 mi / 253 ft gainPoint Lobos is one of the hidden gems of the California coast. Located just off of Route 1 right after Monterey, Point Lobos is a state park on the coast. The cost to explore inside is ten dollars, but so worth it. As you explore, be sure to hike around Whalers Cove, which is incredible at sunse...Read more -
Carmel, California
Point Lobos Natural Preserve Loop
4.77.14 mi / 640 ft gainPoint Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make t...Read more -
Monterey County, California
South Plateau Trail to Bird Island
5.01.69 mi / 180 ft gainThe South Plateau Trail to Bird Island in Monterey County, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 1.69 miles round trip, the trail offers a variety of terrain, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and dense coastal scrub. The trailhead is located at the par...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Cypress Grove Trail
5.00.79 mi / 36 ft gainCypress Grove Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail
5.01.72 mi / 121 ft gainCypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Point Lobos South Shore Trail
4.02.48 mi / 75 ft gainPoint Lobos South Shore Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Bird Island Trail
5.00.85 mi / 75 ft gainBird Island Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.Read more -
Monterey, California
Sail on Monterey Bay
Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
Spanish Bay Beach
Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip. You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue. This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics. There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the most a...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
A peaceful coastal refuge with ocean views, wildlife, and old world charm. Asilomar is located on the Monterey Peninsula in charming Paci...
From $176 / night
Moss Landing, California
Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing is a nature-lover's paradise founded in the 1800s as a seaport and fishing village. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay Nat...
Big Sur, California
Big Sur Lodge
The Big Sur Lodge is an unforgettable one-stop vacation destination where traditions are born and thrive, year after year. Big Sur Lodge ...
From $199 / night
La Selva Beach, California
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
As seen on the hit CBS show Undercover Boss, this fun, family-friendly campground offers something for everyone! Enjoy the best of the Ca...
