Fun things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Located just next door to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn is the Senator's Cottage. It is part of the TicklePink Inn complex, with the Cottage being the last remaining structure from the estate of Senator and Mrs. Edward Tickle. It is perfect for a honeymoon because you have practically an entire house to yourself....basically a small cottage. Included inside are two bedrooms, a kitchenette, living room with fireplace, and dining room. I did not go inside it, but instead I peeked into the windows (it was UN-occupied....lol) and walked around the grounds. There is a small private patio, perfect for sitting and gazing out on the Pacific Ocean below. It is a gorgeous view from this patio and / or the cottage. Isolated in the hillside among lots of trees, this cottage makes a perfect honeymoon escape. Mid-December 2011 rates were quoted around $439 to $ 599 per night. Prices of course change with season and yearly.
Check for your time of arrival.

http://www.ticklepinkinn.com/

http://www.joincalifornia.com/candidate/10236

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Drive along the coastline away from the broad whites sand beach and you will discover some beautiful rocky points. It is not only scenic but fun to climb on the rocks and explore the little nooks & crannies for sea life, shells and native plants.

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The Carmel Mission was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra. The first mission church in California to be built from stone, this beautiful old church does not disappoint.
The church was in session when we visited, and a hushed, peaceful atmosphere surrounded the old building-inside and out. Beautiful dark wooden pews, polished to perfection, shone in the light of the overhanging chandeliers.
The gardens surrounding the church were in full bloom. One can see the cell that Junipero Serra lived in, and he is buried within the church grounds.
The church building is considered the most authentically restored Franciscan mission. The courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest.
Self-guided tours are available. Admission to the grounds and mission is $5 for adults,

There is also a museum within the grounds, which gives information and photographs of the Monterey Peninsula and other Francescan missions. Good photo history of the restoration of the Mission.
Museum shows visitors what Mission San Carlos Borromeo was like during different eras through displays, and allows them to see the cell where Junipero Serra lived and died.

Entrance donations ($5 adult, $4 senior, $1 child) go to the restoration of the mission. The Carmel Mission's museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sundays, 10:30am-5pm.

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For the most extensive view of the area, visit Jacks Peak, located in a county park just minutes from downtown. From the top - which is easy to reach from the park's parking lot - you can take a .8 mile walk and see wonderful vistas in all directions, giving unobstructed views of Monterey Bay to the north, Carmel and the ocean to the south, and Carmel Valley to the east. There are miles of other hikes here, along with trails for horses and biking. The park also has one of California's last remaining stands of Monterey Pine forest.

The last time we were in Carmel, there wasn't much surf -- maybe three-foot breaks -- but there were quite a few optimistic surfers out in the water.

Since Northern California waters are chilly, you'll need a full wetsuit like this surfer girl...and maybe add neoprene booties and a cap.

Be aware that there is an undertow here -- see Warnings and Dangers.

There were several fisherfolk who had set up their gear by the water's edge. I talked to one man, who said that he catches mostly surfperch. However, he said he wasn't expecting to catch much that day because there were too many people and animals around.

He still seemed to be having a good time. :)

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Though technically in the Carmel Valley. Earthbound farms,( you may have seen their name on raisins at Whole Foods or lettuce and other organic produce.) Has been a working organic farm for 25 years. They also have a produce store and a little restaurant. They have picnic tables where you can sit and eat .And all the while you are surrounded by lavender and other fragrant flowers and herbs to,from the herb garden. You'll want to take some home when you've seen all the lovely,fragrant sprigs on the table.

The Monterey peninsula and Carmel area are extremely well known for the beautiful scenery along the coastline. Here there is a unique interaction between rugged rocks, noble trees, rough waters and open sky. Everyone knows about the fabled 17 mile drive, with its homes for the rich and $10 entrance fee for less wealthy tourists. But don't be put off by this. The coast drive from Monterey to Asilomar is free and as beautiful as can be. The drive south from Carmel, through the Carmel Highlands and down to Big Sur is also phenomenal. The thing to do is take the time to detour whenever you want. Little hikes are available along the way. A favorite spot for us is Andrew Molero State Park, just as you begin to enter the Big Sur area. This park has great coastal walks and a nice little beach.
The photo is from the Carmel Highlands area.