Carmel-by-the-Sea Travel Guide

 9 Reviews  This generally overlooked stop on 17 Mile I found interesting. It details how these trees, the Monterey Cypress, were almost wiped out by man (along with 95% of all other animals and life in California) but, in 1952, this reserve became one of the last two natural places to find these trees that... 

 8 Reviews  Just north of Carmel is the world-famous 17 Mile Drive. There is a $9.50 entrance fee at the entry gate, but it is well worth the price. Motorcycles are not allowed, probably because of the noise factor. You will wind through miles of some of the finest homes in the area......and of course they are... 

 12 Reviews  Carmel Beach is surrounded by a Monterrey Pine Forest & twisted Cypress trees crown the pristine beach. Walk, play, frolic on the beach and sink your toes in the soft white sand. Its crystal blue water is so clean and beautiful, but is colder than the beaches of Southern California. In fact this was... 

 6 Reviews  The Mission at Carmel was founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1770 as the second of Spain's California missions. The original church here was built of adobe and was replaced with the current structure in 1797. This mission was known as Father Serra's favorite in California, and he is buried at the... 

 4 Reviews  Point Lobos State Reserve enjoys a spectacular location on the California coast in Carmel. Trails traverse the coastline and its nearby surroundings. Migrating whales can sometimes be seen offshore by lucky visitors. We saw a couple of them from a trail in early March. The Reserve offers a variety... 

 2 Reviews  A shortish drive south of Carmel, along Highway 1, and you will find yourself in the Big Sur region. Big Sur is home to State Parks filled with redwood forests, stunning coastal scenery, secluded coves and beaches, and all manor of hiking trails for the active visitor. We spent a day driving along... 

 3 Reviews  San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, 1771, is the site of The Carmel Mission Basilica and National Shrine of Blessed Junipero Serra, who founded the California Missions and is buried in the Church. Peaceful is the word of the entire grounds that overlook the sea with the hill top view of... 

 2 Reviews  Monterey Bay Aquarium is considered one of the best in the nation, and I would have to say that is true. Located right in the heart of the tourist area, it is easy to get to, easy to find parking garages nearby, and large enough to accommodate hundreds of visitors at any one time. The architecture... 

 1 Review  Besides the famous beaches and parks in Carmel--including Carmel Beach, Carmel River State Beach, Monastery Beach, and Point Lobos State Reserve--Carmel boasts a number of other small city parks that are beautiful and fun to explore. Here are a few that I have discovered: Mission Trails Park has... 

 1 Review  Garland Ranch Regional Park is located just a short drive up Carmel Valley Road, and is a great place to get away from civilization for a while. This park has easy to difficult trails that go from elevations of 200 to 2000 feet. It is flat along the old floodplain, but the trails ascend steeply up... 

 1 Review  In 2007 the Carmel Art Festival is in its 14th year. I visited on the busy Saturday when the "Sculpture in the Park" at Devendorf Park along Ocean Ave was impressive, and Mission Street was closed off for displays of paintings. The festival also has a Youth Art Show, Quick Draw, and Kids Art Day.... 

 1 Review  Somebody told me this is called “The poor man’s Pebble.” As in it’s less expensive to play than neighboring Pebble Beach. There’s NOTHING poor about Spyglass. Ok, it’s $150.00 cheaper than Pebble, but at $300.00 a round (w/out cart or caddy), I wouldn’t say it’s “cheap.” I rarely drop 300 bucks on a... 

 1 Review  Mission Carmel was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1770, the second in the California chain. Mission Carmel was the headquarters of the Mission chain from until he died in 1803. The Carmel Mission was his favorite, and he lies buried here under the altar. 

 1 Review and 115 Opinions  Great location for seeing the town. Only one block to the shopping on Ocean Ave and the side... 

 travelgourmet Says:  Marinus is one of those restaurants you must include on a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, if you LOVE, not like, gourmet. Located in Carmel Valley, only a few minutes drive from the town, is the secret wine district of California. Here, in the Valley, lies the Marinus at...