Top 11 Things to Do in Carmel, California

Tor House

"We had come without knowing it to our inevitable place," wrote the American poet Robinson Jeffers who lived in Tor House, an ocean-perched home in the 1920s and 30s. Robinson's work focused on the beauty of nature and this stone cottage and tower that he built with his own hands is a physical representation of many of the themes of his poetry. The house has been well-preserved to carry on the poet's legacy and tours are available for visitors who may be interested in the history of Carmel, the life of the poet, or the beautiful views from this well-selected knoll.

Hit the Links at Pebble Beach

Just north of Carmel, golfers can take a trip up to Pebble Beach and snag a tee time at the Pebble Beach Golf Resort which boasts three top-tier courses. Wrapping around a fabulous section of the California coast, the views from each course are worth enjoying in person. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the highest-rated courses in the country. The resort offers a golf academy and hosts many world-renowned tournaments.

Visit the Beaches

With a name like Carmel-by-the-Sea, no trip here would be complete without seeing the ocean and you'll find many excellent and easy-to-get-to beaches in Carmel. Just south of downtown, the mile-long River State Beach is a wonderful place to watch the sunset and is a popular entry point for scuba divers. Even further south, Monastery Beach is very clean and quiet but the waves can be rough for swimming. If you prefer something you can walk to from town, Carmel's main beach can be accessed at the end of Ocean Avenue. Here, you'll find more crowds but also trails for walking, nets for volleyball, and a popular surf spot.

Stroll Through Downtown Carmel

Downtown Carmel's Ocean Avenue is lined with shops and charming art galleries. Make sure to venture down the side streets, where you'll find unique boutiques, and small garden courtyards and passageways. Connecting Dolores Street to San Carlos Street, there is one particularly charming passageway that is lined with bamboo. There are many unique local shops in downtown Carmel, as well as outposts of nationwide brands like Lush and Anthropologie.

Follow the Scenic Route

The star of the town is the stunning coast and visitors are welcome to take the scenic route with many miles of coastal trails and drives available for exploration. You'll have a tough time deciding whether to gawk at the ocean views or stare at the gorgeous homes you'll pass along the way. To get to the scenic highway, follow Ocean Avenue towards the beach and turn left onto Scenic Road. You can follow this all the way along the water's edge to Carmel River State Beach. After the beach, the road will change names to Carmelo Street, which you can follow to loop back around downtown.

Tour the 17-Mile Drive

If you prefer a full day out on the road, the 17-Mile Drive is just what the doctor ordered. Passing through the neighborhood of Pebble Beach and its golf course, luxury hotels, and gorgeous beach views. It's possible to get onto the route from Highway 1, but it's much easier to follow the signs from downtown Carmel. Because it passes through an exclusive neighborhood, you will have to pay an entry fee to drive through it.

Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

This small state park located just south of Carmel is a perfect destination for hikers who want to have an up-close experience with the dramatic shoreline. It also offers the opportunity for wildlife spotting with resident sea otters and harbor seals aplenty. However, if you want to have the whole experience, you'll have to don your scuba gear. Half of the protected park is underwater and diving is only allowed at Whalers and Bluefish Coves with a permit.

Enjoy Sunday Brunch at Mission Ranch

Famously owned by actor and director Clint Eastwood, Mission Ranch serves a tasty Sunday brunch buffet where you can eat while enjoying a uniquely pastoral view of grazing sheep with an ocean backdrop. On a sunny day, the patio is unbeatable and you can always count on a top-notch live jazz ensemble. Perfect for an early evening drink, you might even be lucky enough to see the sheep hustle into their pen for the night, an event that often spurs applause from the restaurant's patrons.

Taste Local Wines

Picking up steam as a top destination for food and wine, downtown Carmel offers 13 wine tasting rooms to try out along the Carmel Wine Walk. Representing local vineyards, wineries like Caraccioli Cellars, Holman Ranch, and others all offer a chance to taste local wines without having to drive out to the countryside. If all that vino gets you feeling a bit tipsy, make reservations for a meal at treasured local restaurants like La Bicyclette and La Belena.

Warm Up at The Forge in the Forest

Just off the main drag at Junipero Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Carmel, you'll find The Forge in the Forest. It's open all day, and their patio is dog-friendly, but the best time to go is after dark when it takes on a near-magical, quintessentially California feel. 

You can eat outside under one of their overhead heaters in all but the coldest weather. You can also find a seat beside one of the outdoor fireplaces and stay warm while you enjoy a dessert or an after-dinner drink.

Go Back in Time at Mission San Carlos de Borromeo

Carmel is one of the oldest cities in California, tracing its roots to 1770 when Spanish missionary Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Carlos de Borromeo Carmelo. The mission is located on the south side of town near Mission Ranch. Even if you're not a history buff, you will enjoy the mission's unique architecture and gardens which make a lovely backdrop for photographs.