Meet carmel-By-The-Sea
Meet carmel-By-The-Sea
WELCOME TO carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Artistic. Whimsical. Epicurean.
Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a storybook brought to life. Explore hidden passageways, whimsical cottages and an arts community that’s thrived for over a century. Within one square mile, you can stroll between galleries, tasting rooms and white-sand beaches, all framed by ocean breezes and timeless charm.
Shopping
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s shopping scene feels more like a storybook stroll than a traditional retail district. Tucked into charming cottages and garden-lined courtyards, you’ll find a curated mix of independent boutiques, artisan goods and gallery-worthy treasures. Wander Ocean Avenue and the hidden passageways beyond to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, locally made finds and thoughtfully designed shops. Alongside the refined offerings of Carmel Plaza, each shop has its own distinct personality, all just steps apart.
Discover ShoppingEXPLORE Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
This coastal village is best explored on foot. From the historic Carmel Mission to Ocean Avenue’s cafés and courtyards, every street reveals hidden finds. At the edge of town, Carmel Beach offers an iconic stretch of white sand framed by cypress trees.
PLACES TO STAY IN Carmel-By-The-Sea
Find your luxurious retreat among Carmel’s distinctive inns. L'Auberge Carmel offers Relais & Châteaux elegance, La Playa Hotel blends historic grandeur with garden views, and the Cypress Inn — once co-owned by Doris Day — is a pet-friendly classic.
Cypress Inn
Candle Light Inn
Wayside Inn
Carmel Lamp Lighter Inn & Sunset Suites
Upcoming Events in Carmel-By-The-Sea
The village celebrates art, cuisine, music and culture throughout the year. Summer brings the world-renowned Carmel Bach Festival, monthly Carmel Art Walks showcase galleries after dark, and Carmel Culinary Week invites food lovers to savor inventive dishes from top local chefs. The phenomenally fresh Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers Market rounds out the experience, a weekly favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea
Spend the morning wandering through 50+ art galleries, step back in time at the Carmel Mission Basilica, or explore Robinson Jeffers’ Tor House by the sea. Wine lovers can follow the Carmel Wine Walk to tasting rooms like Chalone Vineyards and Galante Vineyards, just a few steps apart. For a change of pace, head down to Carmel Beach for a stroll with your pup — you might just see their famous annual sandcastle contest.
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
L'Auberge Carmel
Built in 1929, the European-style luxury hotel is situated just four blocks from famous Carmel Beach and offers an easy stroll to the village's numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
L' Auberge Carmel
Carmel Mission
Carmel Mission is considered the most authentically restored Franciscan mission and despite its many events and services, the Carmel Mission's courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest.
Carmel Mission
Robinson Jeffers Tor House
Stroll through an English cottage garden rich in color, texture and fragrance. Experience the atmosphere that inspired some of America's finest poetry. Step back in time and follow the romance of Carmel's poet.
Robinson Jeffers Tor House
Cypress Inn
Cypress Inn masterfully blends Old World hospitality and service with modern comforts and amenities. The glamorous Hollywood vibe of the hotel derives from the one-time co-ownership of legendary singer, actress and animal activist Doris Day, and the late Carmel icon, Dennis LeVett.
Cypress Inn
PLACES TO EAT
IN Carmel-By-The-Sea
Carmel’s dining scene pairs global flavors with local flair. Enjoy Michelin-starred French cuisine at Aubergine, wood-fired pizzas at La Bicyclette, or casual Italian comfort at Pepe’s Little Napoli. Regardless of the choice, the village’s cozy bistros and globally recognized chefs make every meal a memorable experience.
Rise + Roam
Village Corner Restaurant
Grasing's Restaurant
Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant and Patisserie
Pick Your Path
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Carmel-By-The-Sea: Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip? Start with these common questions.
The village is highly walkable, though parking can be limited.
Yes! Carmel is famously pet-friendly, with hotels and restaurants that cater to pups.
Fall offers clear skies and fewer crowds, while summer mornings can bring coastal fog.
The Carmel Wine Walk includes tasting rooms like Galante Vineyards and Wrath within steps of one another.
Waves and currents are strong; it’s best for picnics, walks, and views.
Carmel-By-The-Sea Directory
Plan your visit with complete listings of inns, restaurants, galleries, and attractions — everything you need for your storybook stay by the sea.
Little Swiss Cafe
Devendorf Park
A.W. Shucks Oyster Bar
Monte Verde Inn
Need some inspo?
Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.
-
Spanish Settlement of Monterey
Learn More: Spanish Settlement of MontereyInspired by America 250, Monterey 1000 broadens the lens to recognize histories that long predate the founding of the United States. Over the coming year,…
-
Tracing the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail Through Monterey County
Learn More: Tracing the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail Through Monterey CountyInspired by America 250, Monterey 1000 broadens the lens to recognize histories that long predate the founding of the United States. Follow the path of the…
-
A Guide to Romance in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Learn More: A Guide to Romance in Carmel-by-the-SeaThe ultimate guide for the perfect romantic escape, featuring intimate dining, cozy hideaways and the best ways to explore California’s fairytale village hand-in-hand As we…
Just One More Creative Spark
Which path will you choose when there’s only time for one more? If Carmel-by-the-Sea has captured your heart, check out Sand City.
