Carmel-by-the-Sea, Attractions

Located in the heart of Carmel village, Sunset Center is a stunning Carmel performance venue. Originally constructed in 1931 as the auditorium for Carmel’s Sunset School, this theater in Carmel has welcomed performances from some of the finest masters of the arts, including singers, dancers, actors, chamber musicians and symphonies.

The Carmel Bach Festival is a unique Monterey Peninsula attraction for classical music fans. The selection of classical works range from Bach Solo Organ performances to Vocal Master Classes, Twilight at the Mission and the popular 'Aha Concerts' and 'Best of the Fest' which keep music lovers coming back year after year. The Festival performances are enhanced by the local ambiance and flavor as they are being held at varying venues throughout Carmel, including the Carmel Mission, the Church in the Forest and the Sunset Center in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. For tickets, be sure and phone their box office or order them online at ww.bachfestival.org.

Julie Packard, of the Hewlett-Packard (HP) family in Palo Alto, founded the Monterey Bay Aquarium, establishing the organization as a world-renown marine conservation aquarium like no other in the world. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary is one of the famous aquariums on the west coast. This is a great family friendly attraction that has fascinating exhibits and collections that rival most other aquariums. Some current exhibits include Sea Otters, Giant Octopus, and Jellies: Living Art. This spot is a must see for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Please join the Monterey Bay Aquarium membership and help promote marine conservation in the oceans.

Those visitors interested in fine art might want to visit Lisa’s Studio. Lisa Bryan is a painter who lives and works in the heart of Carmel. Her unique, painted presentation of the village Carmel-by-the-Sea delights visitors every year. Her shop, located in the famous Court of the Fountains, holds beautiful renderings of each shop in the court. Lisa’s studio showcases her many visions of Carmel. Her collectible artist map is something you will treasure during your visit and can be framed as a memento upon your return home – A real treasure map of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center at the Long Marine Laboratory in Santa Cruz provides visitors with an in-depth look at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and all of its unique inhabitants. The hands-on exhibits are meant to both entertain and educate guests about marine life and conservation in these fragile waters. The Seymour Center may be booked for school field trips, private events and celebrations—stunning views of the Monterey Bay and plenty of activities make this marine center both educational and fun for the whole family.

Basilica is one of the active churches and schools in the Carmel area. The Basilica displays period painted ceilings and walls. Many of the original artifacts, statues and altarpieces are still used in current day services. The museum building displays the living quarters and tomb of Father Junipero Serra, the founder and beloved priest who supervised the building of the Mission. The Mission is also a popular location for the Carmel Bach Festival's period candlelight concerts every July & August. Wedding services are also performed at the Basilica and can be arranged through the parish office. Call for details and more information on the tours and hours of operation.

Just minutes away from Carmel, Cannery Row is a popular shopping and dining hotspot and home to many of the area’s top attractions. At Cannery Row, visitors can go wine tasting, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and take in the gorgeous views of the Monterey Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary.

This famous drive along the cliffs of Pebble Beach flaunts some truly spectacular views of everything from Point Lobos State Park to Carmel’s famous white sand beaches. The gated roadway, littered with Cypress and Monterey Pine trees along the way, also winds past some of the most famous golf courses in the country. Whether by car or motorcycle, a journey down this road offers a great way to see some of the California’s most enviable coastlines.

Enjoy white sand, beautiful sunsets, native cypress trees, walks, surfing, kites, sunbathing and picnics. This beach is open from 6am to 10pm. There is a no leash law for dogs and fires are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue. Join Carmel's residents on the fourth Saturday of each month to help cleanup the beach. Wear a colorful safety vest and enjoy coffee and pastries afterwards.

Named “Monastery Beach” by locals for its location across the street from Carmelite Monastery, this beautiful Carmel beach is well marked and easily accessed with ample parking along Coast Highway One. This is a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking and large family outings, not to mention a favorite spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. The waters here are known for powerful waves and strong tides, so both newcomers and locals are advised not to swim here unless the ocean is calm, as there are no lifeguards at this beach. Be sure and use the trash containers for clean up as the wind and surf can easily wash it out to sea.

This beautiful mile-long beach is complete with trails, a shallow lagoon for children and wildlife viewing. Dogs must be on a leash. Because of the dangerous surf, swimming is not permitted.

Directions: From Highway 1, turn west (towards the ocean) onto Rio Road, turn left on Santa Lucia, then left on Carmelo Road and into the designated parking lot.

A quaint little area, the Court of the Fountains in Carmel is a great spot to lunch and shop. This courtyard contains shops selling unique artisan items like paintings, hand made jewelry and photography. Enjoy a sunny walk between old buildings and under shaded trees, take some time to enjoy the art, and settle down for a nice peaceful lunch.

This lovely Carmel park is a large expanse of lawn surrounded by stone pathways, benches and shade trees, occupying an entire block of downtown Carmel between Ocean Ave and 6th. This park is the site of numerous public festivities throughout the year and a favorite spot for picnickers. Dogs are not permitted inside this park.

Built by Herbert Heron and his Bohemian “Forest Theater Society,” this historic theater is celebrating its’ 100th birthday this year with a momentous season of dramatic plays and a series of “Films In the Forest.” This downtown Carmel theater is located at the intersection of Santa Rita and Mountain View, offering wonderful views and a setting within walking distance of shopping and dining. The whole family (including the family dog) is welcome to bring blankets, picnic supplies and even a bottle of wine and enjoy an 8pm live performance or film in the forest this summer. Two roaring fireplaces provide outdoor warmth and concessions have many great treats and eats for the audience.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is home to some of California’s most exciting auto and motorbike races. Laguna Seca’s major sporting events include Monterey Sports Car Championships, the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, the U.S. Sports Car Invitational, the U.S. AMA Superbike Series and the A1 Grand Prix. Laguna Seca raceway is also home to the Skip Barber Racing School, so drivers looking to improve their skills can practice at a world-class facility with knowledgeable instructors. Check their website for upcoming events as they host bike races, auto events and community-supported gatherings.

Pebble Beach is located just two miles north of Carmel-By-The-Sea, along the scenic 17 Mile Drive. This resort is home to much more than just some of the best golf courses in the country. Each year, Pebble Beach hosts a wide variety of events, including equestrian shows, classic automobile competitions and special buffet dinners. Golf competitions range from Champions League, PGA and LPGA to juniors and amateurs. Make sure to check the calendar before visiting Carmel—there’s usually something exciting happening at nearby Pebble Beach.

Located a mile south of Carmel Village on Highway 1, this State Park has something for everyone who loves nature. Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea. Though overnight camping is not permitted, this Carmel parkland is excellent for day hikes and picnics.

The Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove is the oldest operating lighthouse in the West Coast of the US. Continuously operating since February 1, 1855, its beacon has flashed nightly as a guide and warning to shipping off the rocky California coast. Located at the West end of the Pacific Grove Golf Course and surrounded by the windward side of Pebble Beach, this Carmel attraction is great for day tours and relaxing visits after a challenging golf game or lunch in the nearby town of Pacific Grove.

Reminiscent of an ancient Irish Stone Tower, both the Tor House and Hawk Tower are amazing places to visit in Carmel. Stroll the lovely English Cottage Garden and experience the history of Carmel's beloved poet, Robinson Jeffers. Tours and events are held here annually celebrating the rich Bohemian past of Carmel's poets and writers. Hand-built, this structure stands proudly today in it's original form. You can visit the home and gardens at one of the many events and celebrations accessible through their website www.torhouse.org.

This native plant garden with paths and benches surrounding the First Murphy House was built in 1902 by 17-year old Michael Murphy, who went on to become one of Carmel's greatest builders. Here you can enjoy a spectacular view of Carmel Bay. The Murphy House, now owned and maintained by the Carmel Heritage Society, is open to the public Wednesday - Sunday from 1:00 to 4pm.

Forest Hill Park is a 2-acre park that includes a large children's playground, a shuffleboard court, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court on sand, barbecues and picnic tables and a public telephone. This is the perfect destination for picnics and fun for the whole family.

At this one-acre hillside visitors will find a garden of mature native California plants, meandering paths and comfortable benches at especially scenic outlooks. Evening is the ideal time for bird lovers! Over 100 informative plant labels are in place throughout the garden and an information booklet describing the plants is available in a kiosk at each of the entrances. The garden is open everyday from dawn to dusk. Dogs are not permitted in the garden, but there are hitching posts and watering bowls for dogs at each of the entrances.

Located at Monterey’s Custom Plaza, the Maritime Museum of Monterey was built in 1931 by Arnelie Elkinton, the curator of Monterey’s Mexican-era Custom House. This waterfront museum boasts 6000 artifacts, over 50,000 photographs and 6000 books and papers in their collection. The 580 glass prisms of the historic Frenel lens from the Point Sur Lightstation illuminate the Maritime Museum and its seven exhibit areas that include everything from the Rumsien/Ohlone Indians and Spanish Explorers to Monterey’s era as the sardine capital of the world. Open daily except Wednesdays, 10am – 5pm.

My Museum is one of the most unique attractions in Monterey. Kids can enjoy exciting hands-on educational exhibits and wonderful opportunities to create their own works of art out of recyclable and non-recyclable products. This is a fun venue for family days or birthday parties. My Museum provides a number of activities for kids to enjoy. These activities include everything from kid-produced theater to fun and safe science exhibits where youngsters can learn about the human body – there is even an exhibit designed just for toddlers! My Museum is currently located just above Cannery Row, but will be moving to a great new downtown Monterey location in late 2008.

Just 10 minutes from Carmel and over Highway 68, you will find the quaint Victorian Village of Pacific Grove and Lovers Point Park with its unparalleled views of Monterey Bay and beyond. Lovers Point Park is great place for swimming below on the small, but safe, sandy beach or picnicking at one of the tables or BBQ pits with views on both sides of the park. Snorkeling and kayaking in this wonderful cove is a great way to spend a day on the Monterey Peninsula. This park is the perfect date spot for any kind of couple.

Mission Trail Park encompasses 35 acres of unspoiled native vegetation, an is home to a rich diversity of habitats such as vast meadows, a grove of Oak trees and a dense Monterey Pine forest. This is a perfect spot for an early morning jaunt or an evening stroll - great for bird watching, jogging and walking your dog. The park extends from Mountain View Avenue (just east of downtown Carmel) southward to the Carmel Mission. There are two main entrances - one on Mountain View Ave and one on Rio Road across from the Carmel Mission.

This small and quaint park is the perfect place to relax under a giant shade tree. Designed by landscape architect Walter Guthrie, the garden boasts the use of drought-tolerant plant species native to the Carmel area. Many of the garden's plants are found nowhere else in the world. Species include the Coast Live Oak, Manzanita, Douglas Iris, Bush Anemone, Giant Chain Ren, Red-flowering Currant and Catalina Ironwood. Volunteers of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club maintain the park.