Carmel-by-the-Sea, Attractions

The Monterey Aquarium was founded by Julie Packard from the family Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Palo Alto. To her benefit, she has established this organization as a world-reknown marine conservation aquarium like no other in the world. They have successfully put the Monterey Bay Sanctuary on the map of unique places to visit for marine life and their exhibits and collections rival most other aquariums. Their current exhibits focus on the "Sea Otters" who inhabit this sanctuary and can be seen out at sea all along the coast of California and are currently threatened by their environment. A must for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula and please join as members to help promote marine conservation in the oceans.

Lisa Bryan’s “Carmel – A Treasure by the Sea” Book and Map delight the visitor with her unique, painted presentation of the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Each shop has been painted with an artistic flair by this artist in residence, located in the heart of Carmel at the Court of the Fountains. Lisa’s studio showcases her many visions of Carmel and 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 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. 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.

This historic Mission has been beautifully restored to its former glory. The Mission Basilica is one of the active churches and schools in the Carmel area. The Basilica displays period painted ceilings and walls, and many of the original artifacts, statues and altar pieces which are used in current day services. The museum building displays the living quarters and tomb of Father Junipero Sierra, the founder and beloved priest who supervised the building of the Mission. The Mission has a thriving parish and school on site and offers admission and tours for a fee. The Mission is also a popular location for the Carmel Bach Festival's period candlelight concerts every July & August which are consistently sold out. Wedding services are also performed at the Basilica and must 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.

White sand, beautiful sunsets, native cypress trees, walks, surfing, kites, sunbathing and picnics. Open 6am to 10pm.

There is no leash law for dogs and fires are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue. Public restrooms and a public telephone are available at the Ocean Avenue end of Carmel Beach.

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.

Mile-long beach with trails, a shallow lagoon for children and wildlife viewing. There is a public telephone and public restrooms in the parking lot.

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.

Named “Monastery Beach” by the locals for its location across the street from the Carmelite Monastery, this beautiful beach is well marked and easily accessed with ample parking along Coast Highway One. Both snorkeling and scuba divers make this a favorite spot, and sunbathing, picnicking and large family outings are possible on this wide stretch of sand. 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; even then, though, keep your guard up 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.

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 a picnic. There are public restrooms in the far NE corner of the park (Junipero & 6th). Dogs are not permitted inside the park.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is home to some of California’s most exciting auto and motorbike racing. 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 on a world-class facility with knowledgeable instructors.

Pebble Beach, located just two miles north of Carmel-By-The-Sea along the scenic 17 Mile Drive, is home to much more than some of the best golf links 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.

Tour Tor House and climb Hawk Tower, reminiscent of ancient Irish Stone Towers. 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. Built in 1914 wehn Carmel and Big Sur Coast was windswept and wild, Robinson Jeffers gathered granite bolders from the rocky shores of Carmel Bay as a refuge for his family. Most of his major works were written at Tor House and it was a haven for man of the famed writers of the era. Hand-built, this structure stands proudly today in it's original form. Robinson Jeffers and his wife Ona raised their two sons in the home and Jeffers is still a giant among American poets. You can visit the home and gardens at one of the many events and celebrations accessible through their website www.torhouse.org.

Native plant garden with paths and benches surrounding the First Murphy House, 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. Public restrooms are located adjacent to the park. The Murphy House, now owned and maintained by the Carmel Heritage Society, is open to the public Wednesday - Sunday from 1:00 to 4pm.

A 2-acre park that includes a large children's playground, a shuffle board court, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court on sand, barbecues and picnic tables and a public telephone.

A one-acre hillside garden of mature native California plants, with meandering paths and comfortable benches at especially scenic outlooks; a quiet woodland retreat for the enjoyment of the beauties of nature. Evening is the ideal time for bird lovers!

This charming garden serves as an important visual stimulus for gardeners who are looking for ways to utilize California native plants in their garden designs. 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 began in 1931 with Arnelie Elkinton, the curator of Monterey’s Mexican-era Custom House, and his dream of a museum on the waterfront of Monterey’s Wharf. When Adele Knight, the widow of Monterey History and Art Association’s former president Allen Knight, donated her late husband’s extensive collection in 1970, it allowed for the 40-year-old dream of Elkinton to come true. Today the 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.

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. This historic village plays host to many events such as “The Good Old Days” in early April, which begins with a good old-fashioned parade and features around 200 arts & crafts booths, food courts, community events and live music. 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. This is also the location of the annual “Feast Of Lanterns” held since the 1800’s and celebrated the last weekend of July yearly with a week’s worth of activities culminating in a day of entertainment on the pier and the crowning of the ‘Royal Court’ of Princesses and their Queen of the Feast. Snokeling and kayaking in this wonderful cove is a great way to spend a day on the Monterey Peninsula.

Mission Trail Park encompasses 35 acres of unspoiled native vegetation, containing a rich diversity of habitats - 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 - perfect 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.

Small and quaint and the perfect place to relax under a giant shade tree. Designed by landscape architect Walter Guthrie, the garden demonstrates the use of drought-tolerant species appropriate to the Carmel area. Many of the garden's plants are found nowhere else in the world, or in only limited areas in California. Species include the Coast Live Oak, Manzanita, Douglas Iris, Bush Anemone, Gian Chain Ren, Red-flowering Currant and Catalina Ironwood. The park is maintained by volunteers of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club. Restrooms are available in the rear of the park.