Location: Carmel
Top Things to do in Carmel
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in Carmel, California (CA)
The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.
Restaurants in Carmel
1. Point Lobos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,751 reviews
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
This park is called the crown jewel of California’s State Park System, and rightly so. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, equivalent IMHO to the National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. Moreover, it’s small enough to see in a half day visit, and very visitor friendly to boot, with easy and well-groomed trails (many accessible) and restrooms scattered throughout the park. We went on a sunny weekday in December, parked at Whalers Cove, and hiked the coast trail counterclockwise around the peninsula to the southern tip of the park at Bird Island, taking every offshoot trail and climbing Whalers Knoll. We then walked straight back to our car. This was about a 5.7 mile loop, with 700 feet of elevation change. In general the trail is easy, packed dirt and sand, plus occasional stairs and some rocks to climb at the overlooks. The only real climb is at Whalers Knoll, which goes up about 180 ft., but you can bypass this via North Shore Trail. Highlights on the walk were the beautiful twisty trees on Cypress Grove Trail and the bird-covered Bird Island. The walk out to Sea Lion Point was closed, possibly because of high surf. No whale sightings, but we did see harbor seals lying out on one of the beaches near Bird Island. Some quick tips if you decide to visit: 1. If you’re a local, check the weather and wait for a sunny weekday to visit, preferably in the off season. If you do, the park will be fairly empty and parking is easy, except possibly near Sea Lion Point. A docent told us that on a sunny day in the summer, parking is full by 9 am, and the park is then closed to cars. 2. Entry is $10, $9 for seniors, plus $2 for the trail map (well worth it). You can get in for free by parking along Highway 1 and walking in. 3. Bring a picnic lunch. There are 3 picnic areas, 5 flush restrooms, and many drinking fountains, but no food for sale. 4. Bring binoculars for a close up look at the birds and marine mammals. 5. Bring a face mask or buff that you can pop on quickly when passing hikers on the trail. Mask usage here was very good. If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, visit Point Lobos; it’s the perfect antidote.
2. Carmel Surf Lessons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Teaching surfing in Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove since 1986, professional instruction, professional grade gear. Trusted by all three surf shops on the Monterey Peninsula. Parties, groups and privates lessons offered almost daily all year around. All equipment included all ages and abilities welcome.
3. China Cove and Gibson Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By aliciasM3431NZ - Roseville, United States
We really enjoyed this state park on our visit. We walked almost 6 miles. We were able to see lots of sea life. They have picnic tables in certain spots, great for lunch and a break in between hikes. Clean restrooms. We will be back to explore more. Great for children just be careful if they are small.
4. Sunset Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By SKEIN1 - Monterey County, United States
we went to the Kansas Concert at the Sunset Center, what a GREAT Venue, awesome acoustics as well as comfortable and roomy seating. I can't wait to see something else here.
5. PacRep at the Forest Theater, Carmel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
PacRep at the Forest Theatre - annual family musical (Beauty & the Beast, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, etc.), and traditional Shakespeare Festival under the stars at one of the oldest outdoor theatres on the west coast Historic theatre dating to 1910 and early stage used by the Carmel 'bohemians' that started the city's theatre movement. In 2020, PacRep will present the family musical SHREK, during August and September. The Carmel Shakespeare Festival includes repertory productions at PacRep's Golden Bough Playhouse and the Circle Theatre. In 2020, PacRep will present OTHELLO, in October at the Forest Theater.
6. Scenic Road Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By bargingal - Atlanta, United States
My husband and I enjoyed a run on the Scenic Road early one morning during our trip. Wish we had more time to have enjoyed this Road more than once, it is beautiful. Plus a Frank Lloyd Wright house.
7. Tudor Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Tudor Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Anderson Valley are available for tasting inside the Court of the Fountains at the Wine Bar and in the restaurant by the glass, flight and bottle. All the Tudor Pinot Noirs scored 90 points and higher with Wine Spectator Magazine. The tasting includes three pinot noirs and a riesling tasting flight.
Reviewed By amyb164 - Carmel, United States
This location is now vacant and CLOSED. I visited the charming courtyard of the fountains and confirm this tasting room is now empty. Look up other locations.
8. Carmel Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 610 reviews
ADDITIONAL TOUR OPTIONS AND AVAILABILITY ON OUR WEBSITE - CLICK 'MORE' ABOVE (DESKTOP) TO BOOK DIRECT. Carmel Food Tours® is a walking, tasting and cultural tour of beautiful downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Experience the most famous artist colony in California with a leisurely stroll through the heart of Carmel, taste a specially-selected variety of foods and wines from local restaurants and boutique shops, and become acquainted with the unique history and culture of this magical city.
9. Steven Whyte's Sculpture Studio and Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Internationally acclaimed figurative sculptor Steven Whyte invites you to witness the creative process in action. The studios serves as both the artist's gallery and working studio, showcasing his powerfully emotive work and offering visitors the opportunity to watch the sculptures take life. Featuring Whyte’s latest Fine Art Bronze Limited Editions, Private and Corporate Commissions, Portrait Busts, and National Monuments. Featured as one of The New York Times 'must visit' destinations, see on CNN and HLN.
10. The Cheese Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By maddycrouch - Carmel, United States
They have a coconut flavored cheese that is to die for! It’s cows milk but so delicately flavored. They have so many types of cheese. Head in there before your next dinner party and you won’t be sorry!
