The Best Places to Visit in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a Day Trip
We’ve been up and down the coast of California and our absolute favorite place in the entire state is in the Monterey Peninsula. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are famous for attractions such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pebble Beach but there is so much more to these beachside towns.
The area perfectly summarizes what makes Northern California’s coastline unique from anywhere else. From its cypress trees to the rugged California coast to the sand dunes covered in ice plants that change color throughout the year.
The beachside towns both have a quaint and enchanting charm of their own and are worth a visit if you’re ever in California. It’s the number one place we always love to bring guests from out of town to and it never fails to impress. It makes the perfect sea day trip.
Whether you’re looking to plan the perfect day trip or a quick weekend getaway, we’ve listed our favorite places to visit in Carmel below.
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When to Go:
There is never really a wrong time to go to Carmel. It does not get extremely hot nor overly cold being on the northern California coast of the Pacific Ocean.
We’ve gone during every season and besides needing a light jacket year-round or an umbrella in the winter and spring, the weather is almost never extreme for a visit.
However, if you want guaranteed good weather with clear and sunny skies, then the best time to go is between April and October.
The best day to explore is on a weekday, although that is not feasible for most people. On the weekends, Carmel is full of tourists that come from near and far. You will find many San Francisco Bay Area locals there on weekends and around school breaks.
Located less than 3 hours from San Francisco and only about an hour and a half away from San Jose, it’s a popular destination for a quick getaway from the strenuous corporate life of the city.
Places to Visit in Carmel:
1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This state park is one of the highlights of Carmel for any nature lover. You can make the hikes here as long or as short as you like with many options to choose from. I suggest you set aside a couple of hours just to explore this scenic park.
In one short hike on Cypress Grove Trail, which is a little loop, you can see some of the most beautiful Northern California sceneries. You follow along the rocky coast for a portion of the trail with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
I personally love seeing the rocky cliffs drop off into the choppy ocean below. I believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in California.
The trails are well paved and the hikes are not very difficult. This reserve is full of iconic cypress trees and forests laced with lichen (there’s a trail called Lace Lichen and you can see why).
As soon as you arrive next to the coast, you will probably hear the bark of sea lions. If you’re lucky, you can spot many other wildlife prevalent in this area.
We’ve seen sea otters, seals, and owls. What I have yet to see are the various whales (blue, gray, humpback, and killer whales) that make their way along this coast year round. They were previously spotted from the trails of Point Lobos State Park.
There are some picnic tables scattered throughout the natural reserve if you’re looking for a good spot to picnic or take a break. There are also a few restrooms scattered throughout the park.
Getting into Point Lobos – Tips
It can get very crowded here on the weekends and parking spills out from the park into the road and goes all the way down to Monastery Beach. Getting into the park itself becomes a little hike but it adds to the adventure! If you walk into the park from outside (parking along the road to Monastery Beach), the park is free to explore.
If you’re able to make it into the park with your car, the fee is $10 per vehicle. The best way to ensure you can park in the lot is to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. There is a small parking lot at various spots around Point Lobos.
2. Carmel Mission
In our opinion, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo is the most beautiful California Mission and our favorite one to visit. There you can visit the historical basilica as well as stroll around their serene and picturesque Central Courtyard, which is well kept with beautiful landscaping.
The Carmel Mission Basilica is also the resting place of St. Junipero Serra, the Franciscan priest known as “the apostle of California”. There is a museum on site dedicated to the life of St. Junipero Serra as well as the development of the Missions. You can learn about his life as well as what he has accomplished.
You will also find many of his relics in the church and throughout the museum. There are also great replicas of what mission life was like back then such as a replica of the room St. Junipero Serra lived in when he died.
Right outside the Mission along the road, you will find one of the Camino Real Bells, that are used to mark the historic royal route that was used by the Spanish connected the 21 California Missions.
3. Carmelites/Carmel Beach
Right next to Point Lobos and nestled quietly between the hills of Carmel and across from Monastery Beach is the beautiful Carmelite Monastery.
The Carmelite Chapel and grounds are open from 7:30 am – 4:20 pm with Masses offered to the public throughout the week.
As soon as you turn into their grounds, you can immediately feel a sense of peace and tranquility. Their little garden is a great place to take a stroll through with beautiful landscaping and is a scenic spot where you get great views of the Pacific Ocean.
However, the highlight of the place is their chapel, which you can go into and just take a step back from the world and pray. At certain times throughout the day, you can even hear the sisters chanting their prayers from behind the grate.
This is a hidden gem not known to most tourists even though it perfectly sums up the town of Carmel because here, it literally is “Carmel-by-the Sea”.
4. Downtown Carmel
This cute little downtown is quaint and fun to explore. The entire street of Ocean Avenue is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and locally owned cafes and restaurants.
The beginning of the main street starts with the Carmel Plaza and goes all the way down to Carmel Sunset Beach. Ocean Ave is usually crowded with tourists especially on the weekends. Parking can be difficult on busier days but we’ve always somehow found street parking in the surrounding area.
Ocean Avenue has many cute and quaint shops that remind you of fairytale cottages. There is also the famous Carmel Bakery on this street with a window case always full of the most enticing desserts. Many of the stores and restaurants along the street seem like mom and pop shops rather than major chains.
Carmel Plaza has a ton of great stores and shops that seem perfectly curated to reflect the Carmel charm. You can leisurely peruse through the shops and then stop for some snacks and a drink from the restaurants and brewery in the plaza. They even have a cheese shop where you can sample the cheeses before you purchase any.
Our favorite place to stop by here is Alvarado Brewery and Bistro. They have a good selection of local beers and drinks and we’ve always had great times here. The restaurant also serve dishes for lunch and dinner, which we’ve never tried but it seems to be a popular place for people to come eat.
5. 17 Mile Drive
The scenic 17-mile drive takes you through some beautiful views of the California coast where you can drive or bike through the scenic route. There are various lookout points along the way worth stopping at such as the Lone Cypress and various sandy beaches.
You will see many beautiful houses along the route and sprinkled throughout the 17 mile drive is the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. I really can’t imagine a better view while golfing.
The Pebble Beach Visitor Center is also a great place to stop for souvenirs, refreshments, or for freshening up.
Where to Eat:
1. Portabella Carmel
This is one of our top favorite restaurants in California. Located on the main street of Downtown Carmel on Ocean Avenue, it is a popular restaurant on the weekends so make reservations ahead of time if you intend to go.
Portabella Carmel is in a very cute cottage style building and the interior decor has the charm of a restaurant you’d find in the Italian countryside. The atmosphere is cozy yet sophisticated.
They serve delicious and great quality Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients. There is also a large variety of dishes to choose from so there’s something for everyone in the party from pastas to seafood to meat dishes.
I wholeheartedly recommend the carbonara; it rivals the ones we enjoyed at top restaurants in Rome. I’ve also sampled a few of their other dishes, and every one of them impressed me.
The desserts are especially outstanding, I highly recommend trying the tiramisu and the pecan pie. I’m usually not a fan of pecan pie, but theirs completely won me over. Pro tip: order a few different desserts and share them around the table so everyone gets a taste
Their wine selection is excellent and complements the meal beautifully. They also offer a great range of after-dinner drinks that serve as the perfect digestif, just enough to make room for dessert.
Another highlight is the live music: a talented singer strolls through the restaurant, serenading guests with his guitar and warm vocals. It adds a delightful charm to the atmosphere and makes the dining experience feel truly immersive
2. Alvaro Street Brewery & Bistro
This is a great brewery to stop by for a little break from all the hiking and walking you’ll do in Carmel. This brewery is located in the Carmel Plaza at the start of Downtown Carmel on Ocean Avenue.
They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seats and tables and are able to host larger parties.
The local beers they carry have not disappointed us yet in the times we’ve been there. If you’re not into beers, they do offer cocktails or just drinks for a refresher.
You can also enjoy a meal here if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for good drinks and food. We have yet to try their food but we see many families eating here each time we come by.
We also love this place because the servers are always so kind and friendly there. It’s a very pleasant place overall for people of all ages.
3. Sur at the Barnyard
Sur at the Barnyard is located further inland than most of the popular tourist attractions but this is a wonderful restaurant if you are in the mood for American dishes with an asian flair. It was awarded the Best Restaurant in Carmel award multiple times.
The casual restaurant is very family friendly and a good place to go to with a bigger party. Our party of 6 all chose different dishes and each one was delicious. There is a unique twist on all the American classics. You really can’t go wrong with going here for dinner.
The prices are more affordable than what you’d typically find in Downtown Carmel, and the location offers a welcome escape from the hustle and crowds of the more popular spots.