Guidebook for Carmel-by-the-Sea
Parks & Nature
This park has many easy hiking trails with stunning views of the ocean and wildlife (deer, rabbits, squirrels, sea otters, seals, walruses, etc.)
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1 This park has many easy hiking trails with stunning views of the ocean and wildlife (deer, rabbits, squirrels, sea otters, seals, walruses, etc.)
Big Sur
Essentials
Safeway
815 Canyon Del Rey BlvdFood Scene
Katy's Place offers large, delicious breakfast and brunch entrees. Get there early before it gets too crowded.
27 locals recommend
Katy's Place
Mission StreetKaty's Place offers large, delicious breakfast and brunch entrees. Get there early before it gets too crowded.
This is a romantic and elegant French restaurant. It's the perfect place for an intimate dinner. I do not recommend bringing children to this restaurant.
7 locals recommend
Anton & Michel Restaurant
7th AvenueThis is a romantic and elegant French restaurant. It's the perfect place for an intimate dinner. I do not recommend bringing children to this restaurant.
Sightseeing
This is an enormous world-famous aquarium that offers something for everyone! In order to make the most of the aquarium, allow at least several hours for this experience.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row This is an enormous world-famous aquarium that offers something for everyone! In order to make the most of the aquarium, allow at least several hours for this experience.
Even though the drive is only 17 miles, allow yourself an hour because you will want to make frequent stops to take pictures.
39 locals recommend
17 Mile Dr
17 Mile Drive Even though the drive is only 17 miles, allow yourself an hour because you will want to make frequent stops to take pictures.
Arts & Culture
Classic Art Gallery
Shopping
The Barnyard
The BarnyardThis outdoor shopping mall features many high-end stores such as J. Crew, Anthropologie, and much more.
24 locals recommend
Carmel Plaza
Mission Street This outdoor shopping mall features many high-end stores such as J. Crew, Anthropologie, and much more.
Entertainment & Activities
This is a charming and beautiful old-fashioned theater that features many first-run movies. it has a large movie screen and comfortable seating.
9 locals recommend
Lighthouse Cinema
525 Lighthouse Ave This is a charming and beautiful old-fashioned theater that features many first-run movies. it has a large movie screen and comfortable seating.