Things To Do
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Just 15 minutes from Carmel, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned for its incredible marine exhibits and oceanfront setting. You’ll see playful sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and a massive kelp forest tank that feels like diving beneath the waves. The Aquarium is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves the sea — and it sits right on Cannery Row, so you can easily explore nearby shops and restaurants afterward.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Cannery Row blends history and fun — once a working sardine canning district, it’s now lined with boutiques, wine tastings, oceanfront restaurants, and coastal views. Old Fisherman’s Wharf (a short drive away) has colorful docks, seafood stands, and whale-watching tours departing daily. Grab a cup of clam chowder, stroll along the pier, and enjoy local street performers.
Tuck Box
A Carmel classic! The Tuck Box is housed in one of the town’s original storybook cottages and looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. This cozy little café serves hearty breakfasts, traditional English teas, and homemade scones with Devonshire cream. Sit on the flower-filled patio, enjoy the sunshine, and soak in the charming atmosphere — it’s the perfect start to a slow Carmel morning. It’s also a special spot for us — Christopher used to come here often as a kid and eat as many pancakes as he could!
Fairytale Cottage Walk
Carmel is famous for its storybook cottages, many of which were designed in the 1920s and ’30s by local builder Hugh Comstock. His whimsical homes — with steep gabled roofs, crooked chimneys, and flower-filled gardens — look like something from a fairytale. Take a self-guided stroll starting near 6th and Ocean Avenue to see the most iconic examples, including the Hansel and Gretel Cottages. It’s a lovely, peaceful walk that captures the magic of Carmel’s charm.
Ocean Avenue Boutiques
he heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea is Ocean Avenue, a walkable stretch filled with boutique shops, local art galleries, and cozy tasting rooms. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and coastal-inspired home goods to fine art and specialty chocolates. It’s the perfect place to wander in the afternoon — grab a latte, pop into a few shops, and enjoy the relaxed small-town charm that makes Carmel so special.
17 Mile Drive
A must-do for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula, the 17-Mile Drive winds through the private community of Pebble Beach and offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in California. Along the route, you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, windswept cypress trees, and world-famous golf courses. Be sure to stop for photos at The Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in the world. The drive can be done in about an hour, but it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the views and scenic pull-offs.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Even if you’re not a golfer, Pebble Beach Golf Links is an iconic stop. Overlooking the Pacific, it’s consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Stop in for lunch or a cocktail at The Bench, which sits right beside the 18th green and offers unbeatable ocean views, cozy fire pits, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience a bit of Pebble Beach luxury without picking up a club.
Earthbound Farm Stand
Just a short drive from Carmel, Earthbound Farm Stand is a charming countryside stop surrounded by organic gardens and rolling hills. Enjoy fresh salads, baked goods, and pressed juices, or stroll through the flower and herb gardens. We love coming here for lunch and a coffee — it’s the perfect peaceful break between Carmel and Carmel Valley.
Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)
Built in 1855, Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Tour the small museum and walk the nearby trails for sweeping ocean views and crashing waves.