Carmel, CA Vacation Rentals

Carmel By The Sea Travel Guide

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a small beach city that’s known for its quaint city center and beautiful coastline.

Things to Do in Carmel By The Sea

Top things to do include walking or biking down the Scenic Bluff Path, which offers stunning coastal views, sunbathing on the Carmel River State Beach, and visiting the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo church, which was built in the 18th century.

Best Time to Visit Carmel By The Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea experiences warm and sunny weather through most of the year. The best time to visit is during the spring months of April and May or the fall months of September and October, which is when the days are warm and sunny but the summer vacation crowds are yet to descend on the city.

A Local's Guide to Carmel

The charming town of Carmel by the Sea rewards visitors with some of America’s most stunning scenery, as well as numerous cultural attractions like historic sites and art galleries. No road trip along the West Coast would be complete without a stop-off in Carmel, just a short drive away from Monterey Bay.

The rugged coastline draws artists to the area from all over the world, all eager to see the sandy beaches, impressive sunsets, and rocky outcrops. A mile south of the main town, visitors can find the Carmel River State Beach, a popular spot for a range of activities such as diving, kayaking, surfing and bird watching.

Today, Carmel village has nearly 100 art galleries in just one square mile of space. Some of the most popular galleries include Travis Hall Fine Art, Classic Art Gallery, Gallery Sur, Exposed, Gallery by the Sea Carmel, and many others.

Along with the many art galleries, the town is packed with wine-tasting rooms and wine bars, meaning guests can fully appreciate the Central Coast Wine Country location. While walking through the European-style village, venture into one the buildings and get to know the local winemakers, and of course, taste some of the region’s premium wines.

For a great day trip, take a drive down the coast to the impressive Big Sur, over the famous Bixby Bridge. The area has majestic hiking trails and hilltop restaurants offering ocean views. Another day trip option could be to Point Lobos State Reserve, which is arguably the crown jewel of the state park system. Thick groves of Cypress forests beckon explorers into their cool interiors, perfect for wildlife-lovers and those that are always on the lookout for a scenic vista.

Be sure to also pay a visit to the top-quality golf courses located around Carmel. Two of the best are Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, both which feature impressive courses to challenge even the most skilled golfer.

When it comes to looking for a place to stay, there are no big chains here. Each and every hotel or inn is unique, and provides a fantastic base for fully exploring what Carmel and Carmel Valley has to offer. Another option is hiring one of the many Carmel vacation rentals. Guests can choose between one of the town center vacation rentals or a property by the white sand beaches. Some rentals may even be pet-friendly, meaning your four-legged friend doesn't need to miss out.