Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach
Ocean Ave and Scenic Rd, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California's Central Coast. From morning to night Carmel Beach attracts visitors and locals alike to take in the majestic scenery and fun activities. This beach offers scenic paths, areas for beach fires and is dog friendly.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Fairytale Cottages
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a storybook – and nowhere is that sense of wonder more alive than among its Fairytale Cottages. Discover the history behind these charming cottages below and use the GPS map to wander your way through the village and neighborhoods to see the Fairytale Cottages up close!
Carmel-by-the-Sea Shopping
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Beyond Carmel Plaza the curlicue-roofed shops are in hidden passageways throughout the downtown area. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants for nothing but infinite time to explore it. Some of our favorite shops include: Carmel Christmas Magic, Carmel Bay Company, Thinker Toys and Oliver Napa Valley.
Big Sur State Park
47555 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
This beautiful park features redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows - plus open meadows. Wildlife includes black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as water ouzels and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Some campsites are along the Big Sur River. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park .
Official park information & vehicle reservations:
Pfeiffer Beach
Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur, CA 93920
This is a renowned, picturesque spot famous for its purple-tinted sand, dramatic rock formations, and the iconic "Keyhole Rock" arch. It is a day-use-only area managed by the US Forest Service, featuring a narrow, unmarked access road (Sycamore Canyon Road) and limited parking that often fills up early. The beach is particularly beautiful during sunset, when the light shines through the keyhole arch.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 California 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
The area is geologically unique and contains a rich and diverse plant and animal life both on shore and in the water. The reserve has several miles of trails. Visitors can view the coastal scenery, explore the coast, and picnic. The quality of the underwater environment in the adjacent marine protected areas draws a large number of scuba divers. Whaler's Cove is often used by divers to begin their dives. Other activities include kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
Carmel Valley Golf
1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel, California 93923
At the heart of Carmel Valley Ranch's 500 acres, winding through the core of the resort from the valley floor though the foothills and up to significant elevation, is the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. As the only Pete Dye design in Northern California, the 18-hole, par-70 course has earned a reputation for its stunning views, friendly wildlife, tactical challenges and playability.
Information for booking:
Pebble Beach Golf Links
1700 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
The No. 1 public course in the country. Let the bagpiper serenade you during a Spanish Bay sunset. Draw inspiration from the proud Lone Cypress. Discover your own favorite spot along 17-Mile Drive, or our 25 miles of trails, or the serene Stillwater Cove. Join us at Pebble Beach Resorts and make your own unforgettable memories.
Information for booking:
17-Mile Drive
17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
This drive takes you on a leisurely driver's seat tour of some of the world's most scenic natural treasures. This leisurely road winds its way through pristine Del Monte Forest and quietly luxurious Pebble Beach — and their incomparable beauty spots, world-ranked golf courses, dream homes, restaurants, and world-class shops.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row in Monterey, California
Located at the ocean's edge on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life. Visit sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies, and much more within minutes from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.