Creating Meaningful Memories in Carmel By The Sea
There’s just something magical about Carmel by the Sea. If you have yet to visit, here are just a few reasons why we have made the trip to this special place along the central coast almost every year for the past 11 years. You might think visiting the same small town over and over again would get boring, right? Not al all! Every trip we make, we find something new to see or do to mix it up as a family! This town may be small but offers so much in and around the area while providing a disconnect from our busy life in SoCal. In this round up, I share when to visit, where to stay and what to do based off our past 3 day stays.
Located about 330 miles north of Los Angeles is the most quaint seaside town with no addresses, no street lights and no chain stores. To navigate this charming storybook town by the sea, it uses intersecting streets and landmarks. The star of the town, the ocean with the most amazing blue water! The white sand is soft and soothing under foot, while the spectacular sunsets have visitors in awe as the sun dives into the sea.
The town offers unique shopping opportunities with one of a kind boutiques. Dining choices are vast! With more than 60 restaurants in one-square-mile, Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts more restaurants per capita than any other small city in the United States (with no chains!). They offer everything from Italian to English Pub fare and everything in between. And if you enjoy wine, you can partake in tastings throughout the town which feature many of the local Carmel Valley Wineries. Best part, everything is all within walking distance of one another. When visiting Carmel by the Sea, just leave your car parked at your hotel and go explore the town for the day.
Where to stay. There are many options for accommodations in Carmel but few have room for larger families, offer fireplaces, are within walking distance of all the restaurants, shops and the beach while offering views of the ocean. Hofsas House Hotel is one that fills this bill and is also pet friendly. We have stayed at several other hotels outside the heart of Carmel By The Sea but when we want the ease of being within walking distance of everything, this property is our go-to. The staff is very versed when it comes to things to do and current event happening around town, so be sure to ask upon checking in.
A little about this property. Hofsas House offers pet friendly accommodation that are large and homelike for families to stretch out in. No one room or suite is alike out of the 38 they offer. Many offer ocean views, private balconies, fireplaces and some even come equipped with kitchenettes. Not looking to prepare anything? Continental Breakfast is offered from 8-10am in the main lobby. You can opt for a grab and go strategy on your way out for the day, ask that a try be brought up to your room or pop in to the lobby, grab what you like and enjoy from the comforts of your room. The Pool is heated year round, there are dedicated men/women dry saunas, parking is designated and the rooms are always very clean. As for the beds, they are very comfortable. Located between 3rd & 4th Ave on San Carlos Street.
Our top things to see and do in and around Carmel
Point Lobos Nature reserve. If you are looking for a light trail to hike with the most breath taking views, I can’t recommend this park enough.
Hours: 8:00 a.m to 7 p.m $10 per vehicle
Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the reserve and cannot be left inside parked vehicles.
No Bikes on Trails
No Collecting: Shells, rocks, wood, plants, animals and all features of the reserve.
Parking can be difficult on busy weekends and holidays .There is highway parking for free (if you can find some).
Carmel Mission Basilica /general admissions includes a self-guided through the Basilica, museums, and grounds. Address: 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea Cost: Adults $15 Seniors (62+) $12 Youth (7-17) $8 Child (6 and under) Free Tip If traveling with a dog: Mission Trail Park encompasses 37 acres of California Coastal native vegetation, with meadows, dense Monterey Pine forest and a grove of Oak trees. There are two entrances to the park: one east of downtown on Mountainview Avenue and the other on Rio Road across the street from the Carmel Mission. Dogs can be off-leash but must be under voice control and follow all of the rules to remember.
The Beach! At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on the Central Coast and is rated "One of America's Top Beach Towns." Dog Friendly on or off leash.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk. The Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk is a free, ongoing mobile guide that will take you on a self-guided, walkable wine tasting journey to discover exclusive experiences at wine tasting rooms throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea. No matter your taste, you will find amazing opportunities to explore and learn about wine.
Step 1 - Get Your Free Mobile Guide
Step 2 - Sign-In & Save to Your Home Screen. Sign-in with your Email address and ZIP code. There is no app to download.
Step 3 - Redeem Exclusive Wine Tasting Offers
When visiting a participating wine tasting room, click the REDEEM OFFER button and then present your phone to the tasting room staff to approve the redemption and special wine tasting offer! Our favorites to visit are Silvestri Vineyards and Shale Canyon Wines.
Top dining pick! If you love Italian food, I can’t recommend Little Napoli on the Corner of Dolores St. & 7th St enough! As most restaurants in Carmel are, their patio is pet friendly. We had the Cippino, Margherita Pizza and Truffled Gnocchi. Everything from the food to the service was excellent!
Sea Harvest Fish Market Looking for a casual spot that serves fresh seafood? This is our go-to place for Fish and Chips! Located in Crossroads Carmel Outdoor Mall. 243 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea This shopping center offers several unique shops to browse. We especially love Spencers Stationery for their delightful selection of journals, cards, pens and paper goods.
Café Carmel is the place for a grab and go breakfast sandwich or evening dessert. Located on Ocean Ave & Mission Ave. Their Napoleon is one of our favorites desserts there.
5th Deli located on 5TH Ave And Delores St is out spot for lunch/picnics. A must if heading to any of the parks, the beach or trails and want to take lunch! They offer made to order sandwiches, daily soups and specials along with all the drinks and snacks you could want. The staff there is some of the friendliest in town.
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Lugano Swiss Bistro is Carmel’s Only Fondue Restaurant
& Classic Swiss Dining. Casual atmosphere offering great beer and even better schnitzel. Located at: 3670 The Barnyard E-11 Carmel-By-The-Sea
Every trip we try to do something new. During our last visit, we drove north to Santa Cruz to the Mystery Spot and rode the Roaring Camp Railroads train ride through the Redwoods in Felton. We also explored a new hiking trail since we brought our dog along. Garland Ranch Regional Park located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road. They allow dogs off leash on the trails provided they have voice recall. This was a great option for us since Point Lobos doesn’t allow dogs.
Mystery Spot Entrance in Santa Cruz
Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz is a must if you have never been. Tours run frequently so you can purchase tickets upon arrival or pre purchase with your preferred time. It’s suggested you arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time.Tickets are $12.00. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $5.00 per vehicle. Tip: Wear sneakers or shoes with a grip as you will be walking up and down very steep terrain. 465 Mystery Spot Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Roaring Camp Railroad Photo: Roaring Camp
Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton is another one of those must do activities. Check their site to secure your tickets as times can sell out in advance. Roaring Camp’s steam engines date from 1890, during the 75 min roundtrip from Roaring Camp to Bear Mountain, you will travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit. Throughout the year they offer themed events so be sure to check their website for what’s being offered. Parking is $10 5401 Graham Hill Road Felton, CA US 95018
Feeding the Ostriches
Looking for more options, Winchester Mystery House and California’s Great America is just a 90 minute drive north from Carmel.
Points south on the return to the greater LA area are Cambria/Hurst Castle. Discover the meticulous preservation and restoration of Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument with a variety of tours offered throughout the year. Tickets start at $35 for Adults and $18 for Children 5-12.
Solvang/Ostrichland USA home to over 150 giant birds. Admission is $10 for Adults/$7 for Seniors & Military and $5 for Children 12 and under. Feed for the ostriches and emus is just $1 a bowl.
If you are traveling with your family dog, here are some important rules to remember.
For the safety of all dogs and visitors, please note that dogs must have a current license, up-to-date vaccinations, respond to voice command and be in visual control. Dogs under four months of age are not permitted as their shots and vaccines are not effectual yet. Owners are responsible for pets at all times and use a leash. Dogs may be off-leash on Carmel Beach and Mission Trails Park only provided they are under voice control at all times. Dogs must be on-leash at Carmel River Beach. Dogs are not allowed to interfere with, bother, or harass other visitors, animals or wildlife. Animals may not be left unattended and dogs are not permitted in Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission Streets. More info can be found here: https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/
Finally, when is the best time of the year to visit Carmel? We have gone in April, August and even in November for Thanksgiving. The great thing about Carmel is the weather is pretty favorable most of the year. Carmel-by-the-Sea is usually cool and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 44°F to 67°F and is rarely below 37°F or above 76°F. The best time of year to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for warm-weather activities is from early July to early October according to Weather Spark. Best advise if packing for a trip to Carmel is to bring layers, comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket.
