Carmel-by-the-Sea The ultimate travel guide to things to do for a weekend (plus).

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a top weekend getaway destination with plenty to offer visitors. From the unique culinary scene to the beautiful gardens to the amazing shopping opportunities, this amazing California beach town has a lot to experience. Being one of the most walkable cities, a weekend trip is bound to be one.

Visitors will encounter a number of lavish homes and luxury hotels and resorts to match. Everyone will find something interesting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is full of pristine beaches, art galleries, wonderful wine collection and more. Here’s the ultimate travel guide for a weekend (plus) in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel-on-the-Sea when to visit

With a Mediterranean climate, Carmel-by-the-Sea weather is beautiful year-round, and temperatures range from 57 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees. In autumn, the city is filled with sunny mornings, warm afternoons and cool nights.

Winters are mild, springs are cold, and winters are full of foggy months. Fog clears around 9:00 AM in Carmel Valley and 11:00 AM along the coast.

September to November is the best time to explore this part of California, because the weather is very comfortable and full of sunny days.

• Best time to visit: September – November

How can you go to Carmel by the sea?

The easiest way to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to fly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Other airports are San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC).

Traveling from the north or south, Highway 1 is the way to turn into one of the most beautiful cities in the US at the Ocean Avenue exit and into the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then everything is a stone’s throw away.

When it comes to getting around the city, Carmel-by-the-Sea is all walkable, and vacationers can explore most of it on foot. Tourists will find many art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Related: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Monterey, California

However, if you plan to explore the beach area, visitors should rent a car if they don’t have one. Parking is always free for the first two hours. Another parking option is with hotels, their garages or parking lots, but they are not always available.

There are free spaces for travelers to use for parking on Scenic Road, along the beach.

Where to stay in Carmel Sea

Tickle Rose Inn

Overlooking Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, the Tickle Pink Inn is a charming hotel and has been named one of TripAdvisor’s Top 500 Best Romantic Hotels in America and one of the Top 10 Hotels in Travel & Leisure. Conde Nast Traveler in Northern California.

• Address: 155 Highland Drive, Carmel, CA 93923-9601
• Facilities: Free parking, free high-speed Internet (Wi-Fi), hot tub, free breakfast, newspaper, non-smoking hotel and laundry service.
• Price: $$

Quail Lodge & Golf Club

Located just minutes from the Barnyard and the Monterey Museum of Art, Quail Lodge & Golf Club offers the best accommodations in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The lodge rooms are beautiful and have amazing amenities.

• Address: 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
• Facilities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking and business center.
• Price: $$

Normandy In

Located in the heart of the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Normandy Inn is just three blocks from Carmel Beach. The rooms are beautiful and come with free high-speed internet.

• Address: Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
• Facilities: Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, cable or satellite TV, toiletries, Internet and spa.
• Price: $

Where to eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea

• From scratch restaurant: Located in Barnyard Market Village, this local restaurant is the perfect breakfast option. The menu is extensive and includes cinnamon roll pancakes, banana walnut pancakes, eggs Florentine, veggie Florentine, huevos rancheros, cappuccino, double espresso, fresh organic coffee and more.
• Sur in the Barnyard: This is one of the best lunch restaurants in Carmel, and offers an unforgettable dining experience. The menu includes green beans with cashew nut crumble, Asian nachos, Sicilian meatballs, tempura jumbo prawns and more.
• Flying Fish Grill: A great option for dinner, Flying Fish Grill offers amazing food with a wonderful East/West fusion. From delicious seafood to clay pot dishes to beef and vegetables, an incredible dining experience is guaranteed here.

RELATED: 10 Best Sightseeing Stops on the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey

The best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Visit the best Carmel beaches

• Carmel Beach; No matter how many days or hours travelers plan to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach should never miss the bucket list. Stretching for about two miles, a walk along the beach is relaxing, whether at sunrise or after dark. It is always one of the top attractions to visit in this charming village. It’s dog-friendly, and offers other fun activities, including picnicking, surfing, swimming, and spectacular sunsets.
• Carmel River State Beach Accessible from the southern part of the city, Carmel River State Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, surrounded by the Carmel River Lake Wetland Nature Preserve. The beach is known for its abundance of birds. Thanks to the amazing wildlife, it is a popular place for photography. Swimming, kayaking and beachcombing are other fun things to do here.
• Ghosh Beach: Located at the southern end of Point Lobos State Nature Reserve, Bison Beach is a stunning sandy beach within a short walk. Popular activities include beachcombing, wildlife spotting, scuba diving, wave pooling and hiking.
• China Cove: Also located within the Point Lobos State Natural Resources Preserve, China Cove is one of nature’s most spectacular natural scenes, making it a favorite among photographers and one of beach lovers’ best beach gems. The cove features emerald-green waters surrounded by lush greenery. Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful West Coast Beaches to Add to Your Bucket List

Spend some time in Carmel Mission

Originally known as San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, it became a Roman Catholic mission in 1797 and this place is worth a visit. Now a nice little museum with amazing exhibits and runs Sunday masses.

Explore Point Lobos State Nature Reserve

Point Lobos State Nature Preserve is a must-visit for outdoor travelers. Being one of the most popular attractions, it can get crowded at times. There are miles of trails that lead to the most spectacular views in the city.

Some must-see spots are the Weller Museum, China Cove and Devil’s Cauldron near Sea Lion Rock.

Enjoy beautiful displays of local talent in art galleries

Carmel’s art galleries are known to be impressive. The galleries have impressive collections of art from both nationally known and local artists.

Even when you don’t buy a piece, you can just stroll around and indulge in window shopping. Places to check out include Carmel Art Society, Weston Gallery, and Sea Carmel Gallery.

Spend a perfect day at Carmel-by-the-Sea

While one day may not be enough to explore what this beautiful city has to offer, there are a few things that make for a beautiful experience on a day trip. Vacationers can start their day by visiting the local restaurant for a cup of tea. Scratch is a great place to choose as it offers amazing vegan and vegetarian dishes to match with quality services.

From here, if a beach was on your bucket list, it’s best to head to Carmel Beach. Carmel Beach can get very crowded during the day, so a morning visit would be the best time. Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for scenic drives and spectacular ocean views.

Related: Half Moon Bay: Is This California Beach Worth Visiting?

Come back downtown and enjoy what it has to offer. From amazing boutique shops to fine dining, downtown Carmel will blow visitors’ minds. Head to Dolores Street and spend some time at Gallery Honey, one of the best art galleries in town.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is filled with exciting adventures, shopping, dining, and beautiful hotels and resorts. No matter what vacationers are planning, a visit to this California icon is always worth it.

Every Q

Q: Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is filled with exciting adventures, shopping, dining, and beautiful hotels and resorts. Carmel-by-the-Sea has a bit of a pricey name, but no matter what vacationers plan, a visit to this California icon is always worth it.

Q: What are the best months to visit Carmel?

September to November is the best time to explore this part of California, because the weather is very comfortable and full of sunny days. Knowing what to expect can help travelers prepare for any season.

Q: What should I do in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

There are many things for vacationers to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including pristine beaches, Point Lobos State Nature Preserve, Carmel Mission, and art galleries. Whether for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a week of sightseeing, Carmel has no shortage of things to see and do.

Q: Looking for a car in Carmel?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is all walkable, and vacationers can explore most of it on foot. Tourists will find many art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes. However, if you plan to explore the beach area, visitors should rent a car if they don’t have one. Parking is always free for the first two hours. Another parking option is with hotels, their garages or parking lots, but they are not always available. There are free spaces for travelers to use for parking on Scenic Road, along the beach.

Q: What are the best luxury hotels in Carmel?

Popular luxury hotels in Carmel include Tickle Pink Inn, Quail Lodge & Golf Club, and Normandy Inn. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all travellers, regardless of their budget.