Best Kept Carmel

Wellness

Breathe and Be in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Yoga starts with a simple breath. In and out. If you're on the seashore in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you will hear the waves pulsing into the white sand of Carmel Beach, beginning to synchronize with the cadence of your breath. Yoga is a tremendous way to bring yourself into the present, open up your senses and transform your body and mind. And yoga isn't just for experienced yogis — it is a practice that is open to everyone. Something as simple as focusing on your breath and bringing yourself into the present moment can be a transformational experience.

Image about Image of woman in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA #80-1
Image about Image of woman in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA #80-2
"Yoga is not limited by anything or anyone. It's for everybody. It's for every person, no matter how young or old you are. If you are present in the moment, if you are mindfully breathing, that's practicing yoga. It's that simple."
– Laura McKinnon, yoga instructor
Image of woman doing yoga in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Image about Carmel-by-the-Sea, California #83-1

Carmel-by-the-Sea has many ways to experience yoga. There are free community classes. There are transcendent, personal moments of yoga practice alone in the stillness of the seashore. There are studio sessions where you can be led by an instructor in a warm and welcoming space.

Here are three ways to explore the rejuvenating, centering and empowering benefits of yoga throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Yoga in the Park

Laura McKinnon, local yoga instructor, believes that yoga is for everybody. And those aren't just words. Laura puts on a free "Yoga in the Park" class in Carmel's central Devendorf Park Thursdays from 11:30- 12:30. On the beautiful rolling grass, shaded by massive oaks and mature landscaping, practitioners of every level can find a wonderful outdoor setting and welcoming community for an hour-long yoga session.

Getting There: Devendorf Park is centrally located at the corner of Ocean Ave. and Junipero St. The park is small enough that the yoga class is easy to find on the grassy section of the square park.

Tip: Mats are provided if you don't bring your own. Prepare to be welcomed into the group.

Seaside Savasana

A personal yoga session set against the backdrop of crashing waves, pelicans flying overhead and the sights and smells of the coastline is even more magical than it sounds.

Image of woman near the ocean in Carmel
"So I talked about yoga being a union, you're connecting with yourself. Then you take that union outdoors and now you're connecting to the greater world around you. And you start to lean into, recognize the inherent rhythms that nature has from every animal to every plant. There's a rhythm. And that's part of what we're doing in yoga, is we're playing with our own internal rhythm."
– Laura McKinnon, yoga instructor

Getting There: The entire coastline along Scenic Drive offers many spots to lay down a yoga mat and begin your practice. From the wide-open sand of Carmel Beach to the hidden coves to the south to Carmel River State Beach, there are many places to experience seaside serenity and be surrounded by the coastline.

Tip: The rocky point between Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach has some secluded, rock-ringed spots to experience some solitude and serenity. Bring a mat and be prepared to practice yoga on uneven ground — a challenge that can improve your balance and concentration.

Studios by the Sea

Studios by the Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is fortunate to have several yoga studios where yoga practitioners can meet and join a class or book a private session. Experienced instructors can lead you into new areas of breath, flexibility and mindfulness that can be hard to reach on your own.s small enough that the yoga class is easy to find on the grassy section of the square park.

Getting There: Click here for a full list of fitness and yoga studios in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Tip: Yoga is a tremendous compliment to other activities. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, golfer or engaged in any other activities, yoga can lengthen, loosen and enliven your body following or preceding these other activities.