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Carmel-by-the-Sea is located in Monterey County, California, on the southern bend of the Monterey Peninsula. It is approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles. Carmel-by-the-Sea's one-square-mile coastal village is best explored on foot and is filled with hotels, inns, restaurants, shops, galleries, wine tasting rooms, cultural activities, and its well-known Carmel Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an all-season destination, offering mild weather year-round.

1. Spring in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a stunning, storybook season. The village transforms with vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and blooming coastal landscapes. Expect mild, crisp weather with temperatures reaching the 60s, making it perfect for uncrowded beach walks and exploring the local art scene.
2. Summer in Carmel-by-the-Sea features cool, foggy mornings that usually clear into sunny, mild afternoons. Expect daily temperatures hovering in the mid-60s. Summer is the perfect time for alfresco dining, exploring the storybook village, or strolling on the white-sand Carmel Beach.
3. Fall: September through November is also known locally as "Secret Season." This window offers the warmest coastal temperatures (low 70s) and maximum sunshine, making it an ideal time to visit with fewer crowds.
4. Winter: During the holiday and winter seasons, Carmel-by-the-Sea transforms into a picturesque, European-style storybook village, often described as a "Dickens-inspired wonderland." The town features twinkling lights, festive decorations in Devendorf Park, and decorated fairytale cottages, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere.

It's recommended to spend at least three days in Carmel-by-the-Sea to have enough time to explore the village without feeling rushed and to enjoy its more than 60 restaurants (one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in the United States), wine tasting rooms, boutiques, and galleries. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also an ideal home base for a 5-day itinerary that includes exploration of neighboring Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Point Lobos, and Carmel Valley, plus top attractions like Monterey Bay Aquarium, whale watching, award-winning golf courses, world-class spas, and more just minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is often recognized as "one of the most beautiful small towns in the world," as a result of its scenic Carmel Beach, lined by dramatic bluffs and signature Monterey cypress trees, and idyllic one-square-mile fairytale village filled with more restaurants per capita than in any other U.S. city, wine tasting rooms, boutique shops, art galleries, and hidden passageways. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also often recognized as one of the most romantic cities in the world, as a perfect place to reconnect on the picturesque bluffs overlooking the white sands of Carmel Beach. Go for a stroll to discover tasty bistros, cool boutiques, and petite wineries, and end the day watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

While Carmel-by-the-Sea is an ideal luxury beach destination perfect for couples, small groups of friends (including "girls trips" and "boys trips"), a curated, budget-conscious trip is possible, with average rates for lodging ranging from $350–$500+ per night for 3-4 star hotels during the summer months. The best rates are available midweek and during the off-season from November-May. Dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers ample upscale fine-dining options as well as more moderately priced restaurants, delis, and specialty food stores. Carmel-by-the-Sea also boasts unparalleled scenic beauty that is always free to explore. Spend time on the dog-friendly Carmel Beach, or explore the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. Or pick up a free Carmel-by-the-Sea Fairytale Cottages Walking Tour guide with a detailed map to discover all the enchanting cottages.

Carmel Beach, located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, is one of the most iconic spots on California's Central Coast and is what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea "One of America's Top Beach Towns." Carmel Beach is one of the nation's cleanest and most beautiful beaches. This crescent-shaped stretch of shoreline is flanked by dramatic cliffs lined with Monterey cypress trees that frame a sugary white-sand beach. Carmel Beach offers breathtaking views, with the rocky coastline of Carmel Point to the south and the legendary Pebble Beach golf course to the north. Dogs are also allowed off-leash on Carmel Beach's white sands (but they must be under the voice control of their owners), and provide exultant entertainment as they romp along the surf.

Yes, Carmel-by-the-Sea is exceptionally walkable. The village is only one square mile, making it ideal for walking from hotels to shops, restaurants, and Carmel Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea's famous Ocean Avenue is at the heart of town, stretching from Highway 1 to the pristine sands of Carmel Beach. The village is also lined with charming courtyards and passageways best explored on foot and filled with off-the-beaten-path boutiques, wine tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants.

Yes, dogs are allowed and highly welcomed in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In fact, the city is often ranked among the most dog-friendly towns in America and widely celebrated as "Dog Heaven on Earth." Dogs are permitted to be off-leash on Carmel Beach (but they must be under the voice control of their owners), and many shops and restaurants throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea not only allow pets inside or on their patios, but often offer special menus and amenities to cater to their four-legged friends.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is best enjoyed on foot and is one of the most walkable coastal villages in America. It's also a place that tempts you to get delightfully distracted by secret passageways and hidden courtyards, unique shops and galleries, and natural beauty. But there are certain sights you really should make a point to visit. Here are the top 10 sights throughout the village that are a must-see (and do) for any Carmel-by-the-Sea visit:

1. Carmel Beach —Take an early morning stroll along pristine Carmel Beach, where stately Monterey cypress trees frame sugary white sand. Carmel Beach is one of the nation's cleanest and most beautiful beaches, and this crescent-shaped stretch of shoreline is paradise for long walks, scenic photography, relaxing in the sun, and playing in the surf.
2. Shopping — Carmel-by-the-Sea is a shopper's paradise, offering an unparalleled walkable shopping experience, with hundreds of locally-owned boutiques, fine art galleries, and specialty shops dotting the fairytale village along Ocean Avenue, down virtually every side street and hidden courtyard. The village is also home to Carmel Plaza, where luxury brands including Bottega Veneta, Jenni Kayne, and Tiffany & Company await, offering luxury clothing, jewelry, unique home decor, gourmet food items, and more.
3. Dining — Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to more than 60 restaurants within the charming village that have put the destination on the culinary map. From Michelin-starred restaurants like Chez Noir and Aubergine, to old-world European bistros such as La Bicyclette and Casanova, and innovative hot spots that meld innovation with culinary heritage like Cultura and Jeju Kitchen, restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea are celebrated for their cutting-edge approaches to coastal California cuisine, hyper-local foraging traditions, avant-garde seafood presentation, and unexpected global infusions.
4. Scenic Bluff Trail — The Scenic Bluff Trail along Scenic Road weaves between Cypress trees overlooking the white sand of Carmel Beach with the rocky coastline of Carmel Point to the south and the legendary Pebble Beach golf course to the north. The trail is a stunning meeting of land and sea and is often filled with visitors and locals enjoying morning, afternoon, and evening walks and runs along its mild, winding path.
5. Wine Tasting — Carmel-by-the-Sea is a top-rated wine destination with 17 wine tasting rooms - all within walking distance from your hotel or inn. In fact, Monterey County is one of California's largest premium wine regions, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is the place to taste the county's award-winning wines. Tasting rooms are friendly, casual, and often staffed by the winemakers themselves. Taste at your own pace with the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk, a free, self-guided mobile tasting experience featuring nearly 20 boutique tasting rooms.
6. Take a Tour! — Whether self-guided or led by a local guide, taking a tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great way to explore more of this walkable Village, ensuring you have a chance to discover enchanting places off the beaten path. The official Carmel Visitors Guide features a historic walking tour of the Village's secret passageways and hidden courtyards, available at the Visitor Center at Carmel Plaza at Ocean Avenue and Mission Street. Other popular self-guided tours include:
   • Carmel-by-the-Sea Fairytale Cottages Walking Tour
   • Carmel Food Tours (offering a curated dining experience at top restaurants)
   • Carmel Art Walk (offered the second Saturday of every month from 4-7 pm)
7. Enjoy Art (In All Its Forms) — Carmel-by-the-Sea is a premier destination for art and is widely considered one of the best small art towns in the United States. The village boasts over 50 art galleries within a one-square-mile radius, offering a dense concentration of fine art, photography, and sculpture, as well as public art.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The Village's secret passageways, hidden courtyards, and dramatic ocean bluffs create an ideal backdrop for connection. Romantic things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea include:

• Take in Golden Hour at Carmel Beach - Famous for its soft white sand, windswept Monterey cypress trees, and panoramic Pacific views. Grab a cozy blanket and a hot drink (or a bottle of local wine) to watch the sun set over the water.
• Fairytale Cottage & Courtyard Hunting - Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its storybook cottages, many with curled "catslide" roofs, uneven stone chimneys, and leaded-glass windows. In fact, the town is home to 20 fairytale cottages, including several built by Hugh Comstock, dating as far back as the 1920s. Taking a self-guided walking tour through downtown is the perfect way to spot famous cottages and explore the Village's many secret passageways and hidden courtyards.
• Take in a Wine Tasting - Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to nearly 20 cozy wine-tasting rooms where you might even be treated to a tasting of exceptional estate wines by the winemaker himself (or herself)
• Indulge in an Intimate Dinner - Carmel-by-the-Sea's dining scene punches far above its weight class with more than 60 restaurants, including romantic bistros and Michelin-starred culinary gems.

Carmel-by-the-Sea features over 40 unique boutique hotels and inns located within walking distance of the white-sand Carmel Beach. The walkable village features hundreds of local attractions, including wine tasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and renowned performing arts venues. Known for its quiet atmosphere, secret passageways, and hidden courtyards, the town offers a pedestrian-friendly destination for travelers seeking serenity (often with their four-legged friends in tow). The village is also well-known for its charming inns and helpful innkeepers, who delight in sharing their local recommendations.

Lodging in Carmel-by-the-Sea is boutique and unique by nature, with a selection of hotels and inns for a variety of budgets. For luxury travelers in search of charm, personal service and every creature comfort – Carmel Beach Hotel, Stilwell Hotel, Le Petit Pali hotels (8th Avenue and Ocean Avenue), the iconic La Playa Hotel, and L'Auberge Carmel offer some of the Village's most esteemed options.

• Carmel Beach Hotel. Located just 100 steps from the white sands of Carmel Beach, Carmel Beach Hotel is the newest property from the award-winning Mirabel Hotel & Restaurant Group, featuring seven fairytale-like cottages and 26 guestrooms and suites.
• Stilwell Hotel. A 4-star, pet-friendly boutique hotel located at San Carlos Street and 5th Avenue, Stilwell Hotel opened in 2024 and features 42 modern, soundproof, coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites with options like fireplaces, balconies, and mountain or village views. It's also located right next to Foray, one of Carmel's most popular fine-dining destinations.
• La Playa Hotel. This iconic 1905 property underwent a careful and extensive $20 million renovation in 2023 and is now a design-lovers' paradise, with its welcoming lobby, luxuriously appointed guest rooms, and famous locals' hangout, Bud's Bar.
• L'Auberge Carmel. This Forbes Five Star boutique hotel is also home to Michelin-star dining in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The full-service, Relais & Chateaux property is the perfect location for gourmands looking to experience the culinary mastery of two-Michelin-starred chef Justin Cogley at Aubergine, then embark on culinary and cultural exploration of the Village, just steps away.
• Le Petit Pali (Ocean Ave or 8th Ave). Choosing between Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave or Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave, both ideally located in the Village, is a winning proposition. Both feature the eclectic interiors Palisociety is known for, complete with vintage and antique-style furniture and artwork, and both offer the same signature perks like daily champagne breakfast, afternoon treats, and pet-friendly boutique charm. Select either location, and you're in for an ideal Carmel experience that perfectly balances style with charm and comfort.

Since the turn of the century, Carmel has been a haven for artists and a refuge for writers and intellectuals who shaped this unique artist colony, and art remains central to the Carmel-by-the-Sea visitor experience. Whether you're an art enthusiast or admirer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is an exploration of more than 50 art galleries within one square mile, featuring the works of world-renowned artists and one-of-a-kind finds. Spend an afternoon "gallery hopping," and you'll be rewarded with original works and often, the opportunity to visit with the artists themselves.

Seasonal and recurrent art events: Time your visit right to experience the Annual Meet the Makers Art & Wine Walk, which takes place the second Saturday in October. The Art & Wine Walk brings together almost 20 art galleries and award-winning regional wines, with a chance to mingle with artists and enjoy fabulous wine tasting, small bites, and live music. The (free) Carmel Art Walk is another great (free) way to experience art and artist-owned galleries in Carmel and takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. It's the perfect way to experience and support artist-owned galleries and meet the artists who carry on the Carmel-by-the-Sea artist colony legacy.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the ideal home base for exploration of the Monterey Peninsula's awe-inspiring parks, beaches, hiking trails, and world-ranked golf courses. Find stunning natural beauty along with some of California's most signature attractions all within a short drive of the Village, including:

1. 17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach - 17-Mile Drive offers a leisurely driving 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's world-ranked golf courses, dream homes, restaurants, and world-class shops. Access the route via the Carmel Gate near the bottom of Ocean Avenue (the fee to access 17-Mile Drive is $12.50 per vehicle; motorcycles are prohibited; tour buses are $6 per passenger).
2. Big Sur - A drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur is arguably one of the most scenic and popular routes in America, boasting dramatic cliffs on one side and iconic views of the Pacific Ocean on the other. Big Sur is a short drive south along famous Highway 1, which snakes along a delicate piece of the California coastline. The drive is best enjoyed carefully and responsibly. Check for weather-related closures before you go, as Highway 1 can be affected by weather.
3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Point Lobos State Reserve is located along the iconic Highway 1, about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea.The Reserve offers a breathtaking mix of rugged coastline, turquoise coves, and rich wildlife, making it one of the region's premier sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging destinations.
4. Historic Cannery Row & Monterey Bay Aquarium - Named in honor of the legendary John Steinbeck novel about Monterey's once-bustling sardine industry, Cannery Row offers more than 25 restaurants, numerous shops, and luxury hotels that line its colorful, historic oceanside streets. Cannery Row is anchored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the leading marine life attractions in the world. The aquarium is your window to marine life, with access to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies, and much more, within minutes from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.
5. Carmel Valley - Just a short, 20-minute drive East from Carmel-by-the-Sea is Carmel Valley. Warm and sunny Carmel Valley offers great hiking, wine tasting, golfing, incredible dining, art, and more, making it a perfect afternoon excursion from the Village. 
6. Pacific Grove & Lovers Point Park & Beach - Pacific Grove is a quick, 10-15-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and home to Lovers Point Park & Beach—a popular spot for beachgoers, picnics, kayaking, tide pooling, and more. Because of its east-facing location, it is also one of the only spots on the West Coast where you can watch the sun rise over the water.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a food and wine lovers' paradise, with more restaurants per capita than any U.S. city. The impressive array of inspiring restaurants and award-winning wine tasting rooms all benefit from the bounty of Monterey County's fresh produce, locally sourced seafood, and California's largest premium wine region. Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts Michelin-recognized restaurants, including Aubergine, which holds two Michelin stars, Chez Noir, with one Michelin star, as well as Yafa, which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation. But culinary excellence shines well beyond formal accolades in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with acclaimed restaurants to delight every palate—from popular European bistros like La Bicyclette Restaurant, modern steakhouses worthy of celebrating any day of the week like Seventh & Dolores and Char Steakhouse, to family-owned and operated favorites like Nora's, to globally influenced hot spots like Jeju Kitchen and Tommy's Wok, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a dining destination worth exploring.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a top-rated wine destination with 16 tasting rooms - all within walking distance from the Village's hotels and inns. In fact, Monterey County is one of California's largest premium wine regions, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is the place to taste the county's award-winning wines. Tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea are friendly, casual, and you'll often meet the winemaker. The best way to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's wine tasting rooms and discover the region's premium wines is by taking advantage of Carmel-by-the-Sea's free Wine Walk — a 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea's impressive collection of awards and ratings speaks to its status as one of the most beloved and celebrated towns in the world. Its unparalleled beauty, commitment to preserving its heritage and natural assets, thriving arts community, and dedication to sustainability truly set it apart. Carmel-by-the-Sea's white-sand beach, charming village, unique shops, one-of-a-kind hotels and inns, distinct art galleries, architectural significance, and unparalleled dining and wine tasting all contribute to making Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the "50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World."

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most awarded small towns in the world. Renowned for its unparalleled coastal beauty, commitment to preserving its heritage and natural assets, thriving arts community, vibrant food and wine scene, and dedication to sustainability truly set it apart. Carmel-by-the-Sea's unique fairytale architecture and rich artistic heritage in particular make it a destination for travelers around the world. Its history as an artist colony founded in the early 20th century by writers, poets, and painters, including Jack London, George Sterling, and Robinson Jeffers, is one of the Village's most distinguishing factors and contributes to the fabric of the village still today.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has more restaurants per capita than any U.S. city, including Michelin-starred dining destinations, intimate European-style bistros, ingredient- and chef-driven restaurants and globally influenced fare—all within a one-square-mile village. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also home to 16 wine tasting rooms that sample the very best of one of California's premium winemaking regions. Wine tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea spotlight Monterey-grown Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and other cool-climate varietals for which the region is renowned.

Carmel-by-the-Sea combines a storybook, European-style village feel with dramatic coastal scenery on the Monterey Peninsula. Its unique blend of walkable fairytale architecture, pet-friendly white-sand beaches, variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and vibrant culinary and wine scene sets it apart from other travel destinations.