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  • Carmel By The Sea
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a great spot for outdoor activities and attractions. From the scenic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to the diverse hiking trails of the Garland Ranch Regional Park, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Point Lobos is a must-visit for its stunning coastal views, while the trails of Garland Ranch offer a variety of terrain for hikers of all levels. Visitors can also explore the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic drive along the Monterey Peninsula, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the top aquariums in the world. With so many top attractions, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect destination.

    Top Spots in and near Carmel-by-the-Sea

    • Del Monte Forest, California

      17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride

      5.0
      7.75 mi / 312 ft gain
      17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Catch a Sunset at Carmel Beach

      4.7
      It’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988.  An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel.  Everyone gets their mail at the post office...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail

      1 mi / 100 ft gain
      Known as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Surf Carmel River State Beach

      5.0
      Carmel State beach is located in Monterey county.  It's your typical beach break with both lefts and rights.  One thing that is super unique about Carmel is that the water is some of the clearest in all of California.  Depending on the sandbars, this can be a really fun wave!  It's also a great p...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Hike to the Top of Inspiration Point

      5.0
      1.3 mi / 850 ft gain
      This magnificent trail was recently converted into part of the Monterey Regional Parks System. Walk through pastures of cows, through coast oaks, up a steep incline with vast views of Carmel Valley, Carmel and the Pacific Ocean up to the top where a picnic table awaits you at Inspiration Point. T...
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    • Del Monte Forest, California

      Explore Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur

      4.6
      Being from the Central Coast, every time I visit the area I like to do the same trip - Simply because it is amazing. The trip starts along 17 mile drive located in Carmel. From the road, you see the Central Coast icon, the Lone Cypress. Being one of the most photographed trees in North America, i...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Whalers Cove Loop

      4.3
      1.42 mi / 253 ft gain
      Point Lobos is one of the hidden gems of the California coast. Located just off of Route 1 right after Monterey, Point Lobos is a state park on the coast. The cost to explore inside is ten dollars, but so worth it. As you explore, be sure to hike around Whalers Cove, which is incredible at sunse...
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    • Carmel, California

      Point Lobos Natural Preserve Loop

      4.7
      7.14 mi / 640 ft gain
      Point Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make t...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail

      5.0
      1.72 mi / 121 ft gain
      Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as...
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    • Monterey, California

      Sail on Monterey Bay

      Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...
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    • Del Monte Forest, California

      Relax at Spanish Bay

      Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip.  You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue.  This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics.  There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the mos...
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    • Monterey, California

      Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove

      Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove.  This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives.   San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Spanish Bay Trail

      5.0
      2.8 mi / 78 ft gain
      Spanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Play Volleyball at Asilomar Conference Grounds

      Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  If you find y...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes

      4.0
      Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Catch Sunset on Asilomar State Beach

      Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset.  This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the lo...
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    Camping and Lodging in Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
    Pacific Grove, California

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

    From $176 / night

    Moss Landing KOA Express
    Moss Landing, California

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Salinas / Monterey KOA
    Prunedale, California

    Salinas / Monterey KOA

    Big Sur Lodge
    Big Sur, California

    Big Sur Lodge

    From $199 / night

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    La Selva Beach, California

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Carmel-by-the-Sea

    5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

    5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

    Mitch Pittman

    72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

    72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

    Mitch Pittman

    Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

    Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

    The Outbound Collective

    5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

    5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

    Karissa Frye

    A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

    A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

    Sara Sheehy

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Sara Sheehy