Location: Carmel
Top Things to do in Carmel
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Top 10 Things to do in Carmel, United States
The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.
Restaurants in Carmel
1. Point Lobos
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Reviewed By Michael J - Manhattan Beach, California
Gorgeous coastline, lots of harbor seals, otters and birds. Hiking trails both along the rocky and dramatic shore and through quiet, lush woodlands just a few hundred yards away. Easy to walk most of the park in three hours of moderate hiking. Best to arrive early before the crowds. I come here every time I am in Carmel; it is inspirational.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to marine life -- for dive masters and non-swimmers alike. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans.
Reviewed By DERTUR - Annandale, Virginia
We go to every aquarium we can find. Monteray Bay has the most fascinating exhibits for educational purposes. I found them being operated by adults as well as young people. Very clever items added to each exhibit (like mechanical octopus displays/dioramas in the live octopus area) made them more unique. Of course the otters steal the show and the videos on the otters and on their research arm were short but really well put together.
3. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Overall Ratings
5 based on 670 reviews
Since 1919, the exquisite beauty and unique challenges of Pebble Beach Golf Links have electrified golfers and spectators alike. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the course hugs California’s rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, cliff-side fairways and sloping greens. Over the years, Pebble Beach Golf Links has been the site of golf’s most prestigious tournaments such as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and five U.S. Open Championships, including the 2010 U.S. Open. We are excited and honored to welcome back the U.S. Open to Pebble Beach for the sixth time in 2019!
Reviewed By michaeldL5102TD - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Golfing at Pebble Beach is breathtaking absolutely the most Beautiful landscape I've ever seen every view is breathtaking. It's like God put his finger on this landscape and designed it himself , no other words can explain it , it's a must see for everyone .
4. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 884 reviews
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.
Reviewed By SeattleMeadowlark - Seattle
This is a wonderful beach for beach combing and tide pooling, but the fact that every dog owner in the city ignores the Leash laws makes it hard to give it a good rating. There is one man, a guy with a black German Shepherd, who I was told by a park ranger routinely disobeys the leash law. His dog runs loose and chases the surf birds...and mind you, the birds are protected by law. And the man watched his dog poop on the beach and walked off. Please, enjoy the beach and pick up your dog's poop and take it OFF the beach and into the numerous trash cans on the road.
5. Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Stretching 6,859 yards at par 72, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr. layout is a demanding and rigorous course requiring acute skill and length from the back tees.
Reviewed By yachti - Ontario Keep it Beautiful
This was actually my favorite of the Areas course (Yes - better than Pebble) as I found it to be harder, more picturesque and a more `complete`course all around. Beautiful traditional Pro Shop and practice facility, great putting green and a golf course that was in such amazing condition that it looked like astro-turf! Greens rolled true, the bunkers were excellent and the views were spectacular. All of the staff were very friendly and accommodating and overall this was the experience that I was looking for in the Pebble Beach area. THANKS for this !!!
6. Scenic Road Walkway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By Bev K - Carmel Valley
Having lived in Carmel Valley for many years, I've walked all over the peninsula. My favorite walk is along Scenic, past River Beach and then along any number of streets back to Carmel Beach. Where there is a million dollar restroom... Not really gorgeous, but at least there are two rooms.The surf along both beaches is beautiful, sometimes 17 feet high, sometimes just a quiet lapping. Shore birds and marine mammals are always there. Occasionally there are whales in the water between Scenic and Pt. Lobos. There are always plenty of other walkers to smile at and dogs to pet. Go onto the beaches at both places to walk in the water or along the white sand beaches. Carmel Beach allows dogs to go off leash which makes them so happy. If you still have energy, you can walk up Ocean to a coffee shop or cafe for food or a glass of wine. There are currently 19 wine tasting shops; locals feel it would be nice to have fewer. But you might want to visit one. A treat is to drink a glass of wine and watch the sunset or take some snacks down, sit on a bench and people/dog watch. It's also my Cocker Spaniel's favorite beach.
7. Carmel River State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The water is brisk and the surf is hazardous, but the amazing views from the shore will draw you like a magnet to these striking white sand beaches for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Reviewed By lcurtis101 - Sacramento, California
Always beautiful. The weather was wonderful. Responsible dog owners. We got to see a pod of dolphins and seals at play. Nice long walk on the beach. Wonderful
8. Garrapata State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
This rocky beach is typical of the beautiful scenery along the Big Sur coastline.
Reviewed By Denise C - Sarasota, Florida
We watched a bride and groom have their wedding photos taken on the top of the ridge. The turquoise water below, the wind moving her veil -- a very special afternoon. I was leery about going there-- Garrapatas is Spanish for ticks. I was careful I didn't bring any of them home with me.
9. Lone Cypress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Brad M - Naples, Florida
The icon of the 17 Mile Drive as well as the logo for the Pebble Beach Golf Links. We stoped by and enjoyed a bottle of champagne here our last afternoon at Pebble to toast a wonderful week of golf, sights, sounds and dining.
10. Dennis the Menace Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Designed by the creator of Dennis the Menace, this park has all sorts of unique attractions.
Reviewed By Dale W - Clayton, California
This is a wonderful park for children and a great place for parents to turn their kids loose to play on all the structures, bridges, climbing walls, etc. Children can easily be here for a couple hours without getting bored. There is one entrance/exit and it's all fenced in. I noticed one other gate, which was open, that led to a fenced in baseball field, so it seems pretty safe. As popular as it is, parking in the main lot was tight, but there was also street parking. There are restrooms. It got its name because Hank Ketchum, the creator of Dennis the Menace, was the driving force in the creation of the park. It's a nice legacy.
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