Things to do near the inn
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a one-square-mile village of cottages, galleries and courtyards above a white-sand beach. From the inn you can walk to most of it, and the rest of the Monterey Peninsula is a short drive.
Carmel Beach
A wide crescent of white sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the inn. Stay for the sunset.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Cypress groves, sheltered coves, sea otters and harbor seals. About 10 minutes south by car on Highway 1.
The Carmel Mission
An 18th-century Spanish mission with a basilica, gardens and museum, about a mile south of the inn.
17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
The coastal road through Pebble Beach, past the Lone Cypress and the golf links. The Carmel gate is a few minutes from the inn by car.
Big Sur and Highway 1
Highway 1 south of Carmel is one of the great coastal drives. Bixby Bridge is about half an hour away.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sea otters, a kelp forest three stories tall and the open-sea gallery. About 20 minutes by car.
Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey's waterfront, with restaurants, shops and whale-watching boats, is next to the aquarium.
Wine tasting in the village
Carmel-by-the-Sea has tasting rooms within walking distance of the inn, pouring wines from Monterey County vineyards.
Sunset on Scenic Road
The path along Scenic Road runs on the bluff above Carmel Beach. It is the village's favorite place to end the day.
Where to eat
All of these are within walking distance of the inn, and all but L'Escargot appear in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Hours change with the season, so check before you go.
Yafa
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking at 5th and Junipero, the same corner as the inn. A Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.
Casanova
French and Italian dishes and a serious wine list, one block from the inn on 5th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos.
Chez Noir
One Michelin star for coastal California cooking built around local seafood. On 5th Avenue between Dolores and San Carlos.
Stationæry
California comfort food and carefully made coffee, from breakfast and brunch through dinner. On San Carlos between 5th and 6th.
L'Escargot
French country cooking at Mission and 4th, two blocks from the inn.
Cultura
Oaxacan-inspired Mexican cooking, known for its mole and its mezcal list. On Dolores between 5th and 6th.
Akaoni
Japanese cooking and sushi at Mission and 6th.
La Bicyclette
A village bistro with wood-fired pizzas, house-baked bread and French and Mediterranean plates, on Dolores Street.
Aubergine
Two Michelin stars and a tasting menu at L'Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde at 7th. Reserve well ahead.
More to explore
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