Pine Trees & Pet Friendly Beaches – Carmel Favorite Things to See and Do
It’s not necessarily “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” that make a favorite things list for visiting Carmel by the Sea, a Central Coast city steeped in art history, but known for the unique ocean vistas and gnarled and twisted Monterey pine trees.
Carmel is known for many things. It has always been known as a celebrity hangout — Dorris Day owns Cypress Inn and Clint Eastwood, once Carmel’s mayor, purchased Mission Ranch, a 22 acre hotel property with views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
People friendly and dog friendly, Carmel’s beaches are slightly cooler than Southern counterparts and in some spots are not recommended for kids to play in the water due to strong currents. Often you’ll want to stick to a hotel pool for entertainment, though the beach is a great oasis for watching seasoned surfers and taking those famous, evening strolls that are an absolute requirement when visiting Carmel.
Things to see & do in Carmel, California:
- Golfers can play the world’s best courses in town out in Carmel Valley or over around the bend in Pebble Beach.
- Drive the world famous 17 Mile Drive and see the The Lone Cypress tree.
- Shop couture and find boutique apparel.
- View the dozens of art galleries, the local art museum, and attend the annual Carmel Art Show in the spring.
- Sample wines at beautiful Chateau Julien.
- Dine at quaint and eclectic cafes and sip tea at the Tuck Box.
- Visit Carmel Mission, where mission founder Fr. Junipero Serra was buried. Carmel was his favorite place in all of the “New World”.
- Get spa treatments and Carmel’s resorts such as Carmel Valley Ranch.
- Take a hike at the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
