A Tour of Unusual Places in Carmel, California

Carmel, or as it goes by its official name, Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a location that many tourists and Californians plan to visit. The city is majestic, enchanting, and downright gorgeous for adventurers and romantics alike.

The landscape and the buildings are Instagram-worthy, and everything is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Plus, there are a lot of things to do and see if you’re the kind of tourist who likes to roam around. But Carmel is the ideal vacation location for those of us who love to laze around and get lost in the beauty of nature from under an umbrella on the beach.

So, if Carmel is one of your summer destinations, here are a few things to keep in mind:

It Is a City for Romantics and Romance

California has lots of incredible destinations that should be on your travel list (such as the musical sand dunes of the Mojave desert), but few manage to get on the same level as Carmel when it comes to romance.

Even if you’re the least romantic person in the world, Carmel will manage to channel your inner Romeo and make you feel things you’ve never felt before. Plus, the weather is almost always lovely since the winds off the ocean keep the air cool and comfortable all year long.

So, don’t be startled when you start feeling the impulse to go on a long evening walks (alone or with your significant other). We recommend visiting the old buildings in town first since they are living pieces of history that talk about the past, present, and future of the city.

Start with the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, an authentically restored mission where you get to admire a unique collection of Spanish Colonial art and laze around in a well-maintained garden for a serene afternoon.

Also, if you like inspiring locations, don’t miss out on a chance to visit the Tor House and Hawk Tower. These buildings were designed and built by one of the most revered Californian poets, Robinson Jeffers, who fell in love with Carmel-by-the-Sea’s untouched beauty.

Of course, if you want to experience everything Carmel has to offer, you can’t miss a visit to the City Beach! Here, the sand is white, the beach is lively (without being too crowded), and there’s plenty of space to roam around with kids or a partner. However, if you like solitary walks and moments, check out the Meadows Beach – this one is only known by the locals, so chances are, if you time it right, you’ll have the beach for yourself.

Where to Stay When Visiting Carmel

Among the best places to stay in Carmel, we have to mention the picturesque retreats and inns that are quite common in the area. Many accommodations are located in old, luxurious buildings where you can enjoy yourself while trying to imagine how the rich and famous of the past used to spend their days.

Some hotels even have gorgeous gardens where the guests can take walks or even have their breakfast served under the cool shadow of an old tree. Or, if you’re more of a picnic-on-the-beach kind of person, you can ask the staff to arrange it for you and your significant other (remember, Carmel is one of the most romantic cities in the US).

Be Adventurous

Even though the city looks like the perfect location for a promenade, there are plenty of things to do for the adventurous ones. For instance, you should enjoy a cup of coffee at the well-known Treehouse Cafe! Here, you can turn an outing into an exciting adventure (especially for the kids) due to the rustic interior and beautifully arranged garden.

Plus, if you’re hungry, the restaurant has a wide range of Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai dishes on the menu. Of course, Carmel-by-the-Sea has a lot more to offer, but if this is your first time here, it’s best to soak in the tranquility and appreciate the natural beauty.