Exploring Carmel

Carmel Walks
Discover the special charms of Carmel on a leisurely 2-hour guided walk through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens and by enchanting fairytale cottages - the homes, haunts and history of famous artists, writers and movie stars. Learn about the spirit, characters and customs that make Carmel unique.

Tor House & Hawk Tower Tour
Tor House is one of the original Carmel Cottages. Built in 1918 by Robinson Jeffers out of granite boulders from the shore, this cottage and tower provided a setting for a life of simplicity, harmony and artistic creativity for Jeffers, his wife Una and their twin sons Garth and Donnan.

Tour the house, climb the tower, stroll the English-style gardens and experience the atmosphere that inspired some of America's finest poetry.

Point Lobos
Wondrous mix of rocky cliffs, sweeping vistas, windswept trees and encircling blue-green sea is just a bit of what you can expect when you take in this State Reserve, minutes south of Carmel. Inhabited by more than 240 animal and bird species and more than 300 plant species, the reserve spreads over almost 550 acres on land and 750 acres under water, designated the first marine reserve in the United States in 1960. Visitors to this jewel hike, picnic, dive and tour the Whalers Cabin Museum, walk gently, breathe deeply, reflect, discover its spirit for yourself.

TIPS:

Park on the highway and walk in for free

Pack a Picnic Lunch & Sunscreen

Where to get a Picnic

5th AVENUE DELI	Box Lunches and Picnic Baskets	5th between Dolores & San Carlos
BRUNO'S MARKET	Huge Sandwiches, BBQ	Junipero & 6th
THE CHEESE SHOP	Cheese, coffee, gourmet food and wine	Carmel Plaza - Fountain Level

Big Sur Ventana Wilderness
Exit Ocean Avenue onto winding Highway 1 South, designated California's first "Scenic Highway". The Big Sur/Ventana Wilderness has been called "the greatest meeting of land and sea anywhere in the world. Photograph Bixby Creek Bridge, the icon of the California coast 18 miles of Carmel. ." Visit Point Sur State Historic Park and tour the Light Station that's been warning ships of the hazards along it picturesque but perilous coast since 1889. Stop by Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park 37 miles South of Carmel and take in the majestic redwoos and rock seaside cliffs along the way to the 80 foot long McWay Falls, tumbling down from granite cliffs into the cove below.

TIPS:

Don't forget your Camera

Fill up your gas tank before leaving Carmel

Visit the Phoenix Gift Shop below Nepenthe Restaurant

Cielo at Ventana Inn	831-667-4242		Huge Patio with dynamic view
Nepenthe	831-667-2345		2 words, "Ambrosia Burgers"

Sun splashed with colorful wildflowers among the majestic oaks, Carmel Valley's verdant hills and pastures are populated with horses, grape vines and hawks circling high in cobalt skies. Relatively untouched since the days of Spanish land grants, the area is graced with secluded redwood canyons, chaparral laden slopes and ancient stands of pine. Twelve miles up Carmel Valley from Highway 1 is the quiet country Carmel Valley Village with its fine dining, wine tasting, antique shops and art galleries, most open daily from 10:00 a.m.

TIPS:

Eat Breakfast before you wine taste

Dress in Layers, as it's much warmer inland than on the coast

Wineries will ship to most states

Stop for Quail, Turkeys, Geese and Horses crossing the road

Lunch Stops: Corkscrew Cafe,  Cafe Rustica, The Running Iron, The Oak Deli, Wickets at Bernardus Lodge

The 17 Mile Drive, with it's famous coastal scenery, runs through the Del Monte Forest, comprising roughly of 5,200 acres of land. You'll see a stunning collection of natural beauty, plus some amazing man-made mansions and golf courses. Stop along the way at Point Joe with its colliding currents, Bird Rock and its countless winged inhabitants, the dramatic views from Cypess Point, the stately Lone Cypress and more.

TIPS:

Entrance fee per vehicle, unless you have a tee time or restaurant reservation

No entry for tours 30 minutes prior to sunset

Ask for a detailed map of the vista points upon entry at the gate

Don't forget your camera

Exit the Spanish Bay/Pacific Grove gate exit and turn left on to Sunset Boulevard. Follow Sunset Boulevard around to Ocean View Boulevard and watch the waves crashing on the rocks to Pacific Grove. (this road ends at the Aquarium)

Lunch Stops
Stillwater Grill	Lodge at Pebble Beach - over looking 18th green
Roy's Restaurant	Inn at Spanish Bay - Great Ocean View
The Gallery	Pebble Beach Golf Course - 1st Tee - outdoor patio (stay for sunset, see the Bagpiper stroll up the Fairway)

Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf is directly downtown Monterey with many tourist shops and seafood restaurants. Even enjoy a cup of clam chowder or seafood cocktail while strolling down the wharf. You will find not only the Sea Lions, Otters and Pelicans here, but also the charter fishing and whale watching boats.

Historic Cannery Row - subject of John Steinbeck's famous novel is just around the corner from Fisherman's Wharf. Here you will see the actual places Steinbeck wrote about: the sardine factories, Doc Rickett's Lab and Wing Chong's General Store. You will also find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

As you come to the end of Cannery Row, Ocean View Boulevard meanders along the coastline with the waves crashing against the rugged rocks on one side of the street, and the "Painted Ladies of Pacific Grove" along the other. Browse the antique and unique shops and enjoy numerous restaurants along Lighthouse Avenue.

TIPS:

Go Early! - The Aquarium opens at 10:00 a.m. daily (Memorial Day to Labor Day at 9:30 a.m.)

Must Haves: clam chowder, ice cream or salt water taffy while exploring Monterey

Drive the speed limit in Pacific Grove - it's 15 miles per hour

Lunch Stops
Domenicos or Abalonetti's	Fisherman's Wharf - CALAMARI
Blue Moon	Cannery Row - on the water - SEAFOOD
Fandango	Pacific Grove - WOWWW!