The Monterey Peninsula is home to over 21 golf courses, making it one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Each course offers a unique and challenging experience for golf enthusiasts. We recommend planning ahead to secure your preferred tee times.

Top golf courses nearby include:

• Pebble Beach Golf Course
• Spyglass Hill Golf Course
• Spanish Bay Golf Course
• Poppy Hills Golf Course
• Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course
• Pacific Grove Municipal Links

Unplug and recharge, as the Carmel-by-the-Sea area offers a diverse network of scenic walking and hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Explore oceanfront cliffs, redwood forests, waterfalls, white sand beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites—all in a single day. Our guests services staff has an exclusive hikes and walks brochure that designates pet friendly trails available.

Check our our Land and Sea Picnic Package that includes the Day Hikes Around Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur book, your’s to keep.

Top local spots for hiking include:

• Carmel Beach & Scenic Bluff Path
• Mission Trail Nature Preserve
• Monterey Bay Coaster Recreation Trail
• Palo Corona Regional Park
• Point Lobos State Preserve
• Garrapata State Park
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls
• Pfeiffer Beach

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise or an adventurous climb, there’s a trail to match your pace near our Carmel coastal inn.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers exceptional biking opportunities, from the iconic oceanfront ride along 17-Mile Drive to the more challenging, scenic terrain of Fort Ord National Monument mountain biking trails. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise or an adventurous climb, there’s a trail to match your pace.

Rent an array of bicycles or book a bike tour in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea at Mad Dogs and Englishman. They even have side cars for your furry friends!

Marvel at migrating whales, playful dolphins, sleek sea lions, and cute sea otters from the coast or on boat tours in Carmel. Each year, witness the awe-inspiring migration of Gray whales as they travel from the Bering Sea to Baja California. In spring, Humpbacks and Blue whales arrive for the summer, joined by sightings of orcas and dolphins on guided tours led by expert naturalists on boats docked at Fishermans Wharf in Monterey. The year-round and cutest mascots ever for Monterey Bay, California sea otters can been spotted while kayaking in Monterey Bay off the Cannery Row or Moss Landing coast.

Experience Carmel’s coastline up close with unforgettable kayaking excursions. Explore the stunning coastline of Carmel-by-the-Sea from the water with a kayaking adventure. Paddle along peaceful coves, spot playful sea otters, and take in breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, guided tours and kayak rentals nearby offer a memorable way to connect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Let the arts move you in Carmel’s vibrant live music and theater scene. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a rich performing arts scene, from chamber music and symphonies to live theater and open-air shows. Discover unforgettable entertainment in intimate, inspiring venues year-round.

• Sunset Cultural Center
• Carmel Music Society
• Carmel Chamber Music Monterey Bay
• Pacific Repertory Theater
• The Forest Theater Guild
• The Cherry Center for the Performing Arts

Celebrate the charm of the Central Coast all year long at the top festivals and events in Carmel, CA. From world-class golf tournaments and marathons to culinary celebrations and festive holiday traditions, Carmel’s calendar is filled with events that showcase the spirit and charm of the Central Coast. Whether you’re planning your visit around a signature festival or simply want to see what’s happening during your stay, there’s always something to enjoy.

• AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament (February)
• Big Sur International Marathon (April)
• Carmel Art Festival (May)
• Carmel Culinary Week (May/June)
• The Carmel Bach Festival (July)
• Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (August)
• Holiday Tree Lighting (December)

Discover the history that gives Carmel its unique soul that brings visitors back again and again. Step back in time and explore the rich cultural heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea. From historic missions and iconic architecture to curated exhibits and local lore, these landmarks offer a glimpse into the stories that shaped this coastal village.

• Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
• Tor House & Hawk Tower
• Carmel Mission Plays & Concerts
• First Murphy House/Carmel Heritage Society

Start your central coast adventures at Carmel Country Inn to discover scenic roads, coastal wonders, and charming towns. Carmel is the ideal home base for day trips—whether you’re strolling through Carmel Village, exploring Carmel Valley, or heading out to Big Sur. Enjoy the scenic 17-Mile Drive, visit Monterey’s Cannery Row and Aquarium, or spot sea otters along the coast. Just grab a map and charge your phone—adventure awaits.

Fisherman’s Wharf (Monterey)
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.

Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey)
At the edge of Cannery Row you will find this world-famous aquarium. Visit over 200 exhibits, with over 550 species including penguins, jellyfish, sharks, sea otters, and so much more.

Cannery Row, Pacific Grove (Monterey)
Visit the subject of John Steinbeck’s famous novel, 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.

Carmel Valley
Bathed in sunshine and dotted with wildflowers, Carmel Valley’s rolling hills are home to horses, vineyards, and soaring hawks. Just 12 miles from Highway 1, Carmel Valley Village offers fine dining, wine tasting, art galleries, and unique shops—most open daily from 10:00 AM.

Big Sur
Big Sur is a rugged and breathtaking stretch of California’s central coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, towering redwoods, winding coastal roads, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive from the Inn to Big Sur is considered one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, making Carmel a perfect base for day trips to explore Big Sur (about 25 miles south along the famous Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)

Point Lobos
Just minutes south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve offers dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and rich wildlife across nearly 550 acres of land and 750 acres of protected waters—the first U.S. marine reserve. Hike, picnic, dive, or explore the Whalers Cabin Museum and discover the natural beauty that defines this coastal gem. Open daily at 9:00 AM.

17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach
The iconic 17-Mile Drive winds through Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest, offering dramatic coastal views, world-class golf courses, and landmark stops like Point Joe, Bird Rock, Cypress Point, and the legendary Lone Cypress.

Discover the best local eateries near Carmel Country Inn. Whether you prefer to walk to an intimate bistro or venture further for dining with a view, you’ll find several wonderful restaurants in Carmel, Big Sure and Monterey, CA.

Top Carmel Restaurants
The town’s charming eateries feature a full range of international, regional, and local cuisines, all benefiting from their proximity to the bounties provided by the Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley. Choose from local Coastal Cuisine, Seafood, French, Italian, Mediterranean, or a cozy bar setting for light fare, all within walking distance. There are also many dog-friendly restaurants in Carmel that will welcome your four-legged friend! We have a detailed dining guide available upon check in that lists cuisine, special dietary offerings and of course pet friendly options.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Dining
The charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea has countless wonderful places to eat. Enjoy your daily fresh breakfast at our Carmel bed and breakfast, then ask our staff for recommendations to the best restaurants in Carmel. There are several great spots to enjoy a delicious meal, and most are within walking distance of the inn. Plan ahead by perusing our local Carmel tourism website for an up-to-date list.

Big Sur, Cliffside and Oceanview Dining
To enjoy an incomparable view along with your meal, check out the restaurants in Big Sur. In just under an hour from our Carmel inn, you can enjoy several great places to eat, from casual to fine dining. The scenic drive is worth the trip alone! The surrounding area also has closer spots with fantastic ocean views that are more convenient, but just as delicious. Ask our staff for their favorites.

Land & Sea Picnic Package
Add a touch of adventure to your stay with the Land & Sea Picnic Package. Designed for explorers, this special offers a delicious picnic lunch and all the essentials for a scenic day outdoors—whether you’re hiking Big Sur, relaxing in a hidden cove, or enjoying a sunny spot along the coast.

Sip and savor your way through Carmel’s world-class wine tasting rooms. The charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts over 20 tasting rooms, all within walking distance from the inn. Ask for the all inclusive Carmel by the Sea brochure with updated wine tasting listings.

For a curated experience, consider the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk, a self-guided tour that allows you to explore multiple tasting rooms at your own pace.

Discover the charm of our local Village by exploring our unique shops, galleries and boutiques. Pick up “Guide to Carmel” from Guest Services and explore hundreds of unique one of a kind shops which include: Antiques, Apparel, Aviation, Arts & Crafts, Collectibles, Cutlery, Fabrics, Games & Toys, Garden Shops, Gifts, Home Furnishings, Jewelry, Nautical, Pet Apparel, Pipes, Quilts, Sporting Goods, Stationery and just as many restaurants! – Guided Tours Available.

Grab a beach towel from the lobby and take an early morning stroll or watch the sunset at Carmel Beach, at the end of Ocean Avenue. This beach is a white sand slice of heaven, an artistic inspiration, and a meditative space. Pooches are free to run off leash at the city owned Carmel Beach.