Hidden Gems - From Carmel Walks
Carmel is only one square mile in size, but this seaside town manages to pack in a lot to enjoy in such a small space. A sunny day spent strolling around Carmel is a great way to take in the shops, cafes, quirky nooks and secret courtyards of this charming village. We asked Gale Wrausmann, the owner and tour guide for Carmel Walks, what the not-to-be-missed attractions are in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea. For the real deal, take a tour with Gale when you are in town. Youll learn all about the history of this bohemian grove, and find some hidden gems along the way!
Located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is a spectacular expanse of sun, sky, and surf. "We have one of California's most beautiful white sand beaches," Gale tells us, "where dogs can run leash free." Carmel Beach is a great place for pets and owners to come and get some exercise and fresh salt air. Surfers are also drawn to ... More >
Located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is a spectacular expanse of sun, sky, and surf. "We have one of California's most beautiful white sand beaches," Gale tells us, "where dogs can run leash free." Carmel Beach is a great place for pets and owners to come and get some exercise and fresh salt air. Surfers are also drawn to Carmel Beach, and watching the wet suited daredevils tackle the waves has become a popular spectator sport. Families come by the carload to picnic, build sandcastles, play in the waves and fly colorful kites. Carmel Beach is a definite must-do on every Carmel itinerary.
Carmel boasts what many have described as the most beautiful mission in the entire California mission system. Gale explains, "The historic Carmel Mission from 1771 was the headquarters for the mission system in California." Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo further gained fame by being Father Junipero Serra's final resting plac... More >
Carmel boasts what many have described as the most beautiful mission in the entire California mission system. Gale explains, "The historic Carmel Mission from 1771 was the headquarters for the mission system in California." Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo further gained fame by being Father Junipero Serra's final resting place. Serrra was the founder of many of the California missions, and held that Carmel's mission outshined them all in this heavenly beauty. Today visitors can tour the mission and its gardens, or participate in a service at the basilica. Inside the mission itself is a museum, where many of the original mission artifacts have been preserved.
Families come by the carload to picnic, build sandcastles, play in the waves and fly colorful kites.
"Point Lobos is a dramatic state preserve for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography," says Gale. Point Lobos does indeed have it all; breathtaking vantage points, abundant wildlife, and trails for every level of outdoor enthusiast. There is parking both inside and outside the park, and a paved road that is great for biking. Scuba di... More >
"Point Lobos is a dramatic state preserve for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography," says Gale. Point Lobos does indeed have it all; breathtaking vantage points, abundant wildlife, and trails for every level of outdoor enthusiast. There is parking both inside and outside the park, and a paved road that is great for biking. Scuba divers can make reservations with the park to dive in Whalers Cove, a protected marine reserve that is home to dozens of species of flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the museum at Whalers Cove, for a glimpse into the colorful past of this amazing area.
Carmel has plenty of inns offering food, drink, and a colorful local scene. But what's the crown jewel of Carmel's hotels? Gale offers up The Cypress Inn as her pick for a fun, pet-friendly place to stay, play, and dine in Carmel. "Doris Day's hotel is a great place for live music on weekends and you can take your dog to afternoon tea,... More >
Carmel has plenty of inns offering food, drink, and a colorful local scene. But what's the crown jewel of Carmel's hotels? Gale offers up The Cypress Inn as her pick for a fun, pet-friendly place to stay, play, and dine in Carmel. "Doris Day's hotel is a great place for live music on weekends and you can take your dog to afternoon tea," says Gale. For a truly Carmel experience, stop by in the afternoon for high tea in the garden courtyard, served alongside tea sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam. Heavenly!
Once a simple school auditorium, Sunset Center is now so much more. Gale tells us that Sunset has become the epicenter of cultural events in Carmel. Sunset Center is a state of the art concert hall, which hosts the annual Bach Festival and numerous other musical and dance performances. From poetry readings to folk concerts, from intern... More >
Once a simple school auditorium, Sunset Center is now so much more. Gale tells us that Sunset has become the epicenter of cultural events in Carmel. Sunset Center is a state of the art concert hall, which hosts the annual Bach Festival and numerous other musical and dance performances. From poetry readings to folk concerts, from international dance performances to the legendary Bach festival, Sunset Center has become the beating heart of cultural and artistic life in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
| Gale offers up The Cypress Inn as her pick for a fun, pet-friendly place to stay, play, and dine in Carmel. |
The view alone is worth a visit to the Mission Ranch. "Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch is a great place for a sunset drink overlooking a field of grazing sheep, mountains and distant ocean," says Gale. The peaceful and pastoral scene is made even better by the excellent food and drink served up by friendly wait staff at the Mission Ranc... More >
The view alone is worth a visit to the Mission Ranch. "Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch is a great place for a sunset drink overlooking a field of grazing sheep, mountains and distant ocean," says Gale. The peaceful and pastoral scene is made even better by the excellent food and drink served up by friendly wait staff at the Mission Ranch Restaurant. Take a peek around the bar; you may even spy Clint out dining with his wife Dina, or with one of their famous friends.
Gale recommends taking time to stroll through Carmel's rich art district and stop by several of the sublime art galleries the town has to offer. Carmel has a variety of art galleries to choose from. The Weston Gallery is the 3rd oldest photography gallery in the U.S. and is owned by Edward Weston's family. The family owned and operated... More >
Gale recommends taking time to stroll through Carmel's rich art district and stop by several of the sublime art galleries the town has to offer. Carmel has a variety of art galleries to choose from. The Weston Gallery is the 3rd oldest photography gallery in the U.S. and is owned by Edward Weston's family. The family owned and operated business continues to showcase work by the talented Weston family, including Edward's son Cole Weston, as well as other notable local photographers like Morley Baer.
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