Should i stay in carmel or monterey

Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a fairy-tale wonderland. Far removed from the real world and reminiscent of a fantasy European hamlet, this enchanting coastal village features tree-shaded streets lined with handsome Spanish-style buildings, elegant Victorian homes, and little storybook cottages.

Adding to the charm, hidden passageways and quiet courtyards await those who take the time to explore at leisure. Plan a fabulous sightseeing excursion, weekend getaway, or seaside vacation.

The fact that Carmel does not use numbered street addresses GPS cannot pinpoint a specific location encourages wandering. While tourists stroll around town, they'll stumble upon artisan shops; one-of-a-kind, locally owned stores; world-class art galleries; and inviting restaurants. After browsing the boutiques, relaxing at the gorgeous Carmel Beach, or taking scenic walks, the peaceful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a welcome place to stay.

Visitors can choose from upscale bed-and-breakfasts, historic inns, and luxury hotels. The quaint accommodations tend to have a cozy style, ideal for chilly evenings when the summertime fog rolls in.

Those spending several days in Carmel can also explore the attractions of nearby Monterey, just four miles away, or take a drive along Highway One through Big Sur to admire the dramatic ocean views. For travelers based in San Francisco, Carmel is one of the top day trips from the city. Discover the best places to visit in this delightful resort town on California's Central Coast with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Carmel. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

Curving around a cove of Carmel Bay, this magnificent stretch of soft white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach has a secluded feel that is rare in a popular resort town. With its pristine shoreline, rocky bluffs along the coastline, and crashing Pacific waves, Carmel Beach is an inspiring nature site. The iconic cypress trees add interest to the scenery, which has its own distinctive look that is much different from the nearby beaches in Santa Cruz.

Visitors should be aware that this is not a beach for swimming, as dangerous rip currents and rogue waves are common, and there is no lifeguard on duty. Despite this, however, or perhaps as a result, it is an excellent place for nature walks, sunbathing, and playing volleyball or frisbee.

The stunning scenery more than makes up for the fact that swimming is usually off-limits. Running parallel to the beach, the 3.

Multiple stairways lead between the beach and path. The trail winds up at Carmel River State Beach, although many people only walk a short portion of the path to take advantage of the ocean overlooks or watch the sunset. The centerpiece of the Carmel Mission is the basilica that was completed in and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Renovations approximate the original building. Unlike most Spanish mission churches, which are unadorned, the Carmel Mission Basilica has a highly decorative interior.

Visitors marvel over the lovely exterior with its garden courtyard and Moorish-style domed bell tower. Equally impressive are the sanctuary's tunnel-vaulted ceiling and foot-tall gilded reredos behind the altar. Displayed throughout the basilica are many fine pieces of Spanish Colonial liturgical art. The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum includes several different collections that feature treasured artifacts and present the monument's history.

In one of the mission's historic buildings, visitors can see where Father Junipero Serra lived. Sometimes red-throated Anna's hummingbirds can be seen fluttering about the grounds. Mass is celebrated at the basilica on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Dramatic coastal scenery and an incredible diversity of wildlife makes Point Lobos an amazing place to discover.

Visitors are awed by the glorious ocean scenery, with the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean striking rocky bluffs and outcrops. Scenic hiking trails lead through forests of Monterey pines and cypress trees, as well as marine terraces, tide pools, and fields of coastal scrub blooming with vibrant wildflowers.

In springtime, an abundance of wild lilacs and California poppies blanket the fields. A highlight for many is seeing Point Lobos' marine mammals. The Sea Lion Point Trail leads hikers down to a staircase that offers a good vantage point of coves where the barking sea lions rest on offshore rocks.

For a look at the cutest animals in Point Lobos, head to the Cypress Grove Trail , where playful sea otters munch on mussels or swim around the kelp in the Headland Cove. Sometimes otters can also be spotted in the tranquil waters of "the Pit" on the Granite Point Trail. Many artists and photographers have been inspired by Point Lobos' beauty, while scuba divers appreciate this site for the colorful underwater seascape and diverse sea life.

For many visitors, a jaunt along the Mile Drive is one of their favorite things to do in Carmel. Tourists marvel over the spectacular landscapes and dazzling ocean vistas at every turn of the curving oceanfront route. Along the way are scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing points, secluded beaches, and picnic areas overlooking the picturesque scenery. The Mile Drive is famous for The Lone Cypress , a Monterey cypress tree that stands majestically atop a granite hill.

The tree, which is over years old, is one of the most photographed trees in North America. This prestigious course has hosted six U. Open Championships and has been selected to host the U. From historic mansions turned bed-and-breakfast to world famous beachfront resorts, decadent spas , charming inns and rustic campgrounds there are hundreds of lodging options in Monterey County. Whether you're looking for a luxe Big Sur retreat , a budget-friendly family motel in Monterey, a coastal retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea or any other lodging, SeeMonterey is your trusted source for hotel bookings.

By continuing to browse this site you permit us and our partners to place identification cookies on your browser and agree to our use of cookies for marketing. To learn more view our Privacy Policy. Things to Do. All rooms are fitted with modern amenities including a bathtub and separate shower. There is an onsite restaurant and cafe as well as hour room service. This is an ideal place to stay for couples looking to splurge on a getaway. Old Monterey Inn — An elegant four-star hotel that has been around for close to years, this is a great place to stay in Monterey for travellers that want to be transported back in time.

All rooms have their own fireplace, comfortable beds and unique furniture and design. There is a complimentary breakfast and wine and nibbles for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Click here to browse other luxury rooms in Monterey! Unlike in Monterey, for travellers looking for where to stay in Carmel, there is an unfortunate lack of conventional budget options like hostels and motels.

Carmel Lodge — A basic three-star hotel located in the centre of the town and surrounded by a range of great restaurants, cafes and shops. All rooms have basic amenities and there is a light continental breakfast included daily. Free parking and hour check-in is available. Carmel Green Lantern Inn — Located a couple of minutes walk from Carmel Beach, this is a great bed and breakfast with a huge buffet breakfast served daily for guests. Rooms have their own private entrance and some rooms have their own balconies with sea views.

There are a few different room options that are suitable for couples or families. Carmel Bay View Inn — A boutique hotel that is located close to shops and restaurants and about 1 mile from the sea.

Rooms are suitable for couples with each having their own fireplace making it one of the best places to stay in Carmel for a romantic getaway. A hearty buffet breakfast is included in the daily rate.

Click here to browse other mid-range hotels in Carmel. Carriage House Inn — An elegant bed and breakfast located in the centre of Carmel, this is a perfect place to stay for couples looking for a romantic getaway and with some money to splurge! Rooms are wonderfully designed with their own fireplace and some rooms also having their own spa.

Breakfast is served daily and there is also complimentary wine and nibbles in the evening. Guests here can enjoy wine and cheese every evening, sherry in their rooms, a hearty breakfast and access to an on-site spa with massages available. All rooms are large and spacious making this an excellent luxury hotel in Carmel.

Tradewinds Carmel — Another great boutique hotel option in Carmel for the luxury traveller.