Top Rated Attractions in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tor House, one of the most prominent attractions in Carmel, was the home of poet Robinson Jeffers and his family from 1919 to 1999. This piece of property located on Carmel Point has an absolutely breathtaking view of the coastline. The property consists of a stone house, Celtic tower and an English garden. A tour of the facility is highly recommended to learn about the famous poet's life.

Also known as Mission Carmel Basilica and more formally, as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, this was the second of the nine missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. The area was originally chosen for its agricultural possibilities in 1771, but the temperate climate and exquisite landscape soon made it Father Serra's favorite. The building, which fell into ruins in the 19th Century and has since been completely restored, exhibits classic fortress-like architecture, with thick, bougainvillea-covered walls and a central courtyard. A Moorish-style bell tower contains nine bells and is open to the public. The steps to climb the tower are a bit steep, but the views from that vantage point are magnificent.

One of the major entertainment and business hubs in Carmel is Ocean Avenue, where you will find it all. Peppered with a number of historic buildings and quiet alleys, this is a fine spot for a leisurely stroll in the evening. The street is also home to a number of stores, mostly boutique stores such as Bohemian Boutique, Mark Fenwick Shop and more. Be sure to visit The Cheese Shop to savor some of the best local, handmade cheese. The street is also lined with cozy cafes and restaurants, which are ideal for refreshments after a long day of shopping.

This famous Monterey playground is located in the El Estero Park. First opened in 1956, the park has undergone various renovations with the most recent in 2005. Named after the comic character by Hank Ketchum, the park features a toddler area and larger slides and structures meant for older children. A maze with a lookout tower, climbing wall, suspension bridge and statue of Dennis himself, this park is full of fun for kids of all ages.

The Coast Guard Pier is one of the go-to spots for locals and tourists during summer afternoons and weekends. Close to beach parks and other local attractions, the wharf is a major recreational spot for those who wish to indulge in water sports. On a sunny day, you can see sea lions and sea otters lazing around on the rocks.

Cannery Row is a fantastic waterfront thoroughfare, situated a mile down the coast from the Fisherman's Wharf. Having been featured in John Steinbeck's books Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday, this iconic street is named after old sardine canning factories. Affording splendid views across Monterey Bay, this erstwhile street has rapidly snowballed into an intriguing tourist destination in recent years. While those factories are no longer operational, their nondescript facades now house a range of shops, bars, and restaurants. This area is also a marine sanctuary, where California sea lions gracefully sun themselves. The Friends of the Sea Otter shop offers information on the marine history and heritage of the place, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a treasured landmark of the Cannery Row. An array of marine, biological centers, and fishing companies occupy the recesses of this historic district, which is also within close proximity to a string of delightful beaches.