If you are an outdoor enthusiast who revels in thrilling adventures, then Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is for you. Vast green spaces, rich wildlife, and protected marine habitats are what you can expect during your trip to this expansive state park. Exciting marine excursions, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, await visitors. Seals, gray whales, sea otters, and sea lions are some of the magnificent creatures that call these waters home. Apart from all this, avid hikers can embark on exhilarating explorations of the trails winding through Point Lobos.
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.
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful stretches of the California coast. This central-California locale encompasses several state parks, gorgeous beaches, and jaw-dropping views. Big Sur stretches from the Carmel River in Monterey County to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County. The beauty of this hard-to-reach landscape has attracted artists, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to its shores and trails. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, swimming, and many other outdoor sports while visiting Big Sur.
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.
The best part of your visit to Carmel is sure to be a leisurely stroll along the Scenic Road Walkway, a 1.2 mile (2.1 Kilometer) long walkway that runs along the coastline and through some of the most popular sights. Stroll along the white sand beach and enjoy the cool ocean breeze, take in gorgeous views of the bright azure Carmel Bay waters, admire the beautiful homes that line the street, and watch the gorgeous sunset. Overall, a walk along the Scenic Road Walkway is a highly memorable one.
Established in 1949, Carmel Youth Center is located in Carmel, CA. This award-winning center aims at training kids in visual arts, athletics, and other art forms. They organize summer camps and other outreach programs on a regular basis.
Tucked away from the city's eyes, Harrison Memorial Library can be a bit tricky to find, but the place is worth the treasure hunt. Lined with a plethora of titles catering to several genres, this is a heaven for bibliophiles. High windows usher in ample of sunlight and there are cozy seats beckoning you to find comfort in a book. The children's section is the library's most unique as well as popular offering where number of books as well as toys are neatly stacked for you little ones. The library also has a teen lounge.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is replete with picturesque beaches and scenic coves that accentuate its natural beauty. One among these is the lovely China Cove, whose turquoise-tinted waters glimmer beneath the sky, its sun-dappled surface dazzling all those who gaze upon it. Pristine waves lap at the shore of the beach that lies tucked amid the stunning folds of the cove, the sandy expanse inviting visitors to indulge in a relaxing excursion under the sun.
Set amid craggy outcrops, Gibson Beach invites visitors to frolic in the gentle waves lapping against its sandy shore. The beach, one among the many which characterize the landscape of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, is a tranquil slice of nature bounded by bluffs and boulders. Owing to its fairly secluded location, Gibson Beach is perfect for those looking to unwind away from larger crowds.