Things to Do

Area Attractions and Recreation

Situated just minutes from Carmel-By-The-Sea and 12 miles from Carmel Village, Carmel River Inn provides its guests with a wide variety of attractions and activities, from local shops and art galleries to outdoor adventures and golfing. Among the area “must-sees” are:

Area Exploration

17 Mile Drive

A scenic loop through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach (It has five entrances, including one at California State Route 1 and one at Pacific Grove off Sunset Drive)

Big Sur

Explore one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country and take the 90 mile drive along Highway One between Carmel and San Simeon

Carmel Mission

Officially “Mission San Carlos Borrome Del Rio Carmelo”, it is considered one of the most beautiful missions and offers the visitor peaceful grounds

Carmel Beach

Offering spectacular views of cypress trees, blue water and the manicured greens of the Pebble Beach Golf Links

Outdoor Recreation

Bicycling/Hiking

Explore the natural surroundings of the area aboard your bike (rentals available), or take an afternoon stroll or hike along Carmel Beach and Walkway, or through one of the many state and county parks

Kayaking

Explore the natural terrain of Carmel by sea and enjoy a day of kayaking (ask about area rentals)

Tours

Take a walking tour around Carmel-By-The-Sea, a driving tour of Big Sur, or a kayaking tour along the coast

Golf

Many of the golf courses around Carmel and Monterey are regularly seen on national and international television. There is a rich golfing tradition on the Monterey Peninsula, with golf courses available for all levels of golfers.

Wineries

Visit one of the local wineries, including De Tierra Vineyards, Caraccioli Cellars and Vino Napoli, among many others

Downtown

Restaurants

From local fare and seafood to international dishes, the options are endless

Shopping

Carmel is home to dozens of unique boutiques and premium shops, as well as international high-end brands such as Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. The three main shopping areas are: “The Barnyard”, “The Crossroads”, “The Plaza” and Downtown.

Art Galleries

Two dozen fine art galleries, representing over 600 artists, many of whom live locally

Theater

Carmel is home to three professional live theatres, all with active performance schedules: the intimate Cherry Center Theatre, the larger Pacific Repertory Theatre and the historic Sunset Center

Visitors also enjoy wine festivals, art fairs, car shows, farmers markets and more ~ either in Carmel itself, nearby Monterey, or other nearby villages (Check our Events Calendar for a comprehensive list)

Beyond Carmel

Downtown Monterey

A charming, historical district, only about 7 miles away, with unique shopping and dining experiences

Laguna Seca

Hosts sports car championships and classic motorcycle races, along with numerous other motor-sport-related events and functions

Monterey Bay Aquarium

A masterpiece of science and nature, making you feel at one with ocean wildlife, without getting your feet wet

Monterey County Wineries

From humble beginnings some 200 years ago, now spanning more than 45,000 acres of vineyards

Point Lobos State Preserve

A paradise for people who want to indulge their hobbies of painting, photography, nature study, walking, jogging, scuba diving, or just admiring nature at its best

Point Sur Lighthouse

Located on a rocky outcrop north of San Simeon on the Central Coast, offering tours of the lighthouse and island

The Cherry Center for the Arts

Featuring an on-site gallery, theatre and sculpture garden.