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.