Attractions Nearby Carmel, Day Trips and Excursions

(Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California - CA, USA)

Coastal attractions abound around Carmel, with both Big Sur and Monterey Bay being just a short drive away. Monterey is a very popular day trip from Carmel, where attractions include summer festivals, museums, beaches, a world-class aquarium and sumptuous clam chowder, which is served at many restaurants around the Fisherman's Wharf area of Monterey.

If you could go for a drive anywhere in the world, it is unlikely that you will come across a more scenic and appealing route than California's famous 17 Mile Drive. Stretching between Carmel and Pacific Grove, the 17 Mile Drive passes many exceptional sights and attractions along the way. Various state parks are also close to Carmel, such as the Point Lobos State Reserve, where an afternoon's hiking comes highly recommended, as does a visit to the National Steinbeck Center in nearby Salinas.

17 Mile Drive

As you drive along the truly awesome 17 Mile Drive, you will pass many beautiful beaches and related coastal attractions, as well as countless grand mansions, the spreading Del Monte Forest and a number of landscaped golf courses, such as both the Pebble Beach Golf Links and the Cypress Point Club. This is a truly wonderful way to explore the coastline of the Monterey Peninsula. There is a small toll charge for driving on the 17 Mile Drive, although if you stop off for a bite to eat and any of the restaurants en-route, this will usually be refunded.

Big Sur

Big Sur is to be found roughly 26 miles / 42 km to the south of Carmel and alongside the Andrew Molera State Park. The attractions of Big Sur tend to be of a natural nature, appealing to backpackers and lovers of the 'great outdoors'. The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also close and boasts breathtaking sights, such as the McWay Falls, a cascading waterfall measuring more than 15 meters / 50 feet. The Henry Miller Memorial Library may also be of interest to day trippers.

Monterey

The setting of Monterey is quite stunning and this small city has grown up around the beautiful Monterey Bay. Known for its rich Latino heritage and numerous museums, the most historical of attractions are generally situated within the characterful Old Monterey district. Nearby, you simply most not overlook the much celebrated Monterey Bay Aquarium, or the charming neighborhood of Cannery Row. If you are stopping by during September, then you may well be lucky enough to take in a concert or two during the city's annual jazz festival.

Oakland

Oakland is a large city known for its diverse attractions and can be found approximately 115 miles / 185 km to the north of Carmel. The Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau on 14th Street is a good place to head to initially and will be happy to provide you with a brochure detailing various self-guided tours of the city. The Oakland Museum of California is well worth looking out for and resides on Oak Street, being filled will Californian history and culture. However, if you are simply looking for a gift or a bite to eat, then head on down to Oakland's waterfront Jack London Square, a popular place to be seen.

San Francisco

The allure of San Francisco really is quite something and you cannot help but be drawn to this iconic city by the promise of world-class attractions and fine dining. San Francisco is famous for countless sights, such as its magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, its lively Chinatown district, and its historical Alcatraz prison. A city of many hills and beautiful views, the city is sited on the tip of a 30-mile / 48-km peninsula and lies alongside both the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Union Square forms the very heart of San Francisco and is dominated by the eye-catching Dewey Monument.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a real coastal highlight and is situated part-way between both Carmel and Los Angeles, lying just over 250 miles / 402 km to the southeast. Downtown Santa Barbara has much architectural integrity and comprises a large and imposing courthouse, along with a series of exceptional museums, such as the Museum of Natural History on the Puesta del Sol Road, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art on State Street. Other attractions include the beachfront Sea Landing area, where a selection of water sports are available, and the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), which creates an unmistakable youthful vibe.

Santa Cruz

Home of the acclaimed University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC), this buzzing beach city has much to offer in the way of tourism and tourist attractions. The many shops and restaurants are based around the Pacific Avenue and Front Street, the latter of which leads towards the beachfront and also the Boardwalk, a traditional amusement park dating back more than 100 years and sited right next to the beach itself. The Boardwalk's Giant Dipper roller coaster first opened in 1923 and is still providing exciting rides for literally thousands of thrill seekers each year.

San Jose

Located just under 90 minutes away by car, San Jose lies around 75 miles / 121 km to the north of Carmel and is a popular place to stop off en-route to San Francisco. San Jose has grown to become the capital of the Silicon Valley area and is home to a number of exceptional museums, such as the Technology Museum of Innovation and also the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. The History Park within Kelley Park is another top attraction in San Jose and comprises around 30 different historical buildings, which have been carefully relocated here from all around the city, although it is only open to the public at the weekends.