While visiting the Carmel/Monterey area a month ago we wanted to take in some of the local scenery…read more Point Lobos State Natural Reserve came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint Located just 10 minutes outside of Carmel, this incredibly picturesque seascape is a must see while visiting. There are multiple trails through the Point, and each of them showcase stunning views of the sea and saw well as flora and fauna It was barely raining while we were there and it never dampened our spirits. The trails got a little slick, but nothing too dangerous. In fact, this is more of a seaside walking path than a physical intensive hike We saw many seals and otters on our hike. There was also a rest stop that had park rangers and an interactive exhibit that was very cool. You could feel the skin of a seal, otter, and even the baleen from a whale Some tips: If you haven't explored Carmel or Monterey you are just a short drive away There are many coastal hikes and scenic points/beaches to explore. We also enjoyed a more physical hike at the Pinnacles, but that is an hour or so away Cheers!!

Adj: beautiful, breathtaking natural reserve…read more Always a nice place to visit and "hike" (really just trail walking). I love coming here. It's so serene, scenic, natural, cool, and both the botanical plantlife as well as the animals (air, land, and ocean wildlife) you can find and view here are just so amazing. Being it's in the Monterey Bay, it's almost always cool when it's hot in the valley, so it's another great place to escape to. It's just a very nice and unique point in the bay and although you can spend the whole day here, or even several days, a couple of hours will also be very rewarding for a change of scenery for those of us who are urban dwellers who want to reconnect with God's natural wonders once in awhile. Overall, Point Lobos is an authentic, breathtaking, and calming place for those who enjoy seeing the ocean and taking in all the native plants, vegetations, and all the air, land, and sea creatures one can encounter or at least observe here.

Devendorf Park should get 5 stars for the proximity to Carmel by the Sea, shops and restaurants…read more It's aesthetically pleasing landscaped garden setting and lawn area. Park benches under tree shade, walking paths and koi pond. Public restroom as well is located on-site. I only gave it 4 stars because I wish it was larger in overall area and allowed dogs to visit as well. It is a beautiful space regardless.

This was a petite park in the downtown Carmel area, and it was pretty lovely. I'm glad that they…read morehave restrooms there, and they were pretty clean. We walked our doggie there after brunch.

Our family loves this park! Favorite parts: - Fun playground…read morewith swings and play structures to climb - Space to roam around where the kids love to build "spy bases" and find banana slugs - More nature to explore - Great location near downtown so we can run around and then go out for lunch and shopping - Clean restrooms Parking can be a bit challenging but if you put "Forest Hill Park parking" in your maps app, you can find a good option for street parking.

Biggest issue is no parking. It's very clean and tidy but the play structures have a lot of caution…read moretape on the edges that were covering up where the structure had sharp edges and holes. Also both structures seemed to be leaning... possibly from tree roots and probably the cause for the tears in the edges.

Briefly stopped by the beach after having lunch in downtown Carmel. Now clearly understanding why…read morethe beach is loved so much. Carmel Beach is recognized as having the 'whitest' sand in the United States, and number 14 globally. This color comes from quartz deposits eroded by the waves. There is a parking lot at the north end of the beach on Ocean Avenue (maybe 30 spots or so), that is usually filled, meaning people are constantly idling in the parking lot, waiting for a spot. The parking lot is elevated from the beach, requiring carefully going down a sand bank. My wife and her mom decided to admire the view by sitting on a retaining wall at the top of the bern, while I happily went down to the shoreline to admire the views. The sand here is more golden than white. The road that runs parallel to the beach and boardwalk in Carmel is Scenic Road and we took it as we headed back to our cottage. There was street unmetered parking spots available and I noticed how much brighter/whiter the sand was in this area (a lot less crowded as well). Thinking back, wish we had stopped so I could have admired this part of the beach a bit more.

I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents,…read moreBarbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get.

Such a tranquil spot. After shopping all day, my feet were killing me. I was…read moreso glad to find a quiet place to just sit and relax. This place is very calming to the soul and so beautiful.

Piccadilly Park is a cute functional park sandwiched between galleries in the downtown of…read moreCamel-By-the-Sea. The plaque says, "This park would not exist were it not for the diligence of two civic - minded citizens , Carol J. Stratton and Jean B. Mitchell 1979 they launched a campaign to save this parcel , the home the former Piccadilly Nursery , from commercial development In the process they founded the Carmel - by - the - Sea Garden which raised funds to create this city - owned park almost 20 years later . The Garden Club continues to maintain this property for the enjoyment of all , residents and visitors alike." Thanks to the city for maintaining the unisex public restroom and recycling bins. It looks like a great place to take a lunch break at enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

First timer Nice hike…read moreCame late but still nice walk Went the back way so no parking Parked at the streets

Tasting this park kind of depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a leisurely…read morestroll in the morning that takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes and it's not very hilly then this is your place and you're eating it high. If you're looking for something a little more rigorous with hills sand stuff to look at then it's more average. I guess the cool part is it's in the middle of residential area. The path is not paved, but it's groomed with rocks and bark so it's a pretty easy walk. The kind of "hike" you can stroll with a cup of coffee.

These enchanting homes, often called the Comstock cottages, are a hallmark of Carmel's unique…read morecharacter. They were designed and built primarily in the 1920s by Hugh Comstock--initially to showcase his wife Mayotta Brown's popular "Otsy‑Totsy" rag dolls. One of the most famous ones is Hansel and Gretel, created in 1924, and located Torres Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Enthralled by the first cottages, Carmel residents began commissioning Comstock to build similar homes. Over time, this blossomed into a small architectural movement--by the late 1920s and into the 1930s, around 21 Comstock cottages had been built across the town. Absolutely stunning!!! Suggested route -- and the route we took is: 1.) Go to the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue between Junipero Street & Mission Street. Park your car nearby and do a self-guided walking tour. 2.) Pick up a map at the Visitor Center, take a "fairy-tale cottages" handout or take a picture of the handout. 3.) The walking tour is about 1-1.2 miles only. Very enjoyable walk. Small elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy!!!

While in Carmel by the Sea we did a nice stroll into the neighborhood looking for the Hansel and…read moreGretel Cottages. I am giving 4 stars for the peaceful and scenic walk away from the hustle and bustle of the main street tourist area. I would give the walking tour 3 stars as the houses are not clearly marked and difficult to determine what we were looking at. That being said the cottages we stopped to look at were beautiful and very well maintained. Its worth the effort and time to go on this adventure. There are a few dramatically modern homes built in the neighborhood as well which seem out of place considering we were looking for fairy tale cottages. The walk is a bit hilly so plan accordingly. Nice and peaceful, be considerate as people do live in these adjacent homes.

This is our third visit to the Big Sur area this year. This is the first park three miles past…read moreCarmel. Since we were staying nearby, I wanted to hike here. There is limited parking inside, but there's plenty of parking off Hwy. 1 on a first come, first serve basis. We decided to take the Lace Lichen trail and then take the North Shore trail where we passed the Whaler's Museum (closed) before heading back to our car. Both hikes are fairly easy, lots of picturesque views of the oceans and Big Sur coastline. Out of the parks I have visited in the area, this is probably my favorite. However, all the parks in Big Sur have been my favorite that I'm willing to skip a visit to Carmel By The Sea to go play in a park! We went on a Monday, so there were fewer crowds and everyone has their own personal space. I will definitely go back!

Best place to go for a walk and spend some time with the family. Would go back anytimeread more

Carmel Pinnacle State Marine Reserve is a marine protected area in and around Carmel Bay. It is…read moreroughly 0.53 square miles in size. This area is known for its unique pinnacle underwater formations, kelp forest, submarine canyon ( steep sided valley cuts into the sea-bed of the continental slope.) Divers as well a kayakers are attracted to this area due to its unusual underwater formations, granite reefs, and kelp forests. Carmel Pinnacle State Reserve lies just beyond Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area. California marine protected areas do encourage recreational use of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling , are allowed unless otherwise restricted. As always be aware of your surroundings and be safe ! Enjoy !