Had been meaning to check out this park for a long time, but usually got pulled away to Point…read moreLobos. A few weekends ago we were down in Carmel for the long weekend with some friends and got a later start to the morning. Anticipating that Point Lobos would be super crowded, I picked out a few hikes at Garrapata State Park, just a few miles south. We parked near the Soberanes Canyon trailhead and hiked the Soberanes Point trail, first going north, then doubling back to take the loop around (and up) Whale Peak. I was worried about leading a group of 20 astray (with kids who had different tolerance levels for hikes), but my fears were immediately put to ease by the gorgeous oceanside views, full of greenery, wildflowers, and the powerful ocean waves hitting the rocks below. We even spotted a sea otter in the surf. Got some nice photos and everyone made it back. At this point our group split up. A few of us went down to Calla Lily Valley. The lilies were beautiful (though I heard they were cut down recently), but there were a ton of people, and the trail was quite muddy. The beach nearby was really nice - the kids spent some time playing there. Parking immediately near the valley is tight but there is parking at this beach and trails to both the beach and the valley from there. Will definitely be back, love that there's an alternative to Point Lobos so close by.

First time in Carmel with the wife and we decided to walk the area in the noon time . A nice stroll…read morefrom the main downtown area. A nice trail to walk around. And views you can't miss. Definitely a spot worth hitting if you want to make your stay worth it. Even the dog got to enjoy some views and the walk!

Magnificent views and short hikes…read more I had a very pleasant short hike along some of the trails. Outstanding views of the sea and cliffs where the water carved out scenic scenes. Keep an eye out for seat otters in the water and seals on the sand in secluded coves. Parking can be a bit challenging on more popular days. I suggest driving to the end where China Cove is and keep an eye out for parking spots along the way. Be ready to backtrack to those open spots.

Absolutely breathtaking views. This gorgeous cove is hidden away deep in Point Lobos State Natural…read moreReserve. The parking lots fills up fast so you may have to park outside the park. We got there fairly late in the day, so we were able to go into the entrance with our car ($10 fee per car, it's free to park on the street outside). We were able to park all the way down in the last parking lot, then walked on the Bird Island Trail to get to China Cove - it's barely 5 minutes into the trail. The seals are so fun to watch down there and the view is like a postcard! I also highly recommend continuing to walk along Bird Island Trail to see Pelican Point and more gorgeous beach views. It's a fairly easy trail with a stunning view throughout. This is a must see!! Last entrance to the park is 6:30 pm and everyone has to be out by 7 pm. This wasn't confirmed anywhere online so we called them to get correct info on their current hours.

Stopped by here a few years ago on the way to beach, and got to see some sights, enjoyed hiking…read morearound the area and watching the wild life parking is off the highway, can be difficult

On our way to Big Sur, we stopped at this game refuge for some sights and some hiking…read more Spotting sea otters is not always easy. When in the water their wet fur often takes on a hue similar to the kelp infused waters just off the coast. The distinctive high pitched call of otter pups and the sound of crustaceans being banged against rocks often provide the first clue that one or more are in the area. The trails tend to follow bluffs that overlook the beaches below. Where possible stairs descend down to the beach level. There's no tree cover here, just a think carpet of low shrubs. But we had a great view of the Big Sur coast and the rocks, waves and wildlife...A Beauty....

Haven't been here in over a year since moving away. It was fantastic to see the regrow th from all…read morethe rain in CA this past year. And the pond at the top of the trail looks like it did from years ago when I first hiked here. They had done some major work around the pond and sort of landscaping. The view at the top is a still gorgeous! Views of Carmel Valley sand the white sand beach. A new building with restrooms is at the front too. Nice change from all the port a potties. Enjoy nature and get out there. Cheers and happy yelping.

So beautiful, full of a variety of wildlife and sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding…read morelandscape. Highly recommend.

Maybe folks are trying to keep this place a secret, but this place is quiet and beautiful. A little…read moreslice of heaven here!

I had the most incredible experience visiting the Valley of the Calla Lilies in Big Sur. It truly…read morefelt like stepping into a hidden paradise. The peaceful walk down to the valley, surrounded by nature, set the tone for something really special--and then seeing the calla lilies in full bloom was absolutely breathtaking. The way the flowers blanket the valley alongside the flowing creek is something you can't fully capture in photos--it's something you have to feel in person. It was quiet, calming, and honestly a little magical. I loved how untouched and natural everything felt. If you're looking for a beautiful, serene spot to connect with nature and take in one of the most unique views in California, this is it. I'm so grateful I got to experience it and will definitely be back.

Beautiful scenic stop right by Garrapata State Park. The trail nearby is just as breathtaking!…read moreSince Highway 1 is quite a ways away from most tourists, I would highly recommend putting an hour or two away in your itinerary to walk by the coast and admire the local flora. We visited President's Day Weekend/Valentine's Day when it was chilly and overcast, but the photos my friend took on a sunny day were breathtaking! The cloudy weather added a deeper and darker charm to our photos. There was considerable rainfall the previous days, so the ground was quite muddy. Since the NorCal beaches get pretty cold, I would recommend bundling up before coming here to prevent catching any illnesses. This spot is perfect for any photoshoots and has such a magical vibe about it. I would recommend this for anyone who happens to be in the area already in conjunction with a Carmel/Big Sur trip.

A beautiful drive from Monterey thru downtown Carmel. Carmel Beach is hidden away from the world…read moreunless you look for it. There's paved parking with handicap accessible spots. I imagine as it gets warmer it will be harder to find a parking spot. The sand was white unlike the beige sand on the East Coast. The water was shades of aqua and blue. Picturesque views of the rocky ridges with local trees can be seen in the distance. Seagulls flying overhead trying to catch thermals from the sun or is the wind is strong enough soar the ridge. It was a perfect day not crowded with people. You had families, couples and people walking with their dogs along the beach. We found ourselves sitting relaxed listening to the waves and catching some Alpha rays.

The mustard is blooming at Carmel Meadows Beach…read more... http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/bb3rYoGvioJ38F4nl-riVg/l March 11, 2009 @ 12:40 PM

Carmel Mission Basilica (formal name 'San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo') is one of six minor…read morebasilicas in the state of California (five being former Spanish missions). It is the oldest one, founded in 1770, and elevated to basilica status by Pope John XXIII in 1960. My wife, her mom, and I visited it during a late Sunday afternoon during our first day in Carmel, and found it to be a great, worthwhile experience, especially if one is Roman Catholic. The basilica is still a working parish, so parking during non-mass hours was easy to find. A ticket booth was set-up at the visitor entrance, with cost of $15 per adult ($13 for senior). There is an adjacent gift shop that doesn't require admission and sells all the various religious items that one would expect from a religious tourist attraction. We ended up spending about 90 minutes here (there is a lot of information here, along with a lot to see). -- Founding priest was Junipero Serra ("Apostle of California"). He was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, and his shrine/remains are interned here. -- Only U.S. church visited by a pontiff during a papal visit: Pope John Paul II in 1987. He paid homage to Father Serra, and laid flowers at the tomb. This visit is clearly commemorated. -- the Munras Family Heritage Museum is worth going to, to see a short movie about the prominent Monterey family, along with early California artifacts from the family. -- the Nativity scene was one of the most intricate -- the large courtyard is a good place to stop and admire the architecture of a California Spanish mission, along with a thick trunk Cork Oak tree By the time we were leaving, the ticket office had closed (last call is at 16:30, to allow everyone to have enough time before official close at 18:00).

So grateful to been able to attend Sunday Mass. Basilica is so beautiful and it has so much…read morehistory and also they have free museum and a small shop. Sunday mass is full but the have lots of extra chairs in the back outside the church. Parking could be crowded so get there early.

Dumbest park set up i've ever seen. Unless you are 5 years old or in you 80's skip it. Don't waste…read moreyour time.

Stayed here with my fiancé for a night. It was pouring rain so that kept us up, but the electric…read moreblankets were amazing!!! The ambiance was also very cute! Was about $120/night for our stay in February. There are showers and restrooms on property. Would definitely consider coming back!

6/26-6/28 Overall…read more3.5 rating Group Booking We booked all the cabins and a few tents for our annual gathering this year at Saddle Mountain. Our extended friends have stayed here before and have had great things to say and we were looking forward to coming this year. It was a bit of a mixup with the quotes and rates we were all charged all over the place. Something with system changes and someone made some rate adjustments but larger cabins were charged lower rates and smaller cabins were charged slightly higher rates. We all placed a deposit for the reservations. Some of us paid half the stay shortly after while others didn't have to and the rest of us paid the balance in full 30 days upon arrival. Once you arrive, checkin is fairly easy. Site is really pretty. Cabin is stocked and has essentials. Staff is friendly. Parking is avail close by. Unavoidable in these type of environments but beds are not as comfy and we did find some mosquitos and a few tiny bugs in the cabin. The fire pit by the pool wasn't working and was out of propane. We called it in but it took hours and we had left before it was replaced. Hopefully the next guests were able to enjoy it. There aren't enough community bathrooms to share between the guests sharing tents from my understanding. I was in a cabin so didn't have that problem but did see lines by the office when I walked by. All else amenities wise offered were great. Our friends tent was a great gathering place for us to meet and have smores and meet for lunch. The staff here are serious about quiet time at 9pm on the weekend! Eeeek! Hard when there is 40+ of us with kids that just want to have fun but we took it indoors. Pool available on premises, sauna, etc. Checkout is at 10:00! The deduction of stars for us was really the booking experience and inconsistent experience across the group in rates, charges. Would have been a strong 4.5 rating otherwise!