🇺🇸 Carmel-by-the-Sea Travel Guide

📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea Within a 1-mile radius, this town gathers artistic restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and galleries. Its European-inspired streets and architecture make it a must-stop on Highway 1. 🏡 Hotel Recommendation: Any downtown hotel works perfectly! 🍕 Exploring & Dining in the Town Center: Carmel is small but vibrant, centered around Ocean Avenue with its clusters of restaurants, galleries, and shops. Use Cottage Of Sweets as a navigation point. Free street parking is available (must move your car every 2 hours). 🍻 Popular Shops & Restaurants: 1️⃣ Cottage Of Sweets A candy/chocolate shop—a must-visit spot in Carmel! 2️⃣ The Tuck Box A uniquely shaped café great for photos. Serves brunch (reviews are mixed). ⏰ 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM | 💰 $20-$30 per person 3️⃣ PortaBella Italian cuisine with stunning architecture. Food quality varies. ⏰ 11:30 AM - 9 PM | 💰 $40-$50 per person 4️⃣ Dametra Cafe Mediterranean/Greek flavors. Try Moussaka if you’re new to Greek food! ⏰ 11:30 AM - 10 PM | 💰 $40-$50 per person 🎡 Activities: 1️⃣ Sunset at Carmel Beach Walk 10 minutes west along Ocean Avenue to reach the beach. 2️⃣ 17-Mile Drive Scenic Road ⏰ Open from sunrise to sunset | 🎫 $11.25 per vehicle 🕒 Allow 2 hours for stunning coastal views. 3️⃣ Hiking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Similar to 17-Mile Drive but wilder and perfect for hiking. ⏰ 8 AM - 5/6:30 PM | 🎫 $10 per vehicle (free for pedestrians) 🕒 Short visit (2 hours): Drive to Cypress Grove Trail (0.8-mile loop for ocean/rocks/seals) and Bird Island Trail (0.8-mile loop for turquoise China Cove). 🕒 Longer visit (4 hours): Hike the 6-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail. 💡 Summer/weekends: Parking is scarce. Park outside and walk in! 🌸 If visiting in late Feb/early Mar, drive 10 minutes south to Calla Lily Valley to see calla lilies! #NorthAmericaRoadTrip #RVLife #USTravel #LosAngeles #CarmelGuide #Highway1 #CaliforniaCoast