Carmel by the Sea | SoCalFunFamily

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County is a fantastic destination for families! There is so much to do and see, everyone will love it!

Calling families, lovers, artists, foodies, naturalists, adventurers, intellectuals and marine biologists; did I miss anyone? No? Good. Because have I got the place for you!

Our family recently had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite places in all of California. It’s the area I’ve told my husband I want to live since we were dating. And after visiting, I think I have him on board too.

Carmel by the Sea in Monterey County is truly a place out of a dream. Once you enter this quaint town, you will feel like you are in a real life Grimms fairy tale village or at least walking in a town similar to Lorelei and Rori’s from the Gilmore Girls. Everything from the architecture, to the small town feel, the romantic lights and layout of the streets, the sea, and scenery, it’s all picture perfect. The best part is, this fairy tale village by the beach has everything you could ever want for the ideal vacation. Both couples and families alike will be thrilled with all Carmel has to offer. But because we had all 4 kids in tow, I will share how to make Carmel by the Sea the perfect family vacation for you too.

This fairy tale town by the sea is an amazing vacation destination for couples and families alike.

Where to Stay

One of the best features of Carmel is the many inns that occupy the streets. They are each individual, unique, quirky and simply add to the quaintness of the town. And while you have many options to choose from, I will have to suggest The Hofsas House. You can’t miss it! It’s pink, features a beautiful Bavarian mural to welcome you and the friendly owner and employees assure you that you have entered a boutique family run inn; which is exactly why you want to stay there! Plus the rooms are gigantic, there is a heated pool, and I am a sucker for a continental breakfast. It’s central location to everything is also an added bonus.

The Hofsas House is a Bavarian style Inn. Their large rooms, heated pool and great customer service makes it an ideal family hotel.

The Town

You will find that everything you need is within walking distance of The Hofsas House; including food, stores, art galleries, the village, beach and more!

Be sure to check out Pilgrim’s books and “the secret garden”.

Our first afternoon found us hungry, so we decided to take a walk to a recommended deli to grab some lunch and have a picnic at the beach. Best. Choice. Ever.

5th Avenue Deli had a small line outside, partially due to occupancy restrictions during Covid, and partially because the food is known to be good and people want it! And as crazy as it sounds, I like food lines because it usually means I am about to get something great. And we did! My oldest daughter, literally asked to go back every single day; she thought her sandwich was just that good.

Grab a sandwich at the 5th Street Deli and take it to the beach for a picnic.

Plus the ability to have it wrapped and take it to go in order to enjoy the beautiful day was just icing on the cake. We took it to an overlook with benches at the beach. But it would also be a great option to park on a bench in the heart of the village. Or take it in your car while you enjoy the 17-mile drive. Really it’s just a good idea in general to check this place out!

And since we are on the subject, let’s talk food!

Food

There are options. Lots and lots of options. And almost all of them looked good. So good, in fact, that without a reservation on a weekend you will have a hard time finding a table (speaking from experience). This place is a foodies dream. Or if you are a person (like myself) who enjoys a good meal on a cool night under the stars and lights, you will love it here! Word to the wise though… make a reservation! We were scrambling the first night without one and wised up on our second night to make sure we wouldn’t miss out!

There are a lot of amazing restaurants in Carmel.

With tons of beautiful outdoor areas most restaurants provide ample seating. Be sure to bring a jacket because Carmel has a very cool climate.

We ate at the Village Corner who luckily had space for us in front, as their adorable patio area was reserved for the night by 4pm. However, their large shrimp, scallops and mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious! Glad we made it there!

The amazing large prawns and scallops at The Village Corner.

Activities

Let me just say that there is a TON to do here perfect for families. We had an absolute blast and even made a new list for the things we want to do the NEXT time we are visiting! We are already planning on returning we loved it so much!

But here are my top recommendations!

Stroll the Village

Enjoy the architecture, and feel of this destination on Ocean Ave. Take in a meal at one of the MANY quaint restaurants, cafes, and more. Stroll through the bookstores and art museums (I recommend the Dr. Seuss art gallery and Pilgrim’s Way bookstore and Secret Garden). This is a place dreams are made of.

Ocean Ave. has a lot of great art galleries, restaurants, cafes, candy stores, shops and more!

Visit Carmel Beach

At the base of Ocean Avenue you will find the iconic Carmel Beach. Carmel has been voted “One of America’s Top Beach Towns” and walking around this area will solidify that for you. This dog friendly white sand beach is surrounded by the jagged cliffs of Point Lobos, with views of Pebble Beach Golf Course, and a scenic path that leads under cypress trees to the majestic Carmel Point.

Carmel has been voted “One of America’s Top Beach Towns” and the area is perfect for a calming stroll or even playing in the chilly water.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

We definitely did not give ourselves enough time here, and this place kind of stole the show for us! With many fantastic hiking/walking options full of stunning vistas and more, you will want ample time to check this area out. There is a small parking fee, but it will allow you all day access. Don’t miss out on this gem of an area. And keep your eyes peeled for marine life. We saw large amounts of pelicans, harbor seals and the one we were most excited about, otters! We chose to do the Bird Rock and China Cove trail as suggested by the ranger. It was stunningly beautiful and my only regret was not having more time there to explore more trails!

Bird Island Trail and China Beach is the perfect spot to talk a sunset stroll with the family.

Point Lobos Natural State Reserve is an amazing area with beautiful scenery.

There was a ton of wildlife at the Point Lobos State Reserve; including harbor seals, otters and pelicans.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf/Cannery Row in Monterey

A visit to the Monterey Penisula would not be complete without a stop at Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Besides an amazing history, and nostalgia and the feeling that you are walking through a John Steinbeck novel, you will also have your choice of prime restaurants, unique shops, bay cruises, whale watching and other water toy rentals. We also saw a number of seals and sea lions, as well as a multitude of jelly fish and rays in the water. This area is another must see! The kids were thrilled here.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf has a lot of candy stores, restaurants, souvenir shops and more!

17-Mile Drive

This drive will take you through some of the prettiest areas in all of California. Coastal sea cliffs, amazing golf courses, groves of trees you can’t see anywhere else. So, while it is a mere 17 miles you will want to give yourself 2-3 hours to enjoy the whole experience, stopping along the way and taking it all in!

At different stops you can use the provided “binoculars” to get a better look at animals, scenery and more.

The Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point has a nice little trail to walk and enjoy on 17-mile drive.

Lone Cypress is one of the most photographed trees in all the world!

If you are a golf lover, you will be thrilled to stop at Pebble Beach. Enjoy the visitor center, and talk a walk around to see some of the holes and shops at one of the nicest, most well known courses in the world.

Visit the Mission

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del rio Carmelo is one of the most authentically restored California Missions. The second of the 21 missions it is also the final resting place of Padre Junipero Serra who founded the California missions. While it is not completely open right now, it is definitely an interesting place to visit.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del rio Carmelo is the final resting place of Padre Junipero Serra.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

While it was closed for us this time around, I have heard nothing but amazing things about this place. In fact, even though I haven’t been there since I was about 9… I remember how much I loved it, even though I can’t tell you any specifics. This is one of the top reasons on our list to go back!

Dennis the Mennis Playground

Again, another one I read all about, was super excited to check it out, and lo and behold, closed. Bummer. But, we did drive by this and were seriously disappointed to not go. It looked awesome!

Big Sur

Imagine heaven on the sea. Now you know what Big Sur is like. Tons of amazing jagged cliffs falling into the ocean. Waterfalls around every bend. Trees, scenic views, hikes, forests, hidden treasures and more! I cannot recommend this place enough!

Pfiffer Beach Waterfall is a little hidden, but definitely worth the stop.

Enjoy a drive over Bixby Bridge as you take in the stunning views and vistas of Big Sur.

For more about Big Sur check out this post!

Moss Landing

We knew nothing of this place until arriving in Carmel. After a brief conversation with a couple at the hotel pool they recommended if we wanted to see sea life (otters), then this was the place. Phil’s Fish Market is a MUST VISIT at Moss Landing if you are a fish fan. The line around the building would prove it, as if beating Bobby Flay wasn’t good enough. The amazing location sure didn’t hurt either. Our walk around the harbor also showed this to be an amazing place to rent a kayak, hydrobike or boat to take out on the water and enjoy.

Phil’s Fish Market brings a crowd for their amazing fish and seafood.

Phil’s Fish Market’s best seller is their famous Cioppino. Winner on the hit show: Beat Bobby Flay. It was delicious!

Take a Walking Tour of the Fairy Tale Houses

You can do a walking tour of Hugh Comstock’s “Fairy Tale Cottages.” What started as a whimsical house for his wife and her dolls transformed the whole town. You can use the voice map mobile app to see all the fairy tale cottages in the town on foot, or drive it like we did (remember we had 4 kids in tow, and there are a lot of hills in the area for them).

The Comstock Fairy Tale Cottages set the tone of the whole town. The architecture and unique ambiance makes Carmel like something out of a movie.

Carmel makes a great Fall destination for sure, but let’s be honest, it actually makes a great vacation destination year round! And however you choose to spend your days, I will guarantee you will enjoy them! Whether you have a day – or two or three – Carmel-by-the-Sea will reward you with some of the world’s finest scenery, historic sites, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops. Enjoy this one of a kind destination experience with the family.