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A week in Carmel and Monterey would be great! But, even if you have just a day or two, there’s so much to see and do in the area, with the whole family! Look no further for our rundown of things to do in Carmel and Monterey with kids!
Hofsas House hosted our stay in Carmel and also provided a discounted meal at Cafe Carmel. All opinions are my own.
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- Is Carmel worth visiting?
- Is there a difference between Carmel and Carmel-by-the-Sea?
- How big is Carmel?
- Things to Do in Carmel and Monterey with Kids
- 1) The Carmel Shell
- 2) Scenic Bluff Path & Beyond
- 3) Carmel Beach
- 4) Carmel River State Beach
- 5) Carmel Mission
- 6) Mission Trail Nature Preserve
- 7) Carmel Fun's Walk Through Time (History of Carmel Self-Guided Walking Tour)
- 8) Shopping in Carmel!
- 9) 17-Mile Drive
- 10) Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Monterey & Pacific Grove
- 11) Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove
- 12) Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove
- 13) Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 14) Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey
- 15) Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey
- How far is Carmel by the Sea to Monterey?
- Is it better to stay in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey?
- Where to Stay in Carmel: Hofsas House
- Where to Eat in Carmel and Monterey
Is Carmel worth visiting?
100%! Besides the breathtaking landscape and year-round temperate climate, Carmel, California, is wonderfully unique in many ways.
Sitting just south of the Bay Area, and as part of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a gem right on the famed California Highway 1.
A few of the things that make Carmel special are the things that you *won’t* find there, which include:
- no addresses (locations are often given by cross-streets)
- no parking meters
- no traffic lights
Many restaurants have cute outdoor parklets for seating, which adds to the village-like charm.
Is there a difference between Carmel and Carmel-by-the-Sea?
There is no difference. Carmel-by-the-Sea (including the hyphens) is the official name of the city, but it is shortened to Carmel almost universally.
How big is Carmel?
At just over one square mile, Carmel is small enough to walk from one end to the other. Be ready, however, to walk uphill and/or downhill within the city.
Things to Do in Carmel and Monterey with Kids
While the adult set might flock to Carmel and Monterey for wine tasting, golf tournaments, and romantic getaways, there are really so many top things to do in Carmel and Monterey, CA, for families.
Check out this video for a sneak peek!
1) The Carmel Shell
While the Shell gas station in Carmel has one of the cutest gas station signs I’ve ever seen…
…there’s a new shell in town.
This one is a new and different focal point for Carmel-by-the-Sea. The mural, painted by local artist Marie-Clare, is located on the SW corner of Mission St. and 6th Ave.
Find The Carmel Shell, and let your kids stage the perfect family photo.
2) Scenic Bluff Path & Beyond
If you’re looking for something active to do with your family in Carmel, this one’s for you. This walk/hike will take you almost all the way around Carmel.
Stop in at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and pick-up the free “Locals Guide to Scenic Runs, Hikes, & Walks.”
We decided to try the Scenic Bluff Path & Mission Trail Nature Preserve plan. Clocked at 3.75 miles, the estimated time given to go the distance is 40 minutes to an hour. Just saying…it took our family more like 1 hour & 45 minutes, to 2 hours. But, wow, what a great walk!
The main street running east-west in Carmel is Ocean Avenue. Follow Ocean Avenue all the way down to the west (and I mean…downhill down!), and you will end up at Carmel Beach.
Just one street short of the beach, however, you will find Scenic Road. Yes, it’s actually named Scenic Road!
Head south on Scenic Rd. You will be walking down a lovely residential street, with houses on both sides. While it’s nice to look at, you may wonder…what’s the deal here?
Just keep walking, and before long, you’ll see. You will come to the beginning of the Scenic Bluff Path. It is a well-maintained gravel pathway that runs above Carmel Beach.
Along the way, there are places to sit and rest, take in the scenery, and breathe in the ocean air.
As you continue on, besides walking next to multi-million dollar homes, you will pass Carmel River State Beach, the Carmel Mission, and walk through the Mission Trail Nature Preserve (keep reading to find out more about those locations).
NOTE: The downhill elevation on Ocean Ave. will be regained with an uphill climb as you follow the pathway in the Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
3) Carmel Beach
No trip to Carmel is complete without visiting Carmel Beach. This beautiful white sand beach is stunning! I’m thinking that, next time, we need to spend a week in Carmel, so we can enjoy this beautiful beach a lot longer.
If you’re walking to the beach, be prepared to walk down, down, down to the beach. You know what that means, right? You will be walking up, up, up to get back to town. Treat yourself to an iced coffee once you’re back on more level ground.
4) Carmel River State Beach
Not to be confused with Carmel Beach, Carmel River State Beach is on the south side of town. It is unique in that there are kind of two beaches. One is on the Pacific Ocean side, and then to the east, you can beach it on the Carmel River.
5) Carmel Mission
The Carmel Mission is a large complex (one of the largest missions we visited in California), so there is a lot to see. Beautiful gardens, artifacts, and the beautiful basilica are a huge part of the history of Carmel.
6) Mission Trail Nature Preserve
The Mission Trail Nature Preserve is a lovely wooded area on the inland east side of Carmel.
If you start at the south end of the Mission Trail Nature Preserve, as we did, be ready for a fairly steep uphill climb to get to the exit on the north end.
7) Carmel Fun’s Walk Through Time (History of Carmel Self-Guided Walking Tour)
Take a walk through Carmel, and learn about its history at the same time.
Download Carmel Fun’s map of the city online, or pick one up at many places around town.
Having a map of the town is helpful, and in the corner you will find a list of 14 locations throughout Carmel that have historical significance. Jackpot! What a great find for a California history road trip.
I can’t even describe how wonderful it was to zig-zag through the streets of Carmel, noting the history along the way.
Here’s a sampling:
This self-guided walking tour really is a great way to discover the history of Carmel by the Sea!
8) Shopping in Carmel!
Shopping in all the cute shops in Carmel might not be what your kids want to do. Take them to Thinker Toys, however, and it’ll be a different story.
Located at the corner of 7th Ave. and San Carlos St., Thinker Toys is not your average toy store. With a wide range of options for all ages, a stop at Thinker Toys will be fun for the whole family. Maybe find a new board game that you can play together at your hotel. (Our family’s favorite is Catan!)
9) 17-Mile Drive
One of our host’s timely suggestions was to experience 17-Mile Drive. With as much research as I do before a trip, 17-Mile Drive had still eluded me. We took her wise advice, and for a vehicle fee of $10.50 (now $10.75), we were able to drive through Pebble Beach and behold some of the most breathtaking coastal views we’ve ever seen.
Besides that, it was the scenic pathway for getting us to Monterey, which is just north of Carmel.
10) Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
In the far south reaches of Carmel, you will find Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Explore its hiking trails and coastline for some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the state.
Monterey & Pacific Grove
Just north of Carmel-by-the-Sea are Pacific Grove and Monterey.
11) Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove
For some more California history, pay a visit to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, located in Pacific Grove.
What’s different about the Point Pinos Lighthouse, compared to other lighthouses we’ve seen in California, is that you can go inside and look around. Younger Daughter, especially, was excited about this.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It’s been an active part of maritime safety since 1855.
You can visit the basement, main floor, and go up a narrow spiral staircase that takes you almost to the light itself. There are also clean bathrooms onsite that are available for visitors, which is important to know, especially with kids!
12) Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove
Nearby the Point Pinos Lighthouse, there is a Monarch butterfly sanctuary that is a sight to behold from October to March, during their annual migration.
13) Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the premier aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great place to view marine life!
You will, however, have a semi-budget travel choice to make. Monterey Bay Aquarium or no? We chose no…this time.
Lest you think we ignore all semi-budget travel splurges on California road trips, we have attend a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park, visited Hearst Castle, and gone to Disneyland. It’s all about choices, ya know?
14) Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey
Speaking of traveling with kids, you know we hunt for the best and most unique playgrounds on our travels. Monterey hits the nail on the head with the Dennis the Menace Playground, open since 1956.
This is the most expansive playground I’ve ever seen. Besides the unique features seen the in photo above, it’s almost like 10 playgrounds in one. On the other side of that suspension bridge are multiple play structures (check out the video further above for a 360-degree view), as well as a walk-through maze. It was difficult to get our kids to leave!
15) Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey
Located at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is the Custom House, constructed (as the plaque says) in 1827 by the Mexican government. It was used to collect custom duties from foreign shipping going through the port. Here was yet another piece of California history, right on our way to dinner.
Interestingly, it is No. 1 on the list of California State Registered Historical Landmarks.
Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is now populated by myriad seafood restaurants and shops. Many of the restaurants have staff out front, enticing diners to take a closer look at their menu and what it has to offer. Choose a restaurant to dine at, and enjoy the seaside surroundings.
How far is Carmel by the Sea to Monterey?
How far is Monterey from Carmel? Google Maps puts it between 4-5 miles, from the middle of Carmel to Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Is it better to stay in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey?
My vote is Carmel every time. Carmel is in the middle of it all, yet also away from it all. It’s the perfect mix of amenities and relaxation. When we’re visiting Carmel, we always end up in Monterey for various things (the kids *LOVE* the Dennis the Menace playground), but I’ll always choose to stay in Carmel.
Where to Stay in Carmel: Hofsas House
When you’re looking for a family hotel in Carmel, Hofsas House is a great choice. They offer a variety of room types that are kid-friendly and family-friendly.
Hofsas House, in Carmel, offers rooms that can accommodate families of 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7 people.
We’ve also experienced Room 40 (a Deluxe 2-Room Suite, with 2 bathrooms, and room for up to 5 people), which has a balcony with an ocean view. Having 2 bathrooms makes getting ready a breeze!
Every room at Hofsas House is unique, which adds to its charm. Another aspect of Hofsas House that we love is all the pink! You will notice it immediately when you arrive at the hotel.
Breakfast at Hofsas House Hotel
A complimentary Continental breakfast is served each morning from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Upon entering the Hofsas House office, breakfast is ready and waiting. Sweet and savory pastries from Monterey’s Paris Bakery (these aren’t store-bought, y’all!), fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juice are on offer.
Baskets and trays are provided for your breakfast selections. The options for where to eat are many. You are welcome to stay in the front office lobby. There are various shared patios throughout the property with tables and chairs.
We decided to utilize the dining area in our room. Coffee mugs can be found there, as the staff provides coffee in a carafe, to keep it nice and hot and contained as you’re choosing your breakfast spot. When you’re finished eating, just leave the tray in your room, and the housekeeping staff will clear it away.
Hofsas House Hospitality
Hofsas House strives for “casual European elegance with the warmth of family hospitality.” And this certainly rang true during our visit.
Carrie Theis (general manager & owner of Hofsas House), as well as the other staff members, can help you plan your visit to Carmel. Carrie really is committed to making your stay as wonderful as possible. Over the course of a conversation with Carrie, she helped solidify our plans for the day, as well as gave us great tips for our drive out of town the following day. So helpful!
P.S. She told us about The Carmel Shell mural!
What are some of the property amenities at Hofsas House Hotel?
- Year-Round Heated Swimming Pool (kids & families love this unique luxury not found in many Carmel-by-the-Sea hotels)
- NO Resort Fees
- Continental Breakfast Included
- Parking Included
- WiFi Included
I would also include the Dutch doors in this list of property amenities at Hofsas House. They are so fun and, again, unique!
As I mentioned above, there are no street addresses in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Properties are identified by their location. So, the “address” of Hofsas House is “4th Avenue & San Carlos Street.”
Where to Eat in Carmel and Monterey
There is no shortage of Monterey and Carmel by the Sea restaurants. Here are some of our recent favorites!
Cafe Carmel in Carmel
For a place that does breakfast and lunch so well, we had a fine dinner there!
Only some breakfast items are served all day, but when we asked if we could have their Sweet French Toast for dinner, they said yes! It doesn’t hurt to ask! Cafe Carmel also has a savory French toast on the menu, which sounded interesting.
Our dinner selections also included Carmel Chicken Soup (a hearty broth-based soup), their Chicken Chipotle Salad sandwich, and a slice of mango-coconut cake.
Paris Bakery in Monterey
Beside the fact that Hofsas House gets their breakfast pastries from Paris Bakery, you can also visit Paris Bakery on your own. They offer a nice lunch menu, but we stuck with the pastries, including this Eiffel Tower shaped cookie, almond tuile, and custardy Napoleon. Add in a cafe au lait, and you’re good to go!
Revival Ice Cream in Monterey
We ate there three times in as many days, and I got the “apple pie” flavor every time! I can’t resist cinnamon ice cream, and it’s not easy to find. Add in Revival’s in-house roasted apples and some pie crust pieces, and I’m done!
Other members of the family tried lemon peel sherbet (wonderfully lemony), kids cookie dough (blue like Cookie Monster, due to spirulina, nothing artificial), and bee’s knees (quite possibly the flavor they’re most known for…honey, honey crunch, and more honey).
You can add a toasted marshmallow to your ice cream, and Revival also offers several dairy-free flavors each day.
Sur Burger in Monterey
From burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, to seafood and non-meat options, Sur Burger has something for just about everyone. The Point Lobos burger was fantastic (bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce), and the fries were perfect!
Castroville
Okay, Castroville is not Carmel or Monterey, but it’s not far away. If you’re looking for some unique things to do near Carmel-by-the Sea, head to Castroville. It’s known as “the artichoke capital of the world,” so that’s what we went there for…artichokes!
Stop in at the Giant Artichoke deli for a quick order of fried artichoke hearts, with your choice of dipping sauce (Ranch was perfect). Then, walk toward the Giant Artichoke Restaurant, and snap a pic with the giant artichoke!
Random Fun Fact: Before transferring to the University of Arizona, I attended a community college whose mascot is the artichoke. Yes, seriously!
And with that giant artichoke, we’ve given you all the best things to do in Carmel and Monterey (and even a little beyond!). Enjoy planning your next trip to the Monterey Peninsula, and let me know if you have any questions!
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What other sites are not to miss in Carmel and Monterey? Please share in the comments below!
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