The Best Carmel by the Sea Day Trip Itinerary

This blog post is all about a Carmel by the Sea day trip itinerary.

If you’re planning a West Coast road trip, a Carmel by the Sea day trip absolutely needs to be on your itinerary.

This little coastal town looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale. With its storybook cottages, flower-lined streets, art galleries, and ocean breeze.

We did a Carmel by the Sea day trip after spending a night in Monterey and honestly fell in love with its charm.

From boutique shopping and cozy cafés to beach strolls and scenic drives, it’s the perfect stop between Monterey and San Francisco (especially if you’ve just done the famous 17-Mile Drive).

In this Carmel travel guide, I’ll share our full Carmel by the Sea day trip itinerary, plus all the best things to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your visit.

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This blog post is all about a Carmel by the Sea day trip.

Table of Contents

Our West Coast Road Trip Travel Route

Before diving into this Carmel by the Sea day trip itinerary, here’s how our West Coast of America road trip looked, so you can see exactly where this day trip fits in:

Landed in LAX
Santa Barbara, California – 1 night
Monterey, California – 1 night
Day trips from Monterey: Big Sur day trip & Carmel by the Sea day trip
San Francisco, California – 4 nights
Mariposa/Yosemite National Park, California – 2 nights
Las Vegas, Nevada – 1 night
Bluff, Utah & Monument Valley, Arizona – 2 nights
Tombstone, Arizona – 2 nights
San Diego, California – 3 nights
Los Angeles, California – 5 nights

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was such a dream.

Dramatic cliffs, coastal viewpoints, and charming towns like Carmel that make you want to pull over every five minutes.

We had already spent a day exploring Monterey and drove the 17-Mile Drive in the morning before continuing south.

Carmel was the perfect pit stop before heading toward San Francisco, and even though we only spent a few hours there, it felt like stepping into another world: peaceful, creative, and beautifully preserved.

Where is Carmel by the Sea?

Carmel by the Sea (often just called Carmel) is a small seaside town on California’s Monterey Peninsula, about 120 miles south of San Francisco and 325 miles north of Los Angeles.

It’s surrounded by some of California’s most famous destinations like Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur, which makes it the perfect stop on a coastal road trip.

The town itself is small (you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes), but it’s packed with galleries, cafés, boutiques, and that signature California charm.

Carmel is famous for its fairytale cottages, many built in the 1920s and 1930s by architect Hugh Comstock. These whimsical homes give the town a storybook feel that’s completely unique.

There are no chain stores or bright signs, just small locally owned shops and restaurants with hand-painted signs and ivy-covered facades.

It’s easy to see why so many artists, writers, and creatives have fallen in love with Carmel over the years, including Clint Eastwood, who once served as the town’s mayor!

Reasons to Visit Carmel by the Sea

If you’re wondering whether a Carmel by the Sea day trip is worth it, let me convince you: yes. 100%.

Here are a few reasons a Carmel by the Sea day trip should make your road trip list:

1. The Fairytale Atmosphere

You don’t even need to do anything in Carmel to enjoy it. Just walking around feels magical.

The cottages, gardens, and stone-lined lanes make it one of the most picturesque places in California. Every building feels handcrafted and unique.

2. Boutique Shopping

Carmel is full of independent shops selling everything from handmade jewellery and luxury homeware to local art and books.

I loved wandering in and out of stores near Ocean Avenue and Carmel Plaza, discovering hidden courtyards and flower-lined alleyways.

3. Bookstores and Art Galleries

If you love browsing independent shops, The Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore is a must-visit. It’s tucked away behind a garden and feels like a peaceful escape from the busier streets.

Carmel also has over 80 art galleries, showcasing everything from coastal landscapes to contemporary pieces.

4. Foodie Delights

For such a small town, Carmel has a surprisingly big food scene. From fresh seafood and wine-tasting rooms to cozy cafés, it’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or a casual dinner.

We grabbed a delicious sandwich from a café near Carmel Plaza and enjoyed people-watching in the sun.

5. Beautiful Coastal Walks

Carmel Beach is just a short stroll from the town centre. The sand is soft, the water sparkles, and the views stretch all the way to Pebble Beach.

It’s one of California’s most photogenic beaches and perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic.

6. Creative Energy

Carmel has long been a haven for artists and writers. That creative spirit is still alive today, from its murals and galleries to local art studios.

You’ll find artistic touches everywhere, even in shop signs and window displays.

Best Time of Year to Visit Carmel by the Sea

You can visit Carmel any time of year, but depending on what you’re after (warm weather, fewer crowds, or cozy vibes) some seasons are better than others.

Spring (March–May)

This is one of the best times to plan a Carmel by the Sea day trip. The town bursts into colour with blooming flowers, the weather is mild, and it’s less crowded than summer.

Perfect for long walks and photography.

Summer (June–August)

Summer brings warm weather and longer days, ideal for exploring the beach or enjoying outdoor dining.

However, it’s also the busiest season, so expect more tourists and limited parking.

We visited at the end of August and found it lively but still enjoyable. Warm enough for coastal walks but not too hot.

Autumn (September–November)

If you can, visit in early fall. The weather is still beautiful, the summer crowds have gone, and the sunsets are stunning.

This is also a great time for wine tasting, as it coincides with California’s harvest season.

Winter (December–February)

Winter in Carmel is cool and peaceful. You might get some foggy mornings, but it only adds to the fairytale atmosphere.

It’s also a perfect time for cozy coffee shop hopping or gallery browsing.

Carmel by the Sea Day Trip: How to Get There

One of the best things about a Carmel by the Sea day trip is how accessible it is from nearby destinations.

How to Get to Carmel from Los Angeles

Drive north on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), about 6 hours (330 miles). The views are incredible, especially past Santa Barbara and up through Big Sur.

How to Get to Carmel from Santa Barbara

Roughly a 4-hour drive (230 miles). You’ll pass scenic stops like Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, making for a beautiful coastal drive.

How to Get to Carmel from Monterey

Only 15–20 minutes away! This is the easiest way to visit Carmel and exactly how we did our Carmel by the Sea day trip.

You can start with the 17-Mile Drive (and see the famous lone cypress tree), a coastal route linking Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel, before arriving in town mid-morning.

How to Get to Carmel from Big Sur

It’s just over an hour north, depending on traffic and photo stops (and trust me, you’ll want to stop a lot).

The stretch between Big Sur and Carmel includes the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in California.

How to Get to Carmel from San Francisco

About 2.5 hours south (120 miles). You can easily do Carmel as a day trip or overnight getaway from the city.

If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway, Carmel is one of those places you’ll wish you could stay longer. Every turn on the way there is a postcard view.

**The Lone Cypress Tree on the 17-Mile Drive**

Top 8 Things to Do in Carmel by the Sea

If you’ve only got one day, here’s a mix of must-dos that’ll give you the full Carmel by the Sea experience:

1. Wander the Storybook Streets

The best way to explore Carmel is simply to walk. Stroll down Ocean Avenue, peek into little courtyards, and explore side streets like San Carlos and Dolores Street.

Don’t miss the whimsical “Comstock cottages”, adorable homes that look straight out of a Disney movie.

2. Visit The Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore

My personal favourite stop. It’s small, peaceful, and tucked behind a garden.

Inside, it’s cozy and full of character. The kind of place where you’ll lose track of time flipping through books.

3. Explore the Art Scene

Carmel has been an art colony for over a century. Visit the Carmel Art Association Gallery, or pop into smaller galleries throughout town.

Even the alleyways have murals and sculptures to admire.

4. Relax at Carmel Beach

Just a short walk from downtown, this white-sand beach is stunning. You can bring a picnic, take a dip, or simply enjoy the Pacific views.

It’s also dog-friendly and perfect for sunset.

5. Visit Carmel Mission Basilica

If you love history, stop by the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, one of California’s most beautiful missions, dating back to the late 1700s.

6. Coffee & People Watching

Grab a coffee from Dametra Cafe or Treehouse Café and sit outside to soak up the atmosphere.

The town has a relaxed, small-town feel that makes it perfect for slow travel.

7. Shop Local

Carmel’s boutiques are charming and filled with locally made goods. From luxury skincare to ceramics and jewellery, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces.

8. Visit Bixby Creek Bridge

After exploring Carmel, we drove back toward Big Sur to see Bixby Creek Bridge in the daytime, and honestly, it’s worth every mile.

The views are breathtaking, and it’s one of the most iconic spots on the California coast.

The Best Restaurants in Carmel by the Sea

If you’re planning to spend the day, you’ll want to enjoy at least one good meal here. Thankfully, Carmel’s food scene is as impressive as its scenery.

Café Carmel: Great for a quick lunch, coffee, or sandwich. We stopped here for a light meal near Carmel Plaza and loved it.

La Bicyclette: A local favourite serving wood-fired pizza, French-inspired dishes, and local wine in a cozy, rustic setting.

Flying Fish Grill: A unique mix of Asian and Californian flavours — ideal for seafood lovers.

Treehouse Café: Mediterranean-style restaurant with a lovely outdoor patio surrounded by trees.

Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse: A chic spot for dinner if you’re staying into the evening.

Flaherty’s Seafood Grill: Great for oysters, clam chowder, and fresh local fish.

Carmel Bakery: The oldest bakery in town, perfect for grabbing a pastry or sweet treat before exploring.

If you’re on a Carmel by the Sea day trip, I recommend brunch or lunch here before continuing your journey north. The outdoor patios are perfect for enjoying that California sunshine.

Carmel by the Sea Day Trip Itinerary

Here’s a sample Carmel by the Sea day trip itinerary that includes everything you can realistically fit in while keeping things relaxed:

8:00 AM – Drive the 17-Mile Drive from Monterey: Start your Carmel by the Sea day trip with one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Stop for photos at Spanish Bay, Lone Cypress Tree, and Pebble Beach.

10:00 AM – Arrive in Carmel by the Sea: Park near Ocean Avenue and start exploring on foot.

10:30 AM – Brunch or coffee stop: Head to Café Carmel or Carmel Bakery for coffee and a light meal before exploring.

11:30 AM – Wander the downtown streets: Shop, snap photos, and pop into The Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore or local art galleries.

1:00 PM – Lunch near Carmel Plaza: Grab a casual lunch: sandwiches, pizza, or fresh seafood.

2:00 PM – Walk to Carmel Beach: Spend some time by the ocean. Bring a picnic, read, or just enjoy the view.

3:30 PM – Visit Carmel Mission Basilica: Take a short drive to the mission for a bit of local history.

4:30 PM – Scenic drive to Bixby Creek Bridge: Head south toward Big Sur and stop for photos at this world-famous viewpoint.

5:30 PM – Continue north toward San Francisco: Finish your Carmel by the Sea day trip with one last coastal drive as the sun sets. The perfect end to a magical day trip.

Carmel by the Sea Day Trip: Where to Go Next

Carmel is perfectly located for exploring more of California’s coast.

Depending on your direction, here are a few great next stops to make after your Carmel by the Sea day trip:

Monterey: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or walk Cannery Row.
Big Sur: Drive south to see McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and Bixby Bridge.
San Francisco: Continue north to the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Santa Cruz: Fun, laid-back beach town with a retro boardwalk and surf culture.
Yosemite National Park: Head inland for incredible hikes and natural scenery.

Ultimate Carmel by the Sea Day Trip Itinerary

Our Carmel by the Sea day trip might have been short, but it was one of the most charming and memorable stops on our West Coast road trip.

Between the whimsical architecture, cozy bookshops, and ocean breeze, it’s the kind of place that captures your heart instantly.

If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway, don’t rush past it, even a few hours here will make your trip that much more magical.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on Ocean Avenue, reading in a hidden garden, or standing at Bixby Creek Bridge watching the sun dip over the Pacific, a Carmel by the Sea day trip is pure California magic.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about a Carmel by the Sea day trip.

Our West Coast Road Trip Travel Route

Where is Carmel by the Sea?