The views were stunning! It's one of the prettiest spots along the coast. The Allan Memorial Grove…read moreand Sea Lion Point were easy to navigate. I also liked that the trails loop back around to the parking area, so it was easy to explore without worrying about getting lost. The trails can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much you stop to take in the views. Parking is limited, so get there early. Also bring a jacket because it gets windy and cold. They have three portable bathrooms and permanent bathrooms on site.

This is one of the most gorgeous state parks in California!! I've been wanting to visit for years…read moreand we finally made it here this past weekend. We were staying in Monterey, so it was about a 25 min drive to get there, we arrived before 11am. We parked before the park entrance along Highway 1 where there were NO signs saying "No parking at any time" THIS IS IMPORTANT because as we were walking towards the entrance, there was a parking enforcement officer giving tickets to all the other cars parked where the signs were clearly posted closer to the entrance. So make sure you pay attention! There is parking inside the park too for only $10. Once inside there were park rangers helping you with questions and guiding you on deciding which trails to go on, which was very nice and convenient! We took a picture of the map and choose to do the Cypress Grove, and the Sea Lion Point Trails. We only had about 3 hrs to hang out at the park, so those two were perfect easy hikes and roughly about 2.5 miles if you do both loops. We got spectacular views everywhere, you could hear the Sea Lions and see so many beautiful birds flying around. Wish we would've brought binoculars, so bring some with you if you remember. We can't wait to come back another time and do a full day of hiking because there are so many other trails! The park and restrooms were clean and well kept too, it's definitely a must visit once in your lifetime at least!!

Small park with ample parking around it A couple of…read moreseats/benches around it Central location to walk around

This was a petite park in the downtown Carmel area, and it was pretty lovely. I'm glad that they…read morehave restrooms there, and they were pretty clean. We walked our doggie there after brunch.

Our family loves this park! Favorite parts: - Fun playground…read morewith swings and play structures to climb - Space to roam around where the kids love to build "spy bases" and find banana slugs - More nature to explore - Great location near downtown so we can run around and then go out for lunch and shopping - Clean restrooms Parking can be a bit challenging but if you put "Forest Hill Park parking" in your maps app, you can find a good option for street parking.

Biggest issue is no parking. It's very clean and tidy but the play structures have a lot of caution…read moretape on the edges that were covering up where the structure had sharp edges and holes. Also both structures seemed to be leaning... possibly from tree roots and probably the cause for the tears in the edges.

I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents,…read moreBarbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get.

Our visit was a good experience. We parked super far though because we didn't want to risk not…read morehaving a space down at the beach lot but it turned out there were plenty of spaces there. Anyway, scenic walk allowed us to tour the shops there. The steep walk back up to our car was challenging though so a great workout. Aside from people letting their dogs run around unleashed, it was a pleasant time.

Such a tranquil spot. After shopping all day, my feet were killing me. I was…read moreso glad to find a quiet place to just sit and relax. This place is very calming to the soul and so beautiful.

Piccadilly Park is a cute functional park sandwiched between galleries in the downtown of…read moreCamel-By-the-Sea. The plaque says, "This park would not exist were it not for the diligence of two civic - minded citizens , Carol J. Stratton and Jean B. Mitchell 1979 they launched a campaign to save this parcel , the home the former Piccadilly Nursery , from commercial development In the process they founded the Carmel - by - the - Sea Garden which raised funds to create this city - owned park almost 20 years later . The Garden Club continues to maintain this property for the enjoyment of all , residents and visitors alike." Thanks to the city for maintaining the unisex public restroom and recycling bins. It looks like a great place to take a lunch break at enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

First timer Nice hike…read moreCame late but still nice walk Went the back way so no parking Parked at the streets

Tasting this park kind of depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a leisurely…read morestroll in the morning that takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes and it's not very hilly then this is your place and you're eating it high. If you're looking for something a little more rigorous with hills sand stuff to look at then it's more average. I guess the cool part is it's in the middle of residential area. The path is not paved, but it's groomed with rocks and bark so it's a pretty easy walk. The kind of "hike" you can stroll with a cup of coffee.

These enchanting homes, often called the Comstock cottages, are a hallmark of Carmel's unique…read morecharacter. They were designed and built primarily in the 1920s by Hugh Comstock--initially to showcase his wife Mayotta Brown's popular "Otsy‑Totsy" rag dolls. One of the most famous ones is Hansel and Gretel, created in 1924, and located Torres Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Enthralled by the first cottages, Carmel residents began commissioning Comstock to build similar homes. Over time, this blossomed into a small architectural movement--by the late 1920s and into the 1930s, around 21 Comstock cottages had been built across the town. Absolutely stunning!!! Suggested route -- and the route we took is: 1.) Go to the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue between Junipero Street & Mission Street. Park your car nearby and do a self-guided walking tour. 2.) Pick up a map at the Visitor Center, take a "fairy-tale cottages" handout or take a picture of the handout. 3.) The walking tour is about 1-1.2 miles only. Very enjoyable walk. Small elevation. Wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy!!!

While in Carmel by the Sea we did a nice stroll into the neighborhood looking for the Hansel and…read moreGretel Cottages. I am giving 4 stars for the peaceful and scenic walk away from the hustle and bustle of the main street tourist area. I would give the walking tour 3 stars as the houses are not clearly marked and difficult to determine what we were looking at. That being said the cottages we stopped to look at were beautiful and very well maintained. Its worth the effort and time to go on this adventure. There are a few dramatically modern homes built in the neighborhood as well which seem out of place considering we were looking for fairy tale cottages. The walk is a bit hilly so plan accordingly. Nice and peaceful, be considerate as people do live in these adjacent homes.

This covers about 2 miles of the seashore near Carmel by the Sea. One of my favorite things to do…read moreis sneak by and watch the whales and seals swim. The area is not very "Beachy" per say - so bring sneakers with you but such a fun way to spend your day while you're in Carmel. You can see several dolphins in the water and tons of otters! Cannot wait to come back! IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC

Carmel Pinnacle State Marine Reserve is a marine protected area in and around Carmel Bay. It is…read moreroughly 0.53 square miles in size. This area is known for its unique pinnacle underwater formations, kelp forest, submarine canyon ( steep sided valley cuts into the sea-bed of the continental slope.) Divers as well a kayakers are attracted to this area due to its unusual underwater formations, granite reefs, and kelp forests. Carmel Pinnacle State Reserve lies just beyond Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area. California marine protected areas do encourage recreational use of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling , are allowed unless otherwise restricted. As always be aware of your surroundings and be safe ! Enjoy !