Best things to do in Carmel

Appreciate the pristine natural landscape and thriving habitat of the California coast at Point Lobos. The nature reserve is home to hundreds of native animal and plant species on and off shore, and is an ideal location for hiking, diving, and bird watching. Enjoy panoramic views from the shore of the Pacific coast as you spot sea lions, harbor seals, and orcas, or hike through the lush vegetation on one of the reserve’s many foot trails for sightings of forest animals and local birds. On your way out, stop by the Whaler’s Cabin Museum to learn more about the history of whaling on the Monterey Peninsula.

A scenic road winding its way over the Monterey Peninsula, 17-Mile Drive runs along the Pacific coastline and passes several well-known golf courses and private mansions. Serving as the main road of a gated community, this drive features several scenic overlooks where you can take in unobstructed views of the region's mountains and beaches. Once inside the community's gates, follow the posted signs and red lines painted on the pavement to stay on the route. For street views and a list of nearby attractions, check out the interactive map provided on the official website.

Located on the site of a former sardine cannery on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay Aquarium features an 8.5 m (28 ft) viewing tank that was the first in the world to grow giant kelp. The aquarium also holds thousands of plants and animals representing more than 600 different species. You can inspect the creatures of the kelp forest from several levels in the building. Visit the largest tank in the aquarium--with one of the biggest single-paned windows in the world--for a rare chance to observe a population of ocean sunfish in captivity. Other highlights include exhibits of stingrays, bluefin tuna, jellyfish, and sea otters, viewable from above and below the waterline.

With two of Monterey's most pristine seaside locations, Carmel River State Beach offers white sands, blue ocean, and a classic panorama of the California coast. With more than 1.6 km (1 mi) of beachfront near the Carmel River and a significant stretch right at the edge of the city itself, the sand and surf are ideal for picnicking, walking, jogging, or simply relaxing. Both areas are vital parts of the rich peninsular ecosystem and teem with sea life, including whales, sea lions, kelp forests, and a wide variety of fish. Try kayaking to get an up-close view of the aquatic residents. Despite the beaches' tranquil appearance, the water's strong currents and steep drop-off from the shore can make swimming dangerous.

It took William Randolph Hearst, the famed newspaper magnate, nearly three decades to complete Hearst Castle, one of the largest houses in the United States. Architect Julia Morgan envisioned the house with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, tennis courts, movie theaters, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo. Part of a state park since 1958, the house Hearst called his "Enchanted Hill" now offers public tours, attracting visitors with its considerable collection of art and antiques. The estate's focal point is an outdoor swimming pool, rebuilt three times to suit its owner's tastes. The centerpiece of the pool, which offers expansive vistas of the mountains and the ocean, is the facade of an ancient Roman temple Hearst imported from Europe.

Offering sprawling views of the ocean, Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard is an easy stroll that stretches south of Monterey Bay all the way to Lovers Point Park. This wide scenic path passes beaches and picnic tables, offering plenty of street parking along the way. Fill up a picnic basket, find a bench or a rock with a view, and gaze at the waves and harbor seals enjoying the ocean breeze. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

A coastal trail with access to major local attractions, Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail offers miles of ocean views. The 28.9 km (18 mi) trail, which runs along the former tracks of the Southern Pacific railroad, is shared by bicyclists, rollerbladers, and walkers. You can rent bicycles and surreys, or quadricycles. Keep a lookout for wildlife along the way, such as otters, seals, sea lions, and birds. To do more than look, try some of the water activities right off the trail, such as kayaking and paddle-boating.