Traveling with kids is incredibly rewarding, even if it means prioritizing different things than you might as a solo traveler. Choosing destinations with kid-friendly accommodations and activities, good walkability, and a relaxed restaurant scene becomes all the more important once you have little ones in tow. With storybook charm and an array of family-friendly activities, Carmel, CA, is a dream destination for families traveling with their children. Carmel, and the Monterey Peninsula beyond, boast innumerable outdoor activities, unique wildlife, dozens of parks and playgrounds, dozens of beaches, and casual yet impressive restaurants meaning you and your kids will share many memorable experiences.
Read on for a helpful family’s guide to Carmel, CA.
Where to Stay:
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, consider the newly renovated Stilwell Hotel. Located just two blocks off of Ocean Avenue, the Stilwell Hotel positions you within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shops, and the world-famous Carmel Beach. With a variety of room types, from King rooms to Suites, you’re sure to find something that fits your family’s needs.
If you’d prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, choose a hotel located in idyllic Carmel Valley. To reach Carmel Valley Village, you’ll head inland for about 20 minutes as you wind your way through the sunny, pastoral valley. There are numerous family-friendly resorts throughout the valley, including Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge and Spa.
Bernardus Lodge and Spa is particularly lovely, with expansive gardens, including a culinary garden for their restaurant, a central pool and hot tub, bocce, croquet, tennis, and more. The rooms are elegantly designed, comfortable, and spacious enough to accommodate a pack ‘n play. In addition, Bernardus has undertaken numerous property-wide initiatives in pursuit of environmental and social responsibility, including extensive energy and water saving projects, local sourcing, property-wide recycling and composting, and a partnership with Kind Traveler, among other things.
For a more budget-friendly option, look at Hidden Valley Inn, located on the edge of Carmel Valley Village. The quaint hotel offers a variety of family-friendly room types, including studios with kitchens. A heated, outdoor pool is sure to provide hours of entertainment, along with the outdoor picnic and lawn area featuring an assortment of lawn games. From the Inn, you can easily walk to any of the tasting rooms and restaurants in the Village, as well as the expansive Carmel Valley Community Park across the street.
What To Do:
Hiking
If you and your littles love spending time outside, you’ll enjoy the plethora of options for amazing hikes.
Starting in Carmel Valley, check out Garland Ranch Regional Park. This large, dog-friendly park stretches from the Carmel River at its lowest elevation to more than 2,000 feet above in the Santa Lucia Mountains. With numerous trails, you can choose your adventure and go in search of waterfalls, views, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Kids will love checking out the river and watching for wildlife as you hike.
For a breathtaking beach walk, head back to Carmel-by-the-Sea and begin at the spectacular Carmel Beach. From there, you can continue your stroll along waterfront Scenic Road until you reach Carmel River State Beach. Kids, adults, and dogs alike will love this easy and beautiful route!
For other memorable walks and hikes near Carmel, check out the Asilomar Coast Trail, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Palo Corona Regional Park, or any of the dozens of hikes in Big Sur.
Beach Days
What Northern California beaches lack in sun and heat, they make up for in scenery and vibes. Nearly every visitor makes a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s iconic half-moon-shaped Carmel Beach to admire the azure water, gnarled cypress trees, and wide stretch of sand. On a chilly, overcast day, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll followed by some tidepooling. If the sun makes an appearance, consider packing a picnic and camping out on the sand for the day. Perhaps your littles will be brave enough to test the icy water!
For an equally beautiful but slightly less crowded beach, head to Carmel River State Beach. From this beach, you’ll enjoy views of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, kelp rafts, and, on the inland side, the mouth of the Carmel River. Kids will enjoy exploring the edge of the river mouth and can expend their energy running up and down the often steep sand leading into the ocean.
Ocean Education
You simply can’t make a trip to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula with kids without visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The nonprofit, public Aquarium is a veritable wonderland of education, hands-on experiences, and up-close-and-personal interactions with wildlife. From sea otters to jellyfish (my favorite!) to penguins to sardines, each exhibit features captivating critters that make their homes in and around the ocean. Your kids will never have more fun learning about wildlife, science, and conservation than at the Aquarium!
The Aquarium is extremely popular so it’s a good idea to purchase tickets online ahead of time. Adult tickets cost $65 per person, youth cost $50 per person, and four years old and under are free. Plan to stay for a few hours at least to ensure you can experience everything the Aquarium has to offer.
Casual Wine Tasting
Just because you’re traveling with your kids doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the top-notch wines being grown and produced in Monterey County. Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Carmel Valley beyond, are brimming with adorable tasting rooms and wineries well-worth a visit.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, swing by the Windy Oaks Estate Tasting Room and give their pinots a try. Nestled downtown, it’s a lovely spot to stop for a break after exploring the beach or the storybook streets of Carmel. You can also visit their tasting room in Carmel Valley, if that’s more convenient given your travel plans.
Up the valley, be sure to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards - a charming property with a spacious outdoor garden area that’s perfect for parents and kids alike. In the village, don’t miss the rustic, secret-garden vibes at Cowgirl Winery or the sun-drenched outdoor seating at Georis Winery across the street. Both are perfect for littles to roam while grown ups sip! For a glass of wine, head to The Wine House with its spacious patio and casual atmosphere.
Where to Eat:
While there is no shortage of high-end dining opportunities in Carmel, families still have plenty of great options to choose from.
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria is bound to be a hit with the whole family. The artisanal bakery and pizzeria uses fresh ingredients and organic flours to bring its scrumptious creations to life. With plenty of casual indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll feel comfortable bringing the whole family for a bite to eat. Or have them package up your goodies for a breakfast or lunch picnic at Carmel Beach! Don’t miss the Morning Bun or Kouign-Aman - both are excellent.
Kids will love a visit to The Cheese Shop where hundreds of cheeses are display and available for tasting. It’s a fun experience and so different from shopping for cheese at a standard American grocery store. Pick a few favorites for a picnic or even to bring home as a souvenir from Carmel.
For a beer and some hearty pub food, Alvarado Street Brewery is your ideal destination. Top-notch beer, low-key atmosphere, and generous dishes will keep the whole family happy.
Up the valley, Corkscrew Cafe is a must-visit. They serve delectable pizza, salads, and more in a quaint, European-inspired setting. You can dine indoors or out in the garden and they are happy to accommodate families however they can. The provided us with a private room when we stopped by for a late lunch with our newborn!
Responsible Travel in Carmel, CA
Environmental Consciousness:
It’s easy to feel like the many small choices we make when we travel don’t amount to much, but at scale and over time, each decision can create a big impact. If you’re traveling to Carmel by car, consider renting an electric vehicle. Many local hotels and restaurants offer charging facilities. If you’re flying directly to Monterey and staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea, catch a taxi directly to your hotel and spend the rest of your time exploring on foot!
California continues to struggle with on-and-off drought conditions, so be mindful of your water use when visiting Carmel; reuse your sheets, take short showers, and be aware when running the faucet. In addition, when exploring the beaches or local parks, take care to tread lightly and follow all ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to ensure the plants and animals of the region are not negatively impacted by recreation. Finally, whenever dining out, opt for vegetable-focused meals and sustainable, local meat or seafood. Luckily, many restaurants in the Carmel area boast partnerships with local farms, meaning they have access to the freshest, seasonal produce year-round. Many local establishments also participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program which aims to provide consumers with guidance around “best choice” seafood options.
Comments