Holiday homes & rentals in Carmel

Come see the scenes that inspired Big Sur, with a holiday home in Carmel. Your accommodation might just overlook the Pacific Ocean, with gorgeous beaches like Carmel City Beach and China Cove. Hidden gems light up your stay in this mesmerizingly beautiful spot.

What to eat on your holiday in Carmel

Ocean Avenue is another must-see. The heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea is a charming avenue filled with small town atmosphere and speciality shops, restaurants and cafes. Unique buildings line the street, making strolls down its length one Carmel's most romantic attractions.

Beaches in Carmel

See more of Carmel with a road trip or a bike ride down Seventeen Mile Drive. Spectacular vistas of the ocean and craggy coast are exhilarating. The drive winds around past three luxury golf resorts in Pebble Beach, and there are hundreds of photo opportuities to pick from. One of the best includes an elm tree that is over 250 years old. From the pretty clubhouses on the rolling green golf courses to the mighty Pacific, there's no better place to be!

Carmel attractions without compare

Point Lobos State Reserve

This nature reserve has been dubbed the 'crown jewel' of California's state parks. Delicate flowers adorn its landcapes, which are home to both herds of deer and seals. On the coast you can see cormorants among the crashing waves. Download the free app for children, which teaches them all about the natural world.

Carmel City Beach

Beloved of locals and international visitors alike, Carmel City Beach has its own unique atmosphere. Catch a wave, loll on a sun lounger or play with your pet on the dog-friendly stretches. One of the best times to see the beach is at sunset - stroll along its sands after stopping in at the artists village near Monterey.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

This remarkable edifice from 1770 features a star-shaped rose window emblazoned on its elegant facade and a small dome. Come and experience its unique atmosphere, which is especially magical when the choir is singing.

Garrapata State Park

You've read Big Sur, now explore this State Park and walk in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac for the day. Hike up fifty feet from the two mile beachfront for incredible views of the Pacific. Grey whales, sea lions and seals can be spotted from this vantage point. Perhaps you too will be moved to poetry or song!

China Cove

This is a Carmel must-see. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Point Lobos, China Cove is an emerald gem of a cove. You might just spot a peregrine falcon as you picnic at China Cove, and you're likely to see seals and their pups playing in the turquoise blue water.

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