Luxury holidays in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Windswept cypress trees and flour-sand beaches edge Carmel-by-the-Sea — a Californian village of winding streets and crooked cottages with fairytale charm. And yet, there’s nothing nostalgic about its thoroughly 21st-century trappings, including indie boutiques, seafood dining spots and tucked-away cafés. Past the city limits, the renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course and dramatic 17-Mile Drive unveil windswept coastlines, ancient forests, and opulent estates, with wildlife in abundance along the way.

When to go

Carmel-by-the-Sea brings year-round appeal with mild weather and ocean breezes. Expect peak rainfall from December through February, bustling summers and prime whale-watching from April to December.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The closest international airports are San José, a 90-minute drive away, and San Francisco — about two hours by car.

  • Trains

    Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle, makes a daily stop in the heart of downtown Salinas. From there, it’s a 50-minute transfer to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Automobiles

    The walkable village of Carmel-by-the-Sea means you don’t need a car, but to explore the 17-Mile Drive and more of Monterey County, you’ll need a set of wheels.