Luxury holidays in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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.