The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known as one of the best aquariums in the world. It specializes in the sea creatures of the Monterey Bay, including the giant Pacific octopus, jellies, otters, bat rays, seahorses, sunfishes and sometimes a white shark. The Aquarium Adventures program also features Underwater Explorers for children (a diving experience in the Great Tide Pool) and sailing for adults and families.
The Carmel Mission, officially called the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, was built in 1771, the second of the 21 Spanish missions to be built in California. Its founder, Father Junipero Serra, is buried here and this beautifully renovated mission is said to have been one of his favorites. All California school children have to visit and study the missions and thousands of couples have gotten married here. The Basilica Church at the Mission is a registered National Historic Landmark.
This drive is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The famous coastal landmark starts at the bottom of Ocean Avenue in Carmel and goes through the majestic Del Monte forest, past the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and takes you to the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Just take the drive or stop to
play golf or eat at one of 7 restaurants. There is a fee to enter the forest.
The National Steinbeck Center is located in John Steinbeck’s hometown of Salinas, California, a short 30 minute drive from Carmel. The center features interactive, multi-sensory exhibits for all ages which showcase Steinbeck’s most famous literary masterpieces like Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath.
The Monterey Peninsula is home to the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a world-class raceway hosting the best of motorsports, including the Red Bull US Grand Prix Motorcycle Races, American LeMans Series Monterey, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Racers and spectators love to stay in Carmel as a special treat but
get your rooms early.
Carmel’s most famous celebrity is, of course, the mayor himself Clint Eastwood who served in city hall from 1986-88. He is now mostly famous locally for occasionally playing the piano in the evenings at his Mission Ranch Bar and Restaurant. Doris Day is a local favorite and her inn, the Cypress Inn, shown at left, started Carmel on the path to being one of the most dog-friendly places on earth.