f u n   t h i n g s   t o   d o   i n   c a r m e l

You're welcome to spend the entire weekend hanging out at The Holly Farm, but if you’re visiting from out of town, the Monterey Peninsula has a lot to offer.  Here are just a few of our recommendations:

General Information:

    Carmel Chamber of Commerce

    Monterey County Visitors Bureau

    Carmel Town Guide

    Wine Country.com's Guide to Monterey

Attractions

Take the family to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (check out the Shark Cam!)

Beaches

• Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds. On Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove; 831/372-4076

• Carmel Beach. West end of Ocean Ave.; 831/620-2000

• Carmel River State Beach. End of Carmelo St., about 1 mile south of Ocean Ave.; 831/649-2836

• Big Sur region, featuring several beautiful California State Parks along the coast, including Point Lobos Reserve 

Food

• Have tea in the Hansel-and-Gretel style Tuck House in Carmel  

Golf

• There are many beautiful courses to play a round of golf in the area. 

Hiking / Outdoors

Garland Ranch Regional Park. On Carmel Valley Rd., east of State 1; 831/659-4488.

• Hike along the Big Sur coast 
• View the Santa Lucia Mountains on the back of a horse at Holman Ranch  

Historical Sites

• Carmel Mission Basilica 3080 Rio Rd.; 831/624-1271.
• National Steinbeck Center and John Steinbeck's birthplace in Salinas.
• Hearst Castle William Randolph Hearst's legendary estate is 90 miles south of Carmel. You'll need to plan a full day to visit, but it's worth the trip.

Scenery

• Point Pinos Lighthouse. Closed Tue–Wed; donation requested. 831/648-5716
• Seventeen Mile Drive. $8.50 per vehicle. Pebble Beach Resorts; 800/654-9300

Shopping

• Enjoy the art galleries, quaint shops and gorgeous beach in downtown Carmel

Wineries

• Château Julien Wine Estate. $5 tasting fee (free with tour); reservations required for tours. 8940 Carmel Valley Road 831-624-2600
• Bernadus Winery $5 tasting fee. 5 West Carmel Valley Road 800-223-2533

• Heller Estate. $5 tasting fee. 69 West Carmel Valley Road 831-659-6220

• Homescapes, Carmel. Seventh Ave. at Dolores Street 831-624-6499.