Getting to & Around Carmel-by-the-Sea

From north or south follow Highway 1 to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Exit at Ocean Avenue and go west to reach the downtown village and beach. Once you've arrived in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, everything is within walking distance within the charming one-square mile central business district: hotels, inns, restaurants, shops, galleries, tasting rooms, cultural activities, beach, and more.
 

Directions to Carmel

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From Monterey Airport  (approximately 15 minutes)

• Exit airport and turn right on Highway 68 (Monterey-Salinas Highway.)
• Take Highway 68 to Highway 1 south to Carmel
• Turn right at Ocean Avenue and go 1 mile to downtown Carmel

From San Francisco (approximately 2 1/2 hours)
• Take Highway 101 south to Prunedale
• At Prunedale, take Highway 156 west (see "Monterey Peninsula" sign)
• At Castroville, stay to the left, as the road becomes Highway 1 south
• Take Highway 1 south to Carmel
• Turn right at Ocean Avenue and go 1 mile to downtown Carmel

From Los Angeles (approximately 6 hours)
• Take Highway 101 north to Salinas
• Go west on Highway 68 (see "Monterey Peninsula" exit sign)
• Take Highway 68 to Highway 1
• Take Highway 1 south to Carmel
• Turn right at Ocean Avenue and go 1 mile to downtown Carmel.

Parking in Downtown Carmel

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Ample parking is available in the central business district of Carmel-bythe-Sea, but you need to know where to look. Free, 2-hour curbside parking is available on every block of the central business district. Free, unlimited-time parking is available at the following locations:

• Vista Lobos public parking lot at 3rd Avenue and Torres Street.
• Center-median curb spaces on Junipero Avenue between 5th and 3rd Avenues.
• All streets surrounding the central business district.
• Sunset Center North Lot on 8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos (Except during Car Week).

Paid parking in the central business district is available at the Carmel Plaza Parking Garage on Mission Street just north of 7th Avenue.

Hotels & Inns in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Sitting as they do amidst oceans of flowers and Cypress, and bathed in Pacific breezes, the village's hotels and inns provide an unparalleled sense of discovery. Each is the landing place for a wholly unique vacation with a host of Carmel hotel and inn special offers. Book your hotel direct here.

Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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The town's charming eateries feature a full range of international, regional and local cuisines, all benefiting from their proximity to the bounties provided by the Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley. Taken together, Carmel restaurants have a hallmark blend of Old World elegance and modern charm, all with an artistic flair.