Attractions Near
NORMANDY INN

Experience the Best of Carmel

Fall in love with “California’s Jewel City”! Excellent shopping and dining, legendary landmarks and attractions, a vibrant arts scene, and an abundance of natural beauty are all yours to experience during your stay here in Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula.

Local DininG

You could spend a month here in Carmel and still not experience all of the wonderful dining options the town has to offer. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here – from Mediterranean fare at Dametra Café and PortaBella to fabulous seafood at Catch, as well as California cuisine at Grasings and Basil. Vesuvio serves hearty Italian dishes until 11:00 pm. and Anton & Michel is perfect for a romantic meal. All of these restaurants are within walking distance of the Normandy Inn!

BEACHES

CARMEL BEACH

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Pacific coastline, this gorgeous, white-sand beach is just three blocks away from our hotel. Bring a picnic and spend a relaxing day with friends and family.

ARTS & SHOPPING

Carmel Plaza

0.3 mi / 36.5551 N, 121.9209 W
Treat yourself to a little retail therapy at this fashionable shopping center, located right near our hotel. You’ll find many of your favorite brands here, as well as a few unusual boutiques and some delicious dining options.

Sunset Center

0.4 miles / 36.5543 N, 121.9218 W
Sunset Center has established itself as one of the foremost performing arts centers in the area, and offers events ranging from dance performances and musicals to stand up comedians and much more.

ART GALLERIES

Few cities can claim the distinction of boasting nearly 100 galleries within a one square-mile radius. Carmel’s galleries cater to every artistic taste; browse the works of well-known artists and up-and-coming talents – and bring home a memento of your visit.

ATTRACTIONS

Carmel WALKS

400 ft / 36.5552 N, 121.9232 W
Discover Carmel’s hidden gems – the sights and attractions that only a local would know! Gael Gallagher, a Boston native who has adopted Carmel as her home for over 40 years, leads most of these popular two-hour tours, which depart just a few steps away from our hotel.

CARMEL MISSION

1.1 mi / 36.5426 N, 121.9196 W
Established in 1770 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmel– as well as five museums
document the history of the mission and its people.

Robinson Jeffers Tor House

1.2 mi / 36.5420 N, 121.9321 W
Built in 1919, this architectural wonder was home to poet Robinson Jeffers and his family for eighty years. Today, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is lovingly preserved to maintain its original design. Small tours of the house are given on the weekend; reservations must be made beforehand.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

3.9 mi / 36.5159 N, 121.9422 W
Arguably the state’s most spectacular park, Point Lobos is paradise for nature lovers. More than 250 animals and birds make their home in the forest, along the shoreline, and in the tide pools and waters off the Point. Visitors will find many miles of hiking trails that lead to such sights as Bird Island, Cypress Grove, and Moss Cove. Divers can explore 70 foot-high kelp forests, a myriad of fish and marine species. Look for seals, otters, and whales.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

5.8 mi / 36.6092 N, 121.8963 W
Monterey Bay is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary ocean life, and this incredible aquarium, located on the edge of the bay, provides a fun and educational way for children and adults to learn more about it. Discover an amazing blend of natural habitats and state-of-the-art technology, and get up close to marine life such as sea otters, anemones, jellyfish, and giant ocean sunfish.

BIG SUR

19.9 mi / 36.2704 N, 121.8079 W
Less than 20 miles away from the hotel, Big Sur is a great destination for a day trip. There is a lot to see and do here – from a hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to perusing the unique art galleries along Highway One. And you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking coastline and ocean views!

National Steinbeck Center

22 mi / 36.6771 N, 121.6556 W
The Center is located in Salinas, a short drive from Carmel, where writer John Steinbeck grew up. It includes a museum and exhibit hall with interactive displays related to Steinbeck's literature, as well as artifacts and films showcasing some of his classics, such as East of Eden, Cannery Row, and The Grapes of Wrath.

hearst castle

91.5 mi / 35.6852 N, 121.1682 W
The Julia Morgan-designed estate of newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst sits atop "The Enchanted Hill" in San Simeon, California – a magnificent hilltop perch on the central coast. It features Roman pools, an exotic animal zoo, a movie theater, and extensive gardens. Numerous tours of the buildings, art collections, and grounds are offered every day.

ACTIVITIES

Wine TastinG

Experience the bounty of the region’s vineyards in one of Carmel’s numerous tasting rooms, bottle shops and wine bars. Walk through Carmel's charming European-style village and get to know winemakers as you taste some of the region's premium wines.

Whale WatchinG

No mater what time of year you visit Monterey Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in action. Some can be seen with the naked eye from on land; others are best viewed out in the water, on one of the many daily tours that leave from Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Pebble Beach Golf

2.3 mi / 34.2275 N, 119.2056 W
If you love golf, you simply can’t visit the area without playing a round or two at one of these world-famous courses. There are five in total, including the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, home to the AT&T National Pro-Am, where golf greats such as Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer have made history.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

13.5 mi / 36.5705 N, 121.7644 W
If you feel the need for speed, then head to this iconic 2.238-mile racetrack in nearby Salinas, California. It’s home the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and the American Le Mans Series, as well as other prestigious auto racing events.