Enjoy Things to do in Carmel near the Tickle Pink Inn

Just minutes from the Tickle Pink Inn is Carmel, an inspiring and beautiful location that has consistently been voted one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Sample world-class wines at a host of fine wineries that dot Carmel Valley. Enjoy a hike or a nature walk at Big Sur, Point Lobos, or Garland Regional Park.

Take a spectacular drive along the rugged Big Sur Coast or Pebble Beach’s famed 17-Mile Drive. Of course, we can’t mention Pebble Beach without suggesting that you play a round of world-class golf.

No visit to our area would be complete without a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the National Steinbeck Center, the Carmel Mission & Museum, and many more unforgettable sights and attractions in Monterey County.

We’ve provided a few of our picks for your visit, but don’t hesitate to ask Tickle Pink’s knowledgeable, friendly staff for information about these and additional things to do and see, including the area’s superb restaurants and European-style shopping.

17-Mile Drive – Pebble Beach

This legendary scenic drive around the Monterey Peninsula will introduce you to the wonders California’s native wildlife and colorful wildflowers.

You’ll view the Del Monte Forest, the Lone Cypress, Seal Rock and Bird Rock, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and the renowned fairways of The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

One of Big Sur’s most popular attractions, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers inspiring landscapes of waterfalls, redwood groves, lush forests, and open meadows. Spend some time on one of the Big Sur hiking trails as they wind through oaks, conifers, sycamores, willows, and abundant wildlife.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

With its 80-foot waterfall, redwood groves, and ideal spots for whale watching, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a favorite of hikers and campers. The park is also popular with scuba divers.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Architecture

Since the founding of the Carmel Mission in 1771, Carmel-by-the-Sea has been known for its incredible buildings. Stroll along the streets and admire Carmel’s many fantasy cottages.

Drive along Carmel-by-the-Sea's Scenic Road to view the Walker Residence, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Tour Tor House, the stone home and tower that poet Robinson Jeffers built for his bride Una.

Pacific Repertory Theatre

The Golden Bough Playhouse, built on the site of the historic Arts and Crafts Clubhouse, is home to the Pacific Repertory Theatre. PacRep and several other theatrical companies also perform at the Forest Theater, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2010.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

At the world-renowned aquarium, you can enjoy nearly 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay.

The four largest exhibits are the Outer Bay, the Kelp Forest, Monterey Bay Habitats, and Sea Otters along the Rocky Coast. One of the world’s largest jellyfish galleries is a visitor favorite.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve is popular with artists and tourists alike for its astounding beauty. "The crown jewel of the state park system," Point Lobos has great hiking, birding, and diving, ideal picnic spots, breathtaking vistas, and scenic wildlife. In the winter, migrating gray whales are visible from the shore.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Since 1919, the exquisite beauty and unique challenge of Pebble Beach Golf Links has thrilled golfers and spectators alike. Ranked the number 1 public course in America by Golf Digest, Pebble Beach has been the site of golf's most prestigious tournaments. The course hugs the rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, cliffside fairways and sloping greens. It is a delightful challenge for all players.

Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach is a popular spot for diving, kayaking, surfing and birding. Swimming is not recommended at Carmel River State Beach, as the water is known for its unpredictable riptides.

Carmel Beach

Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine and join Carmel’s locals any evening to enjoy the beauty of a Carmel-by-the-Sea sunset at Carmel Beach.

Right at the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is locally renowned for good surf and excellent dog-walking conditions, as well as breathtaking sunsets.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission and Museum

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission is considered the most authentically restored Franciscan mission, and despite its many events and services, the Carmel Mission's courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest.

Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. Admission to the grounds and mission is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children, and children under 6 are admitted for free.

All funds go to mission restoration projects. Carmel Mission has four museum galleries featuring the history of the Monterey Peninsula and all of the California Missions.

The Carmel Mission's museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sundays, 10:30am-5pm.

Carmel Art Association

The Carmel Art Association, Carmel's oldest gallery, features a frequently changing exhibition of the work of more than 120 professional local artists, and is dedicated to presenting only the finest work for sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula.

Carmel Art Festival

Carmel-by-the-Sea highlights its artist colony origins with the annual Carmel Art Festival, held each May. The festival features sculpture in Devendorf Park, a juried plein air painting competition, art activities for children, live performances and more. Galleries throughout Carmel hold receptions and demonstrations during the Festival.

Carmel Art & Film Festival

The Carmel Art & Film Festival, held each year in the fall, is five days of film, contemporary art, fresh music, and modern photography.

Sunset Center

The distinctive, Gothic-inspired arches of Sunset Center host more than 50 classical music performances each year, as well as the best in music, dance, theater, and live entertainment from around the world.

Monterey Symphony

For 63 years, the Monterey Symphony has presented a full range of classical and pops programs, with concerts at Carmel’s Sunset Center and Salinas’ Sherwood Hall.

Carmel Bach Festival

The world-renowned Carmel Bach Festival brings visitors from around the globe to experience over two weeks of music by Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. Musicians from the around the world perform each July in venues including the Sunset Center, Carmel Mission Basilica, Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach, and All Saints Church.

Morgan Winery

Founded in 1982, Morgan Winery is a family owned and operated business that crafts wines which elegantly express the terroir from select vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands and northern Monterey appellations.

Taste the latest hand-crafted Morgan and Lee Family Farm wines at the visitor center.

Open daily from 11am - 6pm in the Crossroads Shopping Village in Carmel, CA (Rio Road at Highway One).