The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
4.5
Speciality & Gift ShopsPoints of Interest & LandmarksScenic Walking Areas
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Cherished by both locals and tourists in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1969, Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden transports curious customers to faraway lands to cherish all the discoveries they might find along the way. Running the last bookstore in their idyllic community, hands-on co-owners Paul Fridlund and Cynthia Fernandes offer mainstream reading material while extending beyond the boundaries of the usual. Adding The Secret Garden in 2002, the family-run business becomes an oasis for those seeking transformative thought, a sense of tranquility and a bounty of unique, sustainable and often American-made items that serve as reminders of a special place.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
140 within 3 miles
Attractions
277 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
35 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Julie M
1 contribution
Dec 2022
If you seek to step back in time and experience "old" Carmel traditions, then a visit to Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden is a must visit adventure. The offerings in this bookstore have been carefully curated by owners who love books and finding those hidden treasures that explore the uniqueness of place. I recharge on the outdoors and nature filled with trees and Pilgrim's Way invites me to linger and read and select books that gave me delights in trees, pathways, gardens, and nature walks. A true treasure in this community, thank you for your hospitality.
Julie M
Julie M
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your 5-star review and recommendation! We are delighted to hear that the haven we've created is enjoyed by fellow book lovers and hope to welcome you back.
Written December 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Idahogranny
Folsom, CA95 contributions
Dec 2019
The narrow red entry lined with bamboo was so inviting, we decided to go it to investigate and discovered a beautiful garden that looks more like a park than a store. My 7-year-old grandson sat on a bench for quite a quite in awe, just listening to the water and wind chimes! It's so serene and fascinating, we didn't want to leave. I definitely recommend visiting this unique shop!
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Local93921
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA183 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
A lot of unique stuff you won't find elsewhere. If you are into alternative philosophies, religions, health, etc; you've hit the jackpot. The also have non-mainstream fiction authors, so you might find a good book in your favorite genre that you'd never see in a chain bookstore or on Amazon. Support your local bookstore when in town for vacation. There aren't many left.
Written June 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda R
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
We were charmed by the secret garden but not for long. My 4 year old son rang one of the small gongs on sale in the garden outside admiring the sound of it and the owner/ clerk came out and very aggressively scolded him, offended and hurt he walked away - sometimes even with all the Buddha’s and spiritual books on display you can’t fake kindness.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leftcoastluv
Maryland66 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Small bookshop with a great selection of the latest novels, some young adult and children’s books, and a wonderful selection of books on meditation and relaxation. There are also an assortment of small gifts.
Outside the shop is a serene and aromatic secret garden.
Very relaxing! I left with a book and a smile!
Outside the shop is a serene and aromatic secret garden.
Very relaxing! I left with a book and a smile!
Written July 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah B
Fontenay-sous-Bois, France15 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
This bookstore has heart, soul and history. It's a wonderful place to visit (check out the garden in the back) and has everything you might want for fine reading, personal growth, and all other manners of delightful finds. Enjoy!
Written April 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
contradancer
asheville, nc426 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We were looking at books and I was writing down titles and the owner came up and said that this was a family owned business and I shouldn't be writing down titles to go buy from Amazon. I told her that I write down the titles of new books because I get them from the library and never see the new books on the shelves because they stay on reserve. She backed off, but it kept me from wanting to buy anything there.
Written July 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whenwillweleave
Los Angeles, California76 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
This great bookstore offers best selling current books, calendars and an assortment of books one could categorize as new age. They also sell incense and spiritual decorations. They have the delightful Secret Garden with more cards, calendars, garden decorations. It is privately owned, so the clerks are the owners.
Written December 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tamara
25 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I love Pilgrim's Way -- a wonderful bookshop and a beautiful garden/nursery, two of my favorite things together. The garden has all kinds of lovely garden sculptures and unique gardening accessories and tools.
Written February 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noreenanmarina
Marina, CA117 contributions
Mar 2023
Excellent little book store. Staff always friendly and helpful. The atmosphere of the store is awesome.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your 5-star review! We are happy to hear that you enjoy our bookstore and garden. We strive to provide an ambiance that is restorative, with warm and attentive staff. We hope to welcome you back.
Written March 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing