Great walk, but don't stop when you reach Carmel River State Beach (continue walking to Mission Ranch and then the Carmel Mission). Walk, do. not. drive. All the beauty unfolds at a much slower pace than a drive-by affords.

Pass by historic houses, beautiful juxtapositions of plants against walls, birds and other wildwife, goofey dogs doing goofey dog-things that delight us all, and beautiful unparalleled naturescapes in all their magnificence. Sometimes slow is best; eyeballs need the extra time to process.

Our entire walk took us along this pleasant trail walk (catch it at "Scenic" trail in Carmel's beach area, it's a block "before" and south of the beach) and continue along the coastal walk past Carmel River State Beach through neighborhoods to the historic 1850's Mission Ranch, then to the Carmel Mission and end at the Mission Trail Nature Preserve leading back to Ocean Avenue and Mountain View. This is probably 4 miles in total.

This is our whole-hearted recommendation for a beautiful and enjoyable walk.

This walk was so refreshing and relaxing. It was great to walk near the shore, but not in the sand. On one side you could view the ocean and on the other side view the beautiful homes that overlook the bay. Also, a great place to people watch...especially those playing along the beach or trying to surf.

We like to start from the small parking lot at the south end and walk toward Carmel. Ocean and rocks to the left and interesting homes to the right. Look at the for sale brochures and wonder why this home is $12M and the next one is $9M. Keep walking and enjoy the return walk too.