we were not as enchanted as pinterest led us to believe we would be. maybe it would be different on a warm and sunny day? maybe we are not carmel people? I thought carmel would be a highlight of the trip but I'm in no rush to go back.
I love this walk along the Pacific Ocean and the charming Carmel homes! I would never get tired of this beautiful pathway!
The friend with whom I was staying lives on Scenic Road (lucky girl) so we had quick access to the walkway and to the beach. The natural beauty can hardly be surpassed and the panorama of people and dogs who take advantage of the beach walk makes for an interesting way to pass a morning or afternoon. It really is close to paradise, IMO.
This walk is always different from day to day. It never gets old or boring. Meet new friends and 4-legged friends on your walk or just enjoy the ever changing scenery. This is a MUST DO when in town.
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.
