a Charming Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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About Our Carmel, CA Boutique Inn

At the Carmel Green Lantern Inn, we have been welcoming guests since 1927 and proudly maintain the rustic and quaint feel that the area is known for. After all, our inn has had the same telephone and post box numbers since it opened. Our 17 spacious rooms are divided among six cottages, each with their own unique charm, and retain the original tree-themed names given to them by the original owners.

We are conveniently located less than a ½ mile from Pebble Beach / 17-Mile Drive, home to the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, and 10 minutes to Monterey's Cannery Row, famous for kayaking and scuba diving.

Our History

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town known for its old-world "village" way of life. There are no sidewalks outside of Ocean Street, no streetlights, and no individual addresses since everyone has a post box. William Billinger was interested in creating a local inn at Carmel-by-the-Sea and built a series of six unique cottages for this purpose in 1927. He and his wife Ana ran the inn until 1947, and then they sold the property to Robert and Lenore Weaver.

The Weavers owned Carmel Green Lantern Inn until 1952, then it passed through a cast of different owners including Dorothy van Sickle, Forrest and Lorraine Lackland, William and Ginette Bekker, and Herb Johnson. Since late 2014, the Inn has been owned & operated by local family with plans to upgrade while continuing to provide the quaint, charming, seaside retreat that Carmel Green Lantern Inn has been known for over the years.

Call us and learn how you can enjoy a peaceful and serene getaway at the Carmel Green Lantern Inn.

Carmel Green Lantern Inn

Each room retains its original name given by the Billingers. Holly, Pine, Oak, Palm, Knotty Pine, Birch, Cedar, Laurel, Walnut, Maple, Elm, Evergreen, Magnolia, Spruce, Willow, Cypress and Redwood.

In Carmel there are no sidewalks outside of the main street Ocean, no street lights and no addresses on individual houses, everyone has a p.o box. Carmel's founders wanted to preserve the spirit of a 'village'.

The Inn has had the same telephone and P.O box number since we opened in 1927.

Making Memories at Carmel Green Lantern Inn

Mr. Spicer has been coming to the Green Lantern since 1957. Mr. Spicer and his father Spike came down every year to attend golf tournaments starting with the Crosby.

He said "It became part of the tournament to stay at the Green Lantern". He had a number of entertaining stories about Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Arnold Palmer.

His favorite being " Bing Crosby was leaving a party but realized he could not drive, so he had his cousin take him home, which was on the 13th hole on Pebble. Of course the kid is swerving all over and a cop pulls him over and asks 'why is this 14 year old driving?' to which Bing replies 'he's all we got".

The golf tournaments are what first brought Mr. Spicer to us and the charm of the Green Lantern has kept him coming back. Since then Mr. Spicer has returned to stay with us over the years making many lasting memories with his family at The Green Lantern.

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Note from guest:

"We first stayed at the Green Lantern in 1928 on a house party. I've stayed several times thereafter throughout the thirties and after the war. It has always been most hospitable and great.
-Sincerely
Gertrude Williams (Mrs. Harry)"

Family-Friendly Activities

Bring the entire family on your next trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Explore various family-friendly activities and exciting excursions that everyone will love.

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5 Must-stop Spots During Your Self-guided Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea has been enjoyed by locals and tourists for generations. The easy-going pace of life, mixed with a wide array of activities to enjoy, makes this one-square-mile village the perfect place for a stroll.

While there are many guided tours you can pay for to see Carmel, a self-guided walking tour is also a great option — especially if you want to go at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy each step as you visit the five locations below.

Carmel Beach

Although there are plenty of beaches to enjoy throughout Monterey County, not all of them are just a few steps from hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel Beach is known for its warm white sands that go on for a mile along the Pacific Ocean. Offering wonderful views of the water, Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the Point Lobos State Reserve, this beach is ideal for families as well as those interested in a romantic excursion beside the waves.

Start your self-guided walking tour here, and enjoy the sweet sound of crashing waves as the fresh saltwater air fills your nose and relaxes your body.

Art Galleries in Downtown Carmel

Once you have your fill of the beach, it's time to take in some culture. Downtown Carmel features over 80 art galleries with pieces from local talents and global names. The art scene in Carmel runs deep, as it was first founded as a Bohemian art community, and over 120 artists still reside in this Central Coast haven.

While there are far too many historic galleries to visit in one day, there are a few galleries that locals would consider must-see attractions. Be sure to check out these galleries during your walk around this beachside town:

Lu Lu's Silk Art Gallery
Nancy Dodds Gallery
Jones & Terwilliger Galleries
Zantman Art Galleries
Gallery-by-the-Sea Carmel

Places to Grab a Bite to Eat

While waking around Carmel is a pleasure, all that extra exercise will surely work up an appetite. Luckily, there is an array of options on almost every corner in Carmel. No matter if you're in the mood for classic California eats or French cuisine, the possibilities are endless. Meander on into any of these local favorites for a dining experience you'll never forget:

Dametra Cafe
Little Napoli Bistro
Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar
Rio Grill

Mission Trail Nature Preserve

Located in the heart of Southeast Carmel, Mission Trail Nature Preserve offers 34 acres of open space, including a three-mile hiking trail and a native plant garden — perfect for exploring. This nature preserve boasts multiple different habitats you can wander through safely and comfortably, including:

A coastal prairie
Monterey pine forest
Coast live oak woodland
Wetlands
Willow riparian corridor

Designed in 1979, the park has been used recreationally by locals and tourists ever since. It remains in pristine condition for everyone to enjoy, thanks to the city of Carmel's management plan that makes improvements to the trail system and removes invasive plants from the grounds. If you're in town with your favorite four-legged friend, be sure to bring them to the Mission Trail Nature Reserve to get some exercise and enjoy the comfortable California weather.

Ocean Avenue Excursions

Did someone say shopping and cocktails? Ocean Avenue in the heart of Carmel-by-the Sea offers unique boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Perfect for your last stop of the day during your self-guided tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ocean Avenue shows off the best parts of Carmel's nightlife. Shop till your heart's content and after that, grab a few drinks at one of Carmel's many local watering holes.

A day like no other deserves an ending just the same.

Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea — Carmel Green Lantern Inn

After a long day of sightseeing, drinks, and fun, you'll want a comfortable place to rest up and get ready for your next day's activities.

Carmel Green Lantern Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Carmel and many other attractions in town. Situated in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood surrounded by Redwood and Cypress trees, this quaint inn can be your home base while you explore California's Central Coast.

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