Attractions Near Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA - Carmel Green Lantern Inn

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the best-known aquariums in the world for marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see, especially for families with children—and it's less than a 20-minute drive from Carmel Green Lantern Inn! Its notable exhibits include the giant Pacific octopus, sea otters, and African penguins, along with aquarium classics like jellyfish, sharks, and local marine life. Check the calendar for daily shows and feedings, as well as projects kids can participate in, like making shark masks and playing Bird Bingo. It's not all geared toward children, though—the aquarium also offers Romance Tours: the perfect addition to a couple's getaway at our intimate inn.

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Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf

About a mile apart on the beautiful Central California coast, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are ideal destinations for seaside strolls with shopping, dining, and more. Cannery Row is named for its history as a busy sardine canning area; however, it's now known for having dozens of restaurants and over 60 wine-tasting rooms, as well as nightlife, beach activities, and close-up wildlife watching. Like Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf also has lots of well-known restaurants along with signature activities, including seasonal whale watching and locally-led fishing trips from the award-winning Clean Marina—all just a short distance from Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Pebble Beach and 17-Mile Drive

Few golf courses are more iconic than Pebble Beach, which boasts a scenic drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Home to Jack Nicklaus' miracle one-iron shot, it's every golfer's dream destination. However, even non-golfers will find plenty to enjoy along the area's scenic 17-Mile Drive. Visit the Lone Cypress, one of California's longest-enduring landmarks that's consistently rated as one of the most famous trees in the world. Discover the shipwreck-filled history of Point Joe, or stop for a picnic on the beautiful Spanish Bay. No matter which activities you choose, it's sure to be a memorable drive—that's why roughly 8 million cars have visited since 1990.

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Image #1 about Pebble Beach and 17-Mile Drive

Highway 1

Of course, 17-Mile Drive is far from the only famous roadway in California. Called the "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler, California's Highway One spans some of America's most breathtaking scenery, from redwood trees reaching toward the sky to the Santa Lucia Mountain Range plunging into the sea. Although the highway runs the entire length of the state, we recommend the 26-mile drive between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. If you can resist the urge to stop and take pictures, it only takes about 45 minutes to complete.

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Often referred to as the "crown jewel" of California's State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an affordable way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while vacationing in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The park features hiking trails for all levels of athleticism, fields of blooming wildflowers in the spring, and 10 unique diving areas, among other attractions. It's also a great place for spotting marine life; you can even watch sea otters play in the waves. Round out your visit with a stop at the onsite cultural history museum to learn more about the whaling and abalone industry that once characterized the area.

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Image #1 about Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Historic Carmel Mission

Located just a mile from Carmel Green Lantern Inn, the historic Carmel Mission is a favorite attraction for our guests. Formally called the Basilica of San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, this authentically restored Spanish mission was established in 1770 and moved to its current location on Rio Road in 1771. Here's what you need to know before visiting the historic Carmel Mission.

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Directions to Top Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium

16-minute drive (6.6 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- 39 sec (0.1 mi)
Take 17-Mile Dr and CA-68 E to David Ave in Monterey
- 15 min (6.4 mi)
Follow David Ave to Cannery Row
- 1 min (0.2 mi)
Arrive at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Cannery Row

15-minute drive (5.5 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- 39 sec (0.1 mi)
Continue on Ocean Ave. Take CA-1 N and Pacific St to Foam St in Monterey
- 14 min (4.9 mi)
Continue on Foam St. Drive to Cannery Row
- 2 min (0.5 mi)
Arrive at Cannery Row

Cannery Row

Monterey, CA 93940

Fisherman's Wharf

13-minute drive (4.7 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- 39 sec (0.1 mi)
Continue on Ocean Ave. Take CA-1 N and Pacific St to Scott St in Monterey
- 13 min (4.5 mi)
Drive to Olivier St
- 1 min (0.1 mi)
Arrive at Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey, CA 93940

Pebble Beach

7-minute drive (2.4 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- (0.1 mi)
Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Ocean Ave
- (0.1 mi)
Turn right onto San Antonio Ave
- Toll road (0.3 mi)
Continue onto Carmel Way
- Toll road (0.2 mi)
Turn left to stay on Carmel Way
- (256 ft)
Continue onto 17-Mile Dr
- Toll road (1.6 mi)
Turn left to stay on 17-Mile Dr
- Toll road (85 ft)
Arrive at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach

Del Monte Forest, CA

17-Mile Drive

12-minute drive (4.8 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- 39 sec (0.1 mi)
Take 17 Mile Dr and Forest Lake Rd to Sloat Rd in Del Monte Forest

17-Mile Drive

Del Monte Forest, CA

Highway 1

20-minute drive (18.2 mi)

Head north on Casanova St toward 7th Ave
- (0.1 mi)
Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Ocean Ave
- (0.8 mi)
Use any lane to turn left onto CA-1 N
- (16.9 mi)
Use the left 2 lanes to take the CA-1 N exit toward Watsonville/Santa Cruz
- (0.4 mi)
Arrive at Highway 1

Highway 1

California

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

8-minute drive (3.8 mi)

Take San Carlos St and Rio Rd to CA-1 S
- 6 min (1.6 mi)
Turn right onto CA-1 S
- 3 min (2.2 mi)
Turn right onto Point Lobos
- 7 sec (36 ft)
Arrive at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Historic Carmel Mission

4-minute drive (1 mi)

Take 9th Ave to San Carlos St
- 2 min (0.3 mi)
Continue on San Carlos St. Take Rio Rd to Lasuen Dr
- 2 min (0.6 mi)
Turn right onto Lasuen Dr
- 6 sec (49 ft)
Arrive at Carmel Mission Basilica Museum

Carmel Mission Basilica Museum

3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea With a Stay at the Carmel Green Lantern Inn

With so much to see and do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's important to have a relaxing place to stay at the end of your excursions. Our charming inn features 17 cozy rooms divided among six cottages for a laid-back community feel. Enjoy afternoon refreshments in the sun or kick back with your favorite show via in-room cable and wireless internet. Rest, recharge, and then start your next day feeling refreshed and ready to experience all that Carmel and Monterey have to offer.

No matter what you have on your agenda while you're in the Monterey area, a stay at the Carmel Green Lantern Inn provides plenty of privacy without sacrificing the convenience of a prime downtown location in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Book your room online today.