Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Carmel
Back in the early 1900s, little about Carmel-by-the-Sea rivaled the appeal of the magnificent ocean front. What is seen now as a quaint, European-like town on the coast of Central California, started off at the turn of the last century with the planting of 100 pine trees right down Main Street – today's Ocean Avenue. This was followed by the arrival of the young architect, Michael J. Murphy, specifically invited to come over and build the city from scratch.
The architectural patterns that shaped the downtown character emerged predominantly in the 1920s and 1930s and were mostly Northern and Southern European–influenced Romantic Revival styles. Mock Tudor, fairy-tale storybook homes, with a touch of medieval influence, give the town its signature charm, while the abundance of Mediterranean and Spanish Revival designs, mixed up with a few Western false-front and Craftsman-style buildings from the start of the 20th century, nicely contribute the eclectic mix.
Here are some of the noteworthy samples of the historic Carmel-by-the-Sea architecture not to be missed:
Cottage of Sweets – a popular sweets store inspired by traditional candy shops in the UK; originally built in 1922 as a weaving shop, then served as a theater box office.
Harrison Memorial Library – a historic building designed in 1928; named after California Supreme Court Justice, Ralph Chandler Harrison.
Carmel Art Association Gallery – founded in 1927, the oldest art gallery in Carmel and the second oldest non-profit art organization in the US.
Fairy Tale Cottages (The Tuck Box) – a series of whimsical renditions of Tudor-style homes - uneven rooflines, stone chimneys, ornate metalwork and English-style gardens; built from 1924.
To discover these and other historic buildings in more detail and to see what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea truly unique, embark on the self-guided walking journey!
The architectural patterns that shaped the downtown character emerged predominantly in the 1920s and 1930s and were mostly Northern and Southern European–influenced Romantic Revival styles. Mock Tudor, fairy-tale storybook homes, with a touch of medieval influence, give the town its signature charm, while the abundance of Mediterranean and Spanish Revival designs, mixed up with a few Western false-front and Craftsman-style buildings from the start of the 20th century, nicely contribute the eclectic mix.
Here are some of the noteworthy samples of the historic Carmel-by-the-Sea architecture not to be missed:
Cottage of Sweets – a popular sweets store inspired by traditional candy shops in the UK; originally built in 1922 as a weaving shop, then served as a theater box office.
Harrison Memorial Library – a historic building designed in 1928; named after California Supreme Court Justice, Ralph Chandler Harrison.
Carmel Art Association Gallery – founded in 1927, the oldest art gallery in Carmel and the second oldest non-profit art organization in the US.
Fairy Tale Cottages (The Tuck Box) – a series of whimsical renditions of Tudor-style homes - uneven rooflines, stone chimneys, ornate metalwork and English-style gardens; built from 1924.
To discover these and other historic buildings in more detail and to see what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea truly unique, embark on the self-guided walking journey!
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Historical Buildings Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Carmel (See other walking tours in Carmel)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Author: DanaG
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Carmel (See other walking tours in Carmel)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Author: DanaG
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Cottage of Sweets
- Harrison Memorial Library
- Carmel Art Association Gallery
- Fairy Tale Cottages (The Tuck Box)
- Cypress Inn
- L'Auberge Carmel
1) Cottage of Sweets
Cottage of Sweets is a popular sweets shop in Carmel. The inspiration for this shop comes from traditional candy shops in the U.K. Visitors enjoy the quaint cottage setting with its thatched-style roof. This building originated as weaving shop, as well as a box office for the theater that stood behind the cottage from 1923 to 1959.
The shop building was initially built in 1922 on Dolores Street and later transplanted using logs to roll the building to its current location on Ocean Avenue. The distinct look of this historical building has made it a popular local attraction.
What being offered inside the shop is also worth checking out. Some of the highlights of this sweets shop include homemade chocolate and fudge, which are always in high demand. You can also choose from a selection of imported candies and licorice. This store has been consistently named one of the top candy stores in the United States for years.
Visitors can easily stop by this shop while on the way to the beach. Even though the shop draws a crowd, you'll find the selection of sweets worth the time. Most of the sweets sold here are by the pound, allowing you to stock up on your favorite.
The shop building was initially built in 1922 on Dolores Street and later transplanted using logs to roll the building to its current location on Ocean Avenue. The distinct look of this historical building has made it a popular local attraction.
What being offered inside the shop is also worth checking out. Some of the highlights of this sweets shop include homemade chocolate and fudge, which are always in high demand. You can also choose from a selection of imported candies and licorice. This store has been consistently named one of the top candy stores in the United States for years.
Visitors can easily stop by this shop while on the way to the beach. Even though the shop draws a crowd, you'll find the selection of sweets worth the time. Most of the sweets sold here are by the pound, allowing you to stock up on your favorite.
2) Harrison Memorial Library
The Harrison Memorial Library in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a historic public library housed in a building designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck and constructed by Michael J. Murphy in 1928. Named in honor of California Supreme Court Justice Ralph C. Harrison, the library was established through a generous donation from Ella Reid Harrison, who provided land, bonds, and a collection of rare books, furniture, and art to create a lasting memorial for her late husband.
Maybeck’s design, featuring a Spanish Eclectic style, resulted in a two-story building with castle-sized windows, making it an architectural landmark in the city. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations, including significant updates in 1949, 1977, and 2020, the latter being one of the most extensive restorations in its history.
The library serves as a vital resource for education, recreation, and culture in the region, offering books, materials, and programs that support these pursuits. Additionally, the library's Local History Department holds archives documenting the history and development of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, including photographs, letters, diaries, and other historically significant items. The library’s digital collection also features a range of media, from oral histories to photographs of Forest Theater performances.
One notable space in the library is the Barnet Segal Reading Room, named after Barnet J. Segal, and the library remains a treasured institution, continuing to evolve while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Maybeck’s design, featuring a Spanish Eclectic style, resulted in a two-story building with castle-sized windows, making it an architectural landmark in the city. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations, including significant updates in 1949, 1977, and 2020, the latter being one of the most extensive restorations in its history.
The library serves as a vital resource for education, recreation, and culture in the region, offering books, materials, and programs that support these pursuits. Additionally, the library's Local History Department holds archives documenting the history and development of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, including photographs, letters, diaries, and other historically significant items. The library’s digital collection also features a range of media, from oral histories to photographs of Forest Theater performances.
One notable space in the library is the Barnet Segal Reading Room, named after Barnet J. Segal, and the library remains a treasured institution, continuing to evolve while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
3) Carmel Art Association Gallery
Founded in 1927, Carmel Art Association is the oldest gallery in Carmel and the second oldest non-profit art organization in America. It shows a rich variety of art styles, presenting the works of more than 120 prominent Californian artists.
The originator of the plan was Jennie V. Cannon of Berkeley, California, who was a frequent visitor to Carmel and owned a summer cottage there. In October 1927 , the first show of 41 artists took place in the Seven Arts building of Herbert Heron. In 1933, the gallery was moved to its present location on Dolores Street.
One of the first CAA exhibitions was on June 3, 1928 at the Stanford Art Gallery of oil paintings and watercolors by 25 of its members. Jo Mora was active in the Carmel community and served on the board of directors of the CAA, where his sculptures were exhibited between 1927 and 1934. Salvador Dalí joined the CAA. On June 8, 1947, he participated as an art expert and juror in a contest sponsored by CAA that awarded high school students from Albany High School in Oakland, California.
The historic building provides exhibition space for its members' works. Besides photographs and art prints, this gallery has an impressive collection of drawings and sculptures, offering only the finest works, most of them for sale at the gallery.
The originator of the plan was Jennie V. Cannon of Berkeley, California, who was a frequent visitor to Carmel and owned a summer cottage there. In October 1927 , the first show of 41 artists took place in the Seven Arts building of Herbert Heron. In 1933, the gallery was moved to its present location on Dolores Street.
One of the first CAA exhibitions was on June 3, 1928 at the Stanford Art Gallery of oil paintings and watercolors by 25 of its members. Jo Mora was active in the Carmel community and served on the board of directors of the CAA, where his sculptures were exhibited between 1927 and 1934. Salvador Dalí joined the CAA. On June 8, 1947, he participated as an art expert and juror in a contest sponsored by CAA that awarded high school students from Albany High School in Oakland, California.
The historic building provides exhibition space for its members' works. Besides photographs and art prints, this gallery has an impressive collection of drawings and sculptures, offering only the finest works, most of them for sale at the gallery.
4) Fairy Tale Cottages (The Tuck Box) (must see)
Fairy Tale Cottages are a series of homes that were designed by Hugh Comstock. Each has the appearance of a fairy tale cottage brought to life. They have uneven rooflines, stone chimneys, ornate metalwork and English-style gardens. The homes are located in the Comstock Historical Hill District.
Comstock began building the homes in 1924. The first was a house for he and his wife, Mayotta Browne, that he called Gretel. The second, a home called Hansel, was built to showcase the cloth Otsy-Totsy dolls his wife made. Soon thereafter, Comstock began designing commercial buildings in the same style. The first of these was The Tuck Box.
Today, The Tuck Box is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Visitors can also buy products to take home as souvenirs. The Tuck Box sells jams, tea, pastry mixes and cereal in unique packaging.
The Tuck Box is located on Dolores Street. It is open seven days per week from 7:30 am through early afternoon.
Comstock began building the homes in 1924. The first was a house for he and his wife, Mayotta Browne, that he called Gretel. The second, a home called Hansel, was built to showcase the cloth Otsy-Totsy dolls his wife made. Soon thereafter, Comstock began designing commercial buildings in the same style. The first of these was The Tuck Box.
Today, The Tuck Box is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Visitors can also buy products to take home as souvenirs. The Tuck Box sells jams, tea, pastry mixes and cereal in unique packaging.
The Tuck Box is located on Dolores Street. It is open seven days per week from 7:30 am through early afternoon.
5) Cypress Inn
Cypress Inn has been in Carmel since 1929 and is the most well-known hotel in the United States that is dog-friendly. The hotel has been co-owned by actress and animal activist Doris Day for over 20 years. Over the years, the hotel has gotten a reputation for being a gathering place for pets and their owners.
The outside of the Cypress Inn features beautiful stone, Mediterranean-style architecture. One of the highlights is a restaurant called Terry's Lounge, which also features an outdoor seating area. Visitors can enjoy an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as cocktails and delicious dessert items.
Terry's Lounge is also a popular place for entertainment. Some of the most popular Carmel-based artists perform here on a regular schedule, offering everything from vocals and piano to full bands with guitars and percussion. The atmosphere is relaxing.
The outside of the Cypress Inn features beautiful stone, Mediterranean-style architecture. One of the highlights is a restaurant called Terry's Lounge, which also features an outdoor seating area. Visitors can enjoy an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as cocktails and delicious dessert items.
Terry's Lounge is also a popular place for entertainment. Some of the most popular Carmel-based artists perform here on a regular schedule, offering everything from vocals and piano to full bands with guitars and percussion. The atmosphere is relaxing.
6) L'Auberge Carmel
L'Auberge Carmel is a popular Carmel hotel dating to 1929. It was commissioned by Allen Knight, one of the best known residents in Carmel's early day. Knight initially wanted to create a Bohemian styled residential apartment building similar to what he saw during his travels in Prague. Knight worked with the noted San Francisco architect Albert Far who was also known as the architect of “Glen Allyn”, the first home of Jack London in Sonoma County. The resulted three story wood frame and stucco building has been a highlight in Carmel's architectural landscape since its inception.
Visitors enjoy the hotel's Old World style, as well as the antique furniture and decor. The hotel is a great sight to see as well as a cozy place to stay. One of its main attractions is Aubergine, a celebrated restaurant that boasts Mediterranean-style cuisine and an eight-course tasting menu. The wine cellar boasts 2,500 varieties, featuring wines from Monterey County and around the world. The restaurant staff can recommend pairings course-by-course to help you get the best wines.
Visitors will enjoy the landscaping used for the courtyard. This area provides an excellent place to enjoy Carmel's fantastic weather. Regardless of whether you're stopping to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, enjoying the architecture, or both, you'll find this hotel worth your time.
Visitors enjoy the hotel's Old World style, as well as the antique furniture and decor. The hotel is a great sight to see as well as a cozy place to stay. One of its main attractions is Aubergine, a celebrated restaurant that boasts Mediterranean-style cuisine and an eight-course tasting menu. The wine cellar boasts 2,500 varieties, featuring wines from Monterey County and around the world. The restaurant staff can recommend pairings course-by-course to help you get the best wines.
Visitors will enjoy the landscaping used for the courtyard. This area provides an excellent place to enjoy Carmel's fantastic weather. Regardless of whether you're stopping to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, enjoying the architecture, or both, you'll find this hotel worth your time.
Walking Tours in Carmel, California
Create Your Own Walk in Carmel
Creating your own self-guided walk in Carmel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wine Tasting Walk
While it takes no more than a dozen minutes to stroll from one corner of Carmel to the other, it is quite easy to get lost. There are no street numbers in Carmel but the wine bars and bottle shops are plentiful, and the tasting rooms are even more so – enough to keep visitors busy for days!
This charming city is indeed a bona fide wine tasting destination at its best! Regardless of your... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
This charming city is indeed a bona fide wine tasting destination at its best! Regardless of your... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Carmel Introduction Walking Tour
Carmel-by-the-Sea, frequently referred to as Carmel, was founded as a mission in 1770 by Franciscan priests. Though the area was settled in small numbers before that date, it was fully colonized by priests Junipero Serra and Juan Crespi. Along with being the site of the mission, the city was capital of California until 1849.
Eventually, Carmel became a haven for artists who formed a colony in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Eventually, Carmel became a haven for artists who formed a colony in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all