Rudy's Recs: Why the Week After Car Week Is the Best Time for Your First Visit to Carmel
I've worked in hospitality in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea since 2016, and over the last few years I've noticed more comments saying our area is "too crowded" or "overrun." As someone who's experienced every season here, I can honestly say that's only part of the story.
If you're planning your first trip to Carmel and hoping for a relaxed coastal getaway, here are a few tips to help you experience the town at its best.
As a self-proclaimed automotive enthusiast, Monterey Car Week is the highlight of my year. The energy is incredible, the cars are unforgettable, and it's an amazing event.
That said, if your dream vacation includes quiet walks on the beach, leisurely dinners, and browsing art galleries without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, I'd recommend visiting any time after August 17.
If your very first visit to Carmel happens during Car Week, I have two words for you:
Vroom. Vroom.
Come a week later and you'll discover the Carmel that locals know and love.
A Friday check-in and Sunday checkout isn't exactly a hidden travel hack. Carmel is one of California's favorite weekend destinations, so naturally, weekends are our busiest.
If your schedule allows, book a Wednesday–Friday or Thursday–Saturday stay instead. Better yet, visit Sunday through Thursday for an even more relaxed experience.
Here's another reason to stretch your stay:
Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free (offer valid through September 3, 2026).
If you've been saving vacation days, this is a great excuse to use them.
We get it. Parking can be competitive during the summer.
Our hotel staff jokes that we play an unchoreographed game of musical cars every day—one employee leaves, another pulls into the newly opened spot.
The good news? If you're staying with us, you're already ahead of the game.
Our hotel is just a few blocks from Ocean Avenue, putting restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms, galleries, and the beach within an easy walk. Once you've parked, leave the car where it is and enjoy Carmel on foot. It's one of the best walking towns in California, and you'll spend less time circling for parking and more time actually enjoying your vacation.
There's a reason so many weddings happen here in late summer.
August and September typically bring Carmel's warmest, sunniest weather of the year. You'll often wake up to cool coastal mornings, enjoy bright afternoons perfect for the beach, and finish the day with a comfortable evening stroll down Ocean Avenue.
It's one of those sweet spots where the summer crowds begin to thin out, but the weather is still absolutely beautiful.
Monterey is a fantastic destination, and we're lucky to have it right next door. You'll find world-class attractions, a beautiful waterfront, and plenty to explore.
But if you're looking for the classic coastal village experience—the kind people picture when they imagine a charming California getaway—Carmel-by-the-Sea is hard to beat.
Everything is walkable. There are no chain restaurants or big-box stores in the village. Instead, you'll find cozy inns, locally owned boutiques, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, hidden courtyards, and one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the West Coast—all within a few blocks.
Many visitors spend their days exploring Monterey, then wish they had booked their stay in Carmel. Why not make Carmel your home base and enjoy the best of both worlds?
No matter when you visit, we're excited to welcome you.
If you're looking for the Carmel that feels a little quieter, a little slower, and a little more like the postcards, consider planning your trip for the week after Car Week.
You'll still enjoy amazing weather, incredible restaurants, beautiful beaches, and everything that makes Carmel special—just with a little more room to breathe.
We can't wait to see you.
