Tourist take Ocean Ave straight down the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the beach, jostling elbows and dodging traffic, locals enjoy a hidden walk to the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea in tranquil seclusion. Carmel-by-the-Seas many hidden charms include their beautiful trails throughout the city ultimately ending at the beach. Instead of following the tourist path straight down to the beach, often crowded and traffic heavy, you can take a hidden trail and enjoy the real beauty the locals enjoy every day.

Hidden isn’t an understatement, this particular walk to the beach is not viewable from the road or marked by any signs, but the locals know where to find it. Originating in Forest Hills Park, winding its way to Carmel Beach, it is easy to wander off the path if you are not familiar with the trail. With some guidance from my friends at the Hofsas House Hotel, I was able to enjoy a quiet, relaxing, downhill stroll to the famed beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea during my last stay there.

Hidden Walk to the Beach

Starting from the back corner of the Hofsas House Hotel (right side as you face the hotel,) located just three blocks from Ocean Ave on San Carlos St, you will find a stairway winding down the hillside beckoning for exploration. The start of this walk can be a bit deceiving, upon the first look you might think you will be entering someone’s backyard and you would be close to being correct.

Trek down the stairs behind a charming house with its gorgeous gardens and continue along the path to 3rd Ave.

Walk towards Dolores St, go left and then make a right on Fourth Ave.

At the signpost make a right.

Follow the pathway down to the Lincoln Street Trestle.

Walk across to enjoy “Gill’s Foot Path Park.”

Alternate route: Continue on 3rd Ave till reaching Lincoln St. then make a left to go through “Gill’s Foot Path Park” to end up at the Lincoln Street Trestle.

With your back to “Gill’s Foot Path Park” and the Lincoln Street Trestle, continue to walk down Fourth Ave by staying on the dirt footpath.

Take time to enjoy all of the quirks and cottages during your hidden walk to the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

There are several locations to stop, sit, rest and enjoy the beauty of the Fourth Avenue Riparian Habitat Restoration Project.

After a leisurely walk of four or five blocks, you will come to the entrance of Carmel Beach at the intersection of Fourth Ave and San Antonio Ave.

Follow the Coastal Access sign to the right side of the house.

It’s a beautiful stroll on a sandy walkway.

Continue on the path until you reach the wood boardwalk that crosses the North Del Mar Dunes, then follow the wooden path to enjoy the coastal views.

At the end of the boardwalk take 64 steps down to the beach.

If you make a right at the end of the steps, you will appreciate the short walk along the beach ending at the ninth hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Walks in Carmel-by-the-Sea

There are many ways to get back to where you started including reversing your path. All will be uphill so plan accordingly.

I have more hikes/walks planned for my next trip:

• Jane Powell Walkway
• Redondo Real Trail
• Scenic Bluff Pathway

There are more walks to add to this list but this should keep me busy exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea when I return.

What hidden walks to the beach do you enjoy?

Things to enjoy in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Whimsical Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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