Besides shopping and exploring the village of Carmel, one of the things we enjoyed most about our Carmel trip was kayaking around Monterey Bay. Less than 5 miles from Carmel and home of the largest marine sanctuary in the country, Monterey Bay is teeming with sea birds, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.  Head over to Cannery Row and rent kayaks from Adventures by the Sea.  Even if you’re new to kayaking, the bay is normally calm and easy to navigate.  Once you’re in your kayak, paddle over to the kelp forest and look but don’t touch the otters often found rolling around in the kelp. 

Not into kayaking?  Another way to take in the local marine life is to visit the Monterey Aquarium, also on Cannery Row.  You’ll see over 5,000 types of marine life in a spectacular array of colors.  To avoid the crowds, visit the aquarium between 2pm and 6pm.
 
For some scenic hiking, head south 3 miles of Carmel to Point Lobos State Reserve.  Take the Cypress Grove Trail and stroll through a rare cypress grove – one of only two natural Monterey Cypress groves left in the world (the other’s at Pebble Beach). Further along the trail you might encounter sea lions lounging on the rocks next to the ocean.  The Bird Island Trail passes by a scenic cove, wildflower displays and during the spring and summer, the nesting ground for hundreds of Brandt’s cormorants.