Carmel Plaza
Carmel Plaza
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Carmel Plaza is nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, it is home to one-of-a-kind fashion finds and specialty national brands, distinctive restaurants, gourmet shops, wine tasting room and more-in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Pet friendly. Events are scheduled throughout the year, such as fashions show, cooking demonstrations, concerts and pop up markets.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
109 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
43
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
4
DanielL57
Montevideo, Uruguay165 contributions
Mar 2018
A very pretty mall in the wonderfull location, Carmel by the sea. If visiting Carmel by the Seas, Carmel Plaza is a must
Written April 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter L
Toronto, Canada70 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Didn't expect to find great shopping in a smaller seaside town. This plaza has some higher end shops including Anthropologie, Cole Haan, J Crew, Kate Spade, and Tiffany & Co. They validate parking or you can park for free on the streets around the plaza (2 hour time limit), although harder to find during busy hours. We just moved our car to another spot when the two hour time limit was up.
If you're looking for a budget meal after spending alot of money shopping, consider Bruno's Deli just across from the park adjacent to the shopping plaza.
If you're looking for a budget meal after spending alot of money shopping, consider Bruno's Deli just across from the park adjacent to the shopping plaza.
Written April 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting! Yes, we are pet friendly here :) We hope to see you again!
Written June 9, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ojimon
SF Bay Area19 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
I've been coming to Carmel for 25 years. The shopping in this beautiful town has been hard hit by the economic downturn. Lots of the really special, one-of-a-kind shops Carmel used to boast have closed. Arts and crafts have been particularly hard hit .... glass, artisan jewelry, ceramics, etc. I really miss "Concepts" on Ocean. "Ladyfingers" on Dolores is still worth a look, though out of most people's price range. But the Plaza, much like Doud Craft Studios, has become quite dull. We only visit it now for the public restrooms on the third floor.
The Plaza used to have interesting, trendy restaurants. I remember a kite shop, and a wonderful "light" gallery with amazing glass-and-light sculptures. There used to be a bookstore downstairs, and a mix of eclectic tourist shops side by side with the standard "anchor"-type clothing stores. The place was a really enjoyable mix of the unique and the ubiquitous. Even if you couldn't afford something, you could always count on there being interesting things to see. Now it's just three floors of either empty storefronts or the same old chain stores I can find at any mall anywhere in northern CA. Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Yes, these are purportedly "high-end" shops, but that mostly means you're paying a ridiculous markup for clothes that are made in China for very little.
Across the street, "Doud Craft Studios" has also become quite boring. Gone are the whimsical ceramic shops, the wonderful wood-and-glass gallery, the Christmas store, and an amazing kitchen-esque shop that was a great source of whimsical and functional gifts.
I know that part of this is the dragging economy of the last 10 years. But part of it, too, seems likely to be decisions on the part of commercial landlords to set rents at a level that dictates a bland, grey, one-note retail experience in a town that used to have so very much more to offer.
Still, Carmel itself is well worth the trip. Still some wonderful restaurants, and the beach is glorious. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that sometime in the next 10 years, the economy ... and the artists' shops .... will return to what used to be a mecca for good craft.
The Plaza used to have interesting, trendy restaurants. I remember a kite shop, and a wonderful "light" gallery with amazing glass-and-light sculptures. There used to be a bookstore downstairs, and a mix of eclectic tourist shops side by side with the standard "anchor"-type clothing stores. The place was a really enjoyable mix of the unique and the ubiquitous. Even if you couldn't afford something, you could always count on there being interesting things to see. Now it's just three floors of either empty storefronts or the same old chain stores I can find at any mall anywhere in northern CA. Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Yes, these are purportedly "high-end" shops, but that mostly means you're paying a ridiculous markup for clothes that are made in China for very little.
Across the street, "Doud Craft Studios" has also become quite boring. Gone are the whimsical ceramic shops, the wonderful wood-and-glass gallery, the Christmas store, and an amazing kitchen-esque shop that was a great source of whimsical and functional gifts.
I know that part of this is the dragging economy of the last 10 years. But part of it, too, seems likely to be decisions on the part of commercial landlords to set rents at a level that dictates a bland, grey, one-note retail experience in a town that used to have so very much more to offer.
Still, Carmel itself is well worth the trip. Still some wonderful restaurants, and the beach is glorious. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that sometime in the next 10 years, the economy ... and the artists' shops .... will return to what used to be a mecca for good craft.
Written November 1, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit to the Carmel Plaza. We have new retailers, galleries and restaurants - something for everyone! We do hope you will visit us again next time you're in Carmel.
Written June 9, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
syrahgirl
Seaside, OR58,175 contributions
We have been to the Carmel Plaza many times to shop, take in the beauty of the square and sample some of Carmel's finest food. Shops such as Coldwater Creek, the Sock Shop, Sun Studio Jewelry are all very, very nice. There is also the famous Carmel Cheese shop where you can sample cheese from all over the world.
The Plaza has recently been remodeled and is now better than ever. Flying Fish Grill is located at the plaza and Bouchee is right across the street. This is one of Carmel's finest shopping venues.
The Plaza has recently been remodeled and is now better than ever. Flying Fish Grill is located at the plaza and Bouchee is right across the street. This is one of Carmel's finest shopping venues.
Written August 19, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review!
Written June 9, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
clare112012
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia44 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
This is the last stop of the tour we took. A nice and calming and elegant town . The plaza itself have quite a few shop and the rest are at the side of the road . But because it was raining cat and dog when we arrived so we only walk ard the plaza area. Lay back and slow if that is what u r looking for to relax.
Written December 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeGeKH
Espoo, Finland130 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
We had some great cheese at the Cheese Shop and a very nice wine tasting at Wrath (so good Pinot Noir). The Plaza is a nice place to wonder around, or just take a break before moving on the the other shops in the area.
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
narelle524
Townsville, Australia22 contributions
Sept 2011
On our drive from San Francisco to LA, we had decided to stay overnight in Cambria, stopping along the coastal towns. We were so delighted with Carmel, we wished we had booked our night there. It is such a lovely little town with lots of character.
Written November 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting! We hope you stay in Carmel and visit us again on your next trip :)
Written June 9, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DayTripper084
Fort Myers, FL201 contributions
Sept 2011 • Solo
This is one of the best tours in the area. We left SF at 9:00am, driving down US 1. The fog joined us on the trip in the beginning, but made its departure after Davenport, our first stop.
The scenery was breathtaking along the coast. The sea and jutting cliffs were beautiful. I thought that the fog added a mystique to this beautiful area.
Our next stop was Monterey. We were on our own for two hours. I went to a great restaurant and had salmon covered with dungeness crab. This seafood covered a melange of tasty vegetables.
After dinner, I walked to the adjacent town, Pacific Grove. Here, you can observe the sea lions on the beach. It's really neat. When the two hours were up, we then headed to the 17 Mile Drive.
Spectacular is the word. Each mansion is more beautiful than the next and the their design blends in with the landscape. This drive is famous for the Lone Cypress and the
Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Continuing north on this breathtaking drive, we then entered the charming town of Carmel. It has a beautiful beach and a main street with upscale shops and restaurants. We were on our own for one hour.
This beauty was too grand to absorb in such a short time. I would suggest that Carmel be given the same amount of time that is allotted to Monterey. The scenery is very beautiful and I would recommend this trip to anyone.
The scenery was breathtaking along the coast. The sea and jutting cliffs were beautiful. I thought that the fog added a mystique to this beautiful area.
Our next stop was Monterey. We were on our own for two hours. I went to a great restaurant and had salmon covered with dungeness crab. This seafood covered a melange of tasty vegetables.
After dinner, I walked to the adjacent town, Pacific Grove. Here, you can observe the sea lions on the beach. It's really neat. When the two hours were up, we then headed to the 17 Mile Drive.
Spectacular is the word. Each mansion is more beautiful than the next and the their design blends in with the landscape. This drive is famous for the Lone Cypress and the
Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Continuing north on this breathtaking drive, we then entered the charming town of Carmel. It has a beautiful beach and a main street with upscale shops and restaurants. We were on our own for one hour.
This beauty was too grand to absorb in such a short time. I would suggest that Carmel be given the same amount of time that is allotted to Monterey. The scenery is very beautiful and I would recommend this trip to anyone.
Written October 7, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelswithkidsNY
New York City, NY84 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
We were just passing through and my husband did pick up a sweatshirt at Vineyard Vines, but we really just went to get some driving info from the tourism office.
The lovely lady who was working (wearing the very cool custom made puzzle piece glasses:-) was great. She gave us maps and warned us about dangerous roads and truly seemed happy to be giving us information she's probably given a million times... so much so that I purposely came onto Trip Advisor to look for the office to compliment.
As an aside, the Carmel plaza is lovely.
The lovely lady who was working (wearing the very cool custom made puzzle piece glasses:-) was great. She gave us maps and warned us about dangerous roads and truly seemed happy to be giving us information she's probably given a million times... so much so that I purposely came onto Trip Advisor to look for the office to compliment.
As an aside, the Carmel plaza is lovely.
Written March 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYU62
Tucson, AZ18,431 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We remember when they built this plaza, and the I. Magnin store was the anchor store. It was fancy then, and fancy now. However, all the shop keepers are very nice, and you feel no pressure to either buy something, or to sneak out the door. Tiffany is here, along with about 40 other upscale boutiques, galleries, and shops, all in a sunny courtyard setting. There is a wine tasting place, next to the Cheese Shop, and both were full of people today (5/2). As it was still a time for late lunchers, all the outside tables at Bistro Beaujolais were full on this most beautiful day. Many of these tables had well behaved dogs sitting next to them.
The plaza has three levels. There are stairs, but there is also an elevator. We walked, however we did see a garage entrance. Street parking in that area is very limited.
The plaza has three levels. There are stairs, but there is also an elevator. We walked, however we did see a garage entrance. Street parking in that area is very limited.
Written May 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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