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Carmel Plaza

Ocean Ave and Mission St · Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Why you should go…

Carmel Plaza is a roughly 112,000-square-foot open-air shopping center in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, occupying the block bounded by Ocean, Junipero, Mission and 7th streets. Three levels of shops surround an open-air courtyard and include national and boutique retailers, along with restaurants and wine tasting rooms. The center opened in 1960 and offers underground parking.

  • #shopping
  • #boutique
  • #dining
  • #wine tasting

Good to know

General shopping guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Vendor hours are their own thing

    Market stalls and independent sellers keep shorter hours than the building around them, and quiet days end early.

  • Bring a tote and a little cash

    Smaller sellers do not all take cards, and bags are rarely free.

  • Weekdays browse, weekends buzz

    Pick the weekday for a proper look at the shelves and the weekend for the atmosphere.

  • Ask about shipping

    If something will not survive the suitcase, plenty of sellers will send it home for you.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Carmel Plaza, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Free

    Official visitor resource for the coastal art town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Bruno's Market & Deli

    Under $25

    Specialty grocery and deli in Carmel-by-the-Sea with fresh produce, meats, wine and a deli counter.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Links Club

    $25–$50

    Indoor golf simulator lounge in Carmel-by-the-Sea with TrackMan bays, a full bar and live music.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    History Buff

    Carmel Mission Basilica

    Under $25

    Historic 1797 Spanish mission church founded by Junipero Serra, now a minor basilica with a museum and gardens.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    The Crossroads Carmel

    Free

    An open-air shopping center at the gateway to Big Sur, mixing everyday retailers with Carmel-area boutiques and dining.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Del Monte Center

    Free

    The largest open-air shopping center on the Monterey Peninsula, with retail, dining and a movie theater.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this