Self-Guided Walking Tour
*Written as a tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California for Drives and Detours
Secret Passageways
"Secret" passageways are one of Carmel's many claims to fame. With over 40 passageways and courtyards, we thought we'd suggest a few. As for the others, we challenge you to find and explore them yourself! But if the explorer life isn't for you, a quick Google search will reveal these 'hidden' locations. Pine Inn was renovated in 1941, leading to the creation of the courtyard. It can be accessed via two passageways, one of which you just entered through, and another that can be found near Pine Inn's Ocean Street entrance. In the courtyard, you'll find an antique store, garden-themed dining room, coffee shop, wine room, and much more. We don't want to reveal everything - the fun is in exploring!
Cottage of Sweets
Coming up on your left is the Cottage of Sweets with its red and white striped awning. In 1922, the Cottage of Sweets was constructed on Dolores Street as a weaving shop. In 1923, the building rolled on logs to its new and current location on Ocean Avenue. Edward Kuster facilitated this relocation, hoping to incorporate the Cottage into his Court of the Golden Bough Theater as a ticket booth. 12 years later, in 1935, Kuster's theater caught fire and burned down during a play ironically entitled By Candlelight. Fortunately, Kuster reconstructed his theater. However, in 1949, it burned down again during another performance of By Candlelight. A third iteration of the Golden Bough was built and remains to this day. Maybe this is because they finally stopped performing By Candlelight! In 1959, the Cottage of Sweets opened as the British-style sweets shop we see today. With homemade fudge and various treats, the Cottage accumulated a few accolades. It is repeatedly named the Best Candy Shop in Carmel by locals, and has even made USA Today's List of Top 10 Candy Stores in America! If your sweet tooth permits it, head inside and see if the Cottage of Sweets lives up to its reputation.
Cypress Inn
Coming up on your left, the white building is the Cypress Inn. In 1929, the Cypress Inn's structure was erected due to the collaboration of Dr. Rudolph Kocher and master builder Hugh Comstock. Originally, it was named the Hotel La Ribera. In the 1960s, father and son duo Earl and Frank McInnis took over as owners, renaming the hotel Cypress West. 20 years later, in the 1980s, well-known actress and singer Doris Day took over as co-owner alongside Carmel local Dennis LeVett. The pair introduced Carmel to the Cypress Inn we know today. As an animal lover, Doris made sure that her hotel was dog-friendly. This sentiment persevered, and the Cypress Inn stands strong as Carmel's pet-friendly hotel. Of course, people loved this unique detail, and news of the hotel soon spread nationally. On top of its love of animals, the Cypress Inn offers quality lodging and meals for visitors and their furry friends!
The Tuck Box
Pause here and turn to your right. Built in 1926 by Hugh W. Comstock, the Tuck Box is a Storybook, or Fairytale, Craftsman cottage. With a steep shingled roof, exposed wood framing, and textured stucco, the Tuck Box exemplifies Carmel's Storybook architectural style. Originally, Bonnie Lee used the building as an art shop. One year later, in 1927, the Director of Stanford Museum and Art Galleries Pedro J. Lemos purchased the building and surrounding areas. Lemos wanted to emulate medieval European shops, an idea he likely pulled from the Tuck Box. Today, we see Lemos' vision in downtown Carmel. Now, the Tuck Box houses a classic American-style restaurant.
Carmel Bakery
Just ahead, on your left, look for the Carmel Bakery. Founded in 1899, Carmel Bakery and Coffee is the oldest bakery in California still in its original location. On top of that, it is Carmel's oldest retail business. Fitz Schweiger, the bakery's original owner, lived above his shop for decades. In 1986, the Pèpe family purchased Carmel Bakery from Hector DeSmet and has owned it ever since. Customers rave about the bakery's pretzels, breakfast burritos, cannolis, ice cream, and coffee. Feel free to stop in and try one of their many treats!
