“Pilgrim’s Way is one of those spots you kind of stumble into and immediately feel glad you did. The bookstore itself is cozy and thoughtful, but the real magic is out back in the Secret Garden. Succulents, garden treasures, peaceful little corners—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. It’s part bookshop, part escape, and 100% worth a visit if you’re wandering around Carmel.”
“This shop is so cute and has so many fun books, stones, incense, jewelry, wall and home decor and gift items. The shop owner has the best energy and is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this little shop of goodies!!”
“Friends' Community Bookstore had me completely enchanted! It's a beautiful place where the love of literature comes alive and a paradise for bookworms. I had a great time navigating the aisles and finding hidden gems that I might not have seen otherwise. I was impressed with the bookstore's wide collection, and the presence of first editions and uncommon discoveries raised the ante even further. This bookstore is a gold mine just waiting to be discovered, regardless of your reading preference.”
“This charming souvenir shop is located inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They offer a great selection of stuffed animals. I picked up a hammerhead shark for my son, who absolutely loves them. I had my eye on a jellyfish plush too, but decided to save that for our next visit. If you’re a member, you get a nice discount, which is a great bonus! Beyond stuffed animals, the shop also carries a great variety of books, home decor, jewelry, clothing, and lots of other unique finds. I love supporting this shop, especially knowing it helps fund the incredible mission of the aquarium.”
“Monterey Peninsula College Library is a gem within the campus, offering a beautiful and enriching environment for students. If you're looking for a place to study, conduct research, or simply immerse yourself in a world of knowledge, this library is a must-visit. I left with a positive impression and a newfound appreciation for the resources and support available to students at Monterey Peninsula College.”
“Quaint little shop of used books. All sorts of genres, sorted alphabetically by genre. Definitely somewhere to go if you're open to find a new book to read rather than searching for a specific author.”
“Great used bookshop with wonderful staff and fantastic curation of fine books in all fields. Good trading policy for store credit. Very fair pricing. Town's best !”
“River House Books is a gem of a local bookstore, nicely organized which is ideal for browsing, natural light throughout and a delightful staff. I always make a point of stopping in when I’m in Carmel. During my recent visit I bought a few books and a lovely card drawn by a local artist. One of the team members, Bobbie, offered to custom gift wrap my books, and did a beautiful job. I told Bobbie I loved Independent Bookstores and she recommended James Patterson’s book - The Secret Lives of Booksellers, which I purcahsed and have been enjoying. Thank you Bobbie and Thank you River House Books!”
“It's like most college bookstores. If you need a required book right away, they generally have it but you can almost always find your materials for less online at the cost of waiting a few days for delivery.”
“Loved the vibe! Friendly cafe staff with good indoor/outdoor seating. The bookstore in the back is cute and has a great selection. They have some PG specific books/magnets/stickers as well.”