What is in season in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and what to order when the market changes.

Next up in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week

4-12 Jun 2027Village-wide restaurant menus and wine events

Hotels for these dates

Spring

Castroville artichokes
Spring is peak harvest in the artichoke fields half an hour north; village kitchens grill and fry them, and the farmers market sells them whole.
Tasting-room shoulder season
Pre-summer weekends are the calm window for the village tasting rooms, before the summer crowds arrive; most rooms pour from noon.

Summer

Fog-season mornings
June and July mornings run grey and cool; bakery counters and coffee bars open from 06:30 and the fog usually burns off by lunch.
Culinary Week
Early June stacks the village calendar: more than 30 restaurants run Culinary Week menus across nine days, with ticketed parties threaded through.
Festivals this seasonCarmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week4-12 Jun 2027

Autumn

Harvest and crush
September and October bring crush in Carmel Valley; tasting rooms pour new releases and the light over Carmel Beach turns gold for picnics.
Taste of Carmel
In early October more than 60 restaurants, wineries and craft beverage makers fill the Carmel Mission courtyard for the Chamber's one-night flagship.
Festivals this seasonTaste of CarmelExpected 7 Oct 2027Meet the Makers Art and Wine WalkExpected 9 Oct 2027

Winter

Dungeness crab season
The commercial season opening brings Dungeness crab onto Monterey Peninsula menus; seafood houses serve it whole while the boats deliver.
Storm-watching dinners
Quiet-season rates and easy reservations make winter the time for fireplace dining rooms; only the holiday weeks book like summer.

Book food experiences in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea: Classic Food Tour★ 5.0 (2)

3 hours

Carmel-by-the-Sea: Classic Food Tour

Taste local specialties with a knowledgeable local guide in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Explore charming streets, hear local stories, and enjoy five tastings with adult beverag...

from$139 Check dates
Old Monterey Walking Food Tour★ 5.0 (235)

Viator · 3.5 h

Old Monterey Walking Food Tour

Discover Monterey Through Its Flavors Experience Old Monterey like never before on this leisurely, guided food tour that highlights the best local flavors and hidden ...

fromUSD 175 Check dates

See all 130 food experiences in Carmel-by-the-Sea