Published September 3, 2026
By JOHANNA MELTON
Tucked away and scattered across the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea hide a multitude of walkable passageways, each with their own unique history and charm. Along Ocean Avenue in between the streets that make downtown Carmel, keep an eye peeled for these fairytale thoroughfares and meandering alleyways.
A local favorite, The Secret Garden passageway leads to the tranquil Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore and Garden. photo by JOHANNA MELTON
The Secret Garden Passageway
Starting at Serena Court on San Carlos Street, The Secret Garden can be found down the stairs and through the iron gate past standing surfboards and smells of coconut wax from the Carmel Surf Shop. The subtle sound of windchimes invites explorers into a greenhouse filled with potted plants, gifts and decor. Twisted trunks and ivy climb above and a mossy stone waterfall encourages a zen-like feeling as the path continues down a brightly painted, bamboo-lined corridor towards Dolores Street. For almost 60 years, this serene sanctuary has remained a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Pantiles passageway leads to the Hog’s Breath Inn, a Wild West themed restaurant originally owned by Clint Eastwood. photo by JOHANNA MELTON
Pantiles Passageway
From Dolores, past the outdoor seating of Toro Sushi, is a brick courtyard looking at the flowerboxed balcony of The Artist’s Way, a small apartment inspired by old English architecture. Though the path may look like a dead end, don’t turn around yet. A set of stairs conceals the local shortcut to the Hog’s Breath Inn, originally founded in 1970 by Clint Eastwood. This rustic saloon is a perfect pet friendly lunch option filled with hanging lanterns, wild west decor and a grand oak tree branching overhead.
Der Ling Lane, named after the 20th century Chinese princess, is one of the oldest public alleys in Downtown Carmel. photo by JOHANNA MELTON
Der Ling Lane
Hardly noticeable among the many shops along Ocean, Der Ling Lane is one of the oldest public alleys in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The lane was originally home to a gift shop named after the Chinese princess Der Ling. Nestled in the same block that houses Carmel Bakery, a sign for the lane rests above the arched entrance. Stepping off the bustling main street, a stone pathway and a shaded garden courtyard dotted with greenery and fairy lights beckons a curious shopper to enter. The path proceeds through a second arch to its outlet at Piccadilly Park on Dolores.
Pine Inn Passageway
Seemingly inside the historic Pine Inn on Ocean, the open air Pine Inn Passageway features a red-brick walkway through gardens and boutiques to Lincoln Street across from Harrison Library. Take shelter from the wind and enjoy a quiet stroll through the courtyard of Carmel’s oldest operating hotel, originally opened in 1889 as the Hotel Takamine. A quick break from the chaos of day-to-day Downtown Carmel, this passageway is scattered with hidden nooks and crannies, and ready to be found by those looking for a small detour.
La Tiendas and Passageway
Waiting at Ocean between San Carlos and Dolores, through a large white Spanish-style arch, is a narrow terracotta path surrounded by outdoor seating. Las Tiendas Building and Passageway were built in 1929 with much of the original tile left. Browsers are welcome to continue beyond the red-and-white-striped awnings at the Robin Winfield Gallery of contemporary art. Heading down the steps, the path turns as it narrows to a clever bypass to Dolores, unless a burger at Mulligan Public House makes it a hard stop.
