Thank you for all your suggestions on our trip from Carmel to L.A. We are traveling during the holidays. So we can be in Carmel, Paso Robles Cambria but since the govt has closed down we were wondering can we get to the parks to view or hike on Christmas Day? What do we do on that day? Even some restaurants will be closed sooooo suggestions please!!!!
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1108 posts
For Carmel, there are many restaurants open on Christmas Day. The 17–mile drive is also typically open. Many of the parks maybe closed (this is more of a seasonal/weather thing), however, you can walk by the ocean on a nice path from Monterey to Asilomar see route on All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/monterey-peninsula-recreational-trail-and-asilomar-ave-loop), it is a nice 4.1 mile loop with amazing views. Bring your binoculars to spot whales/otters. Most of the State Parks will be open, you just need to check the sites.
For Cambria: Fiscalini Ranch Preserve has amazing trails: https://www.fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/ and it is open Christmas Day. Cambria Pines Lodge has a Christmas Day Dinner and in the past Madelines (amazing food) has been open on Christmas Day, not sure for 2025.