Salt spray, Monterey cypress, and the low, literary fog: wandering Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a watercolor of white-sand beaches, storybook cottages and blue-gray surf. Ocean Avenue hums with galleries, bakeries and tiny shops where every shelf seems curated to match that dreamy seaside light.

If you’re hunting for souvenirs from Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll find items that smell of sea salt, taste of nearby vineyards, and look like they were made to sit on a windowsill that faces Point Lobos. Here’s what to bring home to capture the town’s coastal charm.

1. Carmel Valley Pinot Noir

Why pick this up: Carmel Valley and the nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea wineries are known for cool-climate Pinots and elegant Chardonnays that echo the foggy coast. A bottle is an instant memory of vineyard views and tasting-room conversations.
What to look for: Estate-bottled Pinot Noir from labels in Carmel Valley or the Santa Lucia Highlands, single-vineyard notes, and vintages under screwcap for easier travel.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$60 per bottle.
Where to find it: Tasting rooms along Carmel Valley Road, wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and wine shops on Ocean Avenue and in nearby Monterey.

2. Hand-Blown Glass from Local Studios

Why pick this up: The glint of blown glass echoes the shimmer of Monterey Bay—paperweights, vases and tiny seascape ornaments make portable pieces of coastal light.
What to look for: Pieces signed by the artist, borosilicate or soda-lime glass for durability, and colors inspired by kelp greens and tidepool blues.
Price bracket (2025): $40–$300 depending on size and artist.
Where to find it: Coastal galleries, Carmel Plaza boutiques, and glass studios in Monterey and Pacific Grove.

3. Sea Glass Jewelry

Why pick this up: Tumbled and polished by the Pacific, sea glass pendants and rings are wearable souvenirs that feel like found treasures from Carmel Beach or the rocks at Garrapata.
What to look for: Certified sea glass (not manufactured), sterling-silver settings, and pieces made by local jewelers—often mounted with small engravings or beach coordinates.
Price bracket (2025): $30–$150.
Where to find it: Ocean Avenue jewelry shops, gallery co-ops, and pop-up stalls near the beach.

4. Small-Batch Olive Oil from Monterey County

Why pick this up: The rolling groves in the Carmel Valley and Salinas area produce fruity, grassy olive oils that taste of coastal sunshine—perfect for drizzling over local salads or sourdough.
What to look for: Extra-virgin, cold-pressed oils, single-varietal bottles (Arbequina or Mission), and harvest-date labeling.
Price bracket (2025): $15–$40 for 250–500 ml.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets in Carmel and Monterey, specialty food shops on Ocean Avenue, and nearby olive oil farms offering tastings.

5. Coastal Art Prints & Watercolors

Why pick this up: Carmel’s artist colony vibe means you can bring home scenes of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach sunsets, or the iconic Lone Cypress rendered in watercolors or limited-run prints.
What to look for: Signed limited editions, archival paper, and local artists’ postcards or small prints that are easy to pack.
Price bracket (2025): $30–$250.
Where to find it: The many galleries on Dolores Street and Ocean Avenue, weekly art walks, and the Carmel Art Association.

6. Artisanal Pacific Sea Salt

Why pick this up: Sea salt harvested from Monterey Bay captures minerality and a touch of marine brine—great for gifting to foodie friends or finishing fresh-caught fish at home.
What to look for: Hand-harvested, small-batch varieties (smoked, rosemary-infused, or kelp-blended) with clear origins listed.
Price bracket (2025): $6–$20 per jar.
Where to find it: Specialty food stores, farmers’ markets, and gourmet shops on Ocean Avenue.

7. Pickled Artichokes and Local Preserves

Why pick this up: The Salinas Valley and Castroville (the artichoke capital) produce excellent preserved artichokes, tapenades, and preserves that speak to Monterey County’s agricultural heritage.
What to look for: Glass jars with short ingredient lists, locally labeled producers, and sealed packs for airline travel.
Price bracket (2025): $5–$15 per jar.
Where to find it: Delis and specialty grocers in Carmel, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands in Castroville and Salinas.

8. Small-Batch Chocolates and Confections

Why pick this up: Walkable and indulgent, Carmel’s chocolatiers craft sea-salt caramels, kelp-infused chocolate, and single-origin bonbons that pair perfectly with local wine.
What to look for: Handcrafted assortments from local shops, sea-salt or wine-infused varieties, and resealable boxes for travel.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$40.
Where to find it: Chocolateries on Ocean Avenue, boutique candy makers in Carmel Plaza, and confection shops in Monterey.

9. Wheel-Thrown Pottery and Ceramics

Why pick this up: Local potters often draw color and form from the coastline—mugs, bowls and serving pieces feel like everyday reminders of the town’s tactile, handmade culture.
What to look for: Lead-free glazes, artist signature, microwave/dishwasher safety if you want practical pieces, and glazes that echo ocean blues and sandy taupes.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$200.
Where to find it: Pottery studios in Carmel and Monterey, artisan fairs, and the Carmel Art Association shop.

10. Lavender Products from Carmel Valley Farms

Why pick this up: The rolling hills of Carmel Valley produce fragrant lavender used in sachets, soaps, lotions and culinary syrups—soft, floral notes that transport you back to sunny afternoons.
What to look for: Dried lavender bundles, essential oils with percentage purity listed, and locally made soaps or sachets.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$45.
Where to find it: Farm stands in Carmel Valley, boutiques in town, and the Carmel farmers’ market.

Tip: Ask shopkeepers about packing and custom gift-wrapping—many will box wine or wrap delicate glass for the flight. Happy hunting for souvenirs from Carmel-by-the-Sea 🌊

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!