Pilgrims Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden

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.

Nice, little bookstore with a beautiful side garden. They had a lot of trending books as well as a little children’s book section. I liked the merchandise and displays make sure to walk through their “Secret Garden.”

Visited Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden during my birthday trip in December and absolutely loved the peace and tranquility of this hidden gem. The bookstore has a unique selection of inspiring books, and the Secret Garden is pure magic—lush, serene, and the perfect spot to pause and reflect. A must-visit in Carmel-by-the-Sea for book lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape!

Absolutely love this place because of its plants and gardens! Maybe I’m biased but I think this is a perfect peaceful setting for a bookstore. Walking down that narrow alley with beautiful decors along the walls is just a mesmerizing experience. This also fits perfectly with Carmel’s overall chill vibes. If you are a plants lover, definitely check it out! The bookstore itself has a big collection of booklets of self reflection/self care/spiritual. They also have some jewelry as well.

This is a very nice quaint bookstore in a very unique location. I liked the bookstore but the either wasn’t friendly and didn’t greet anyone who entered store. She just sat there as if she didn’t want to be at work. I spoke to her and had to twice before she spoke. This was Tuesday, July 12th at 12pm. This is what truly turned me off with store; the employees behavior. They have done very nice books and I especially like the children’s selections. They also have mood beads etc. This would be a wonderful store to visit and make purchase IF they had friendly faces to greet you. I refuse to spend my money where I’m not welcome!

A charming local spot with all the newest, most popular titles. Don’t miss the darling garden store in the back. Plenty of cute gift ideas.

SUCH A GEM OF A PLACE!!!! Highly recommend stopping by. Such a great selection of books.

Eclectic independent bookstore / new age store + a wonderful green space garden at the back. Local authors and a wide selection of children's books mix in with new age literature and other interesting products. At the back entrance is a small biodome with an extensive new age selection. A wonderful oasis of calm and nature within the village of Carmel

Absolutely love this place because of its plants and gardens! Maybe I'm biased but I think this is a perfect peaceful setting for a bookstore. Walking down that narrow alley with beautiful decors along the walls is just a mesmerizing experience. This also fits perfectly with Carmel's overall chill vibes. If you are a plants lover, definitely check it out! The bookstore itself has a big collection of booklets of self reflection/self care/spiritual. They also have some jewelry as well.

The most lovely little shop. A sweet browse will take you to an enchanting garden beyond the inside of the space....always so well displayed with wonderful plants, hangings, and items you will want to take home! I love this shop.

This place is so tucked away and quaint. Although it has some fiction and other books, it's really more of a new age store. Lots of books for witchcraft, occult, Wicca, divination, crystals, tarot cards, etc. In addition to that, the floor to ceiling "spirituality" section was full of everything but Christianity which I found confusing (the worker did point out they had a small copy of Jesus Calling) If that's your thing, great, but it wasn't what I was looking for in a book store. Ps: the review is auto selecting "selection" as great and will not allow me to change it.

There are art galleries everywhere as you explore Carmel, but there is only one Secret Garden. Remember to check open hours (10:30 am- 5:00 pm.) On a previous visit we assumed they opened later like the rest of downtown. There's no way we were going to make the same mistake. We rushed on over after dinner and made it just in time! The aged gate with the fairy-like wooden "Secret Garden" sign speaks to your curiosity. Walking through is calming as the wind gently blows the chimes. The fall of water from the fountains imitates a river. Greenery of plants at every step. Secret garden is not just for looking! There are unique items for purchase. Prices vary depending what catches your eye! I saw in sight a lunar dream catcher and even Buddhist figurines in colors of pink and blue. Attached is the homelike Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore that is independently owned. To support this local business you can purchase books online and have it delivered or picked up in store. I foresee coming back in the future. Next time we will get there early to spend more time looking for the perfect book to take home!

This bookstore brought me so much joy! I enjoyed getting lost in their book selections. The secret garden was a sweet surprise. It felt peaceful. It is perfect to sit and read the book you just bought there!

Make My Way Psst... Wanna know a secret? Did you know that Carmel-by-the-Sea's downtown area is littered with secret alleyways and courtyards? Yep, it's true. In fact, there are 41 of these courtyards and passageways throughout the area. However, unlike most big city back alleys, they aren't a breeding ground for muggers but interesting areas that are lined with boutiques and small businesses for one to explore. Probably the most famous alleyway of the 41 is the one that houses the "Secret Garden" that's part of Carmel-by-the-Sea's last bookstore, Pilgrim's Way. The Alley is lined with lots of statues, water fountains, and all manner of artsy garden and home décor. The prices are slightly on the ostentatious side--in case you forgot you were in swanky Carmel-by-the-Sea--but they're still interesting enough to peruse and ogle at. It's definitely one of the more unique places we've visited in recent memory and def worth a stop if you're visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea and/or you like interesting things.

Cute book store! Very cozy and relaxing. Great selection of romance & fantasy. Children's section is awesome too! The garden is dreamy.

If you are ever looking for a special gift, be sure to check them out. A must see location when friends and family visit!

Such a cute bookstore + garden! This is the only bookstore in downtown Carmel and I highly recommend dropping by. It was extremely crowded when I went but I enjoyed looking through the shelves and picking out a new book. They have different sections for new releases, classics, teen novels, self-help, etc. The garden is lovely and I loved the small fountains and aisle of bamboo. It would make a really cute photo location as well. You can buy the plants, candles, and planters out in the garden. They also have a clearance section for novels in the garden. Had a great experience overall! Support your local bookstore!

This is my second visit to this bookstore. I love the vibe, the book selection and all the other items they have for sale! I was pleasantly surprised seeing a Yelp offer of 25% discount after checking in. I was able to use it for a key keeper. This place is always nice and quiet (average, not like a library), it's clean, staff are friendly. This place is a must visit not only for the books but also for the secret garden!

Most dreamy bookstore I've ever been to. Absolute calming vibe with amazing gift selection. Found a beautiful illustrated Lord of the Rings book and a unique shell planter for $50.

This is a fantastic little shop! Think "The Shop Around the Corner Bookstore" from the movie You've Got Mail! Many wonderful choices available; books, puzzles, jewelry, cards, etc! After browsing through the book shop, stroll outside to see all that the Secret Garden has to offer with plants, water fountains, candles, wind chimes and of course more books. Soothing, relaxing and happy vibes here!

It tickles me each and every time when I enter into this bookstore and to stroll through their secret garden. Adhering to covid restrictions, mask remains on and there's a long wait to get in presently. No matter, for this is a must of mine. Endearing it is to navigate through their narrow aisles, hunting for literary finds amongst their shelves and tables. Just as enchanting is their secret garden, with the sounds of wind chimes and fountains embodying my being of serenity. CHEERS!

Nice little book store and secret garden in the back. There aren't many independent bookstores around so this one is good. It's limited in selection but has some other items for sale too. It's worth a stop when visiting the area.

A block and a half north of Ocean Ave on Dolores St. you will walk past a gate behind which is a succulent-laden wonderland that is actually the back entrance to Pilgrim's Way Bookstore, a haven of literature and herbage that adds to the magic of the already enchanted village of Carmel By The Sea. Visiting this store is required for us whenever we come to Carmel. The bookstore is charming enough. But, the owners have finished out the side alley as additional space for water features, statues, nursery items, and finished it out with an English-garden allure. It's just fun to walk around in. On our recent visit, gf bought a ring from the glass case. The owner was very pleasant and conversational. Local people came in regularly while we were there, suggesting the business has won the hearts of the people in the village as much as it has ours. Mandatory visit if you make it Carmel By the Sea!

This is such a cute store with a secret garden. I brought my family here last year and my husband & daughter bought some books. We made sure we would visit this store again and my husband found a book and I got a defuser for myself. I just love looking at all their stuff. I'll definitely go back once I'm back in Carmel.

This store/secret garden was an unexpected gem we came across while visiting the area. We took a look on the bookshop as well as the "secret garden" around the back. There were a variety of products being sold from plants, crytals, books, candles, etc. Very cool shop and an enjoyable tranquil setting.

Had such a lovely time here! It's a super cute bookstore with a cute little garden. Had an issue with my purchase and noticed it a few days later, I called the store and the employees were super nice and helpful and helped me with my purchase! Definitely stop by when you're in the area and it's also in such a cute location!

Carmel-by-the-Sea has lots of hidden passages and courtyards that is definitely IG worthy. But, this place hit the spot for me. It's because it offers pretty much most of the things that captured my interests. It is a bookstore with a secret garden. At the back, you'll find a gazebo full of handmade crafts. It has a place for you to seat and enjoy the zen vibe from the water fountain and chimes all over! It's a cute little hub that gives you that "out of this world experience"as you enter. You might want to check it out!

One of the most refreshing bookstores in the area, offering pure joy! Even though I moved away a few years ago, I return whenever I can because of how it feels - uplifting and comforting,. It provides a delightful mix of the pragmatic while weaving in a spiritual experience. You are drawn into the present moment by enchanting books and artifacts. If you have children, I recommend you teach them how to support this tranquil setting by quietly fitting in with the mood of inner peace. My children loved it and by purposefully walking slowly and using soft hushed tones they got to practice mindfulness and appreciate it even more.

The front of the bookstore invites you in not only to browse but also to sit in the Secret Garden and take time with a book and listen to the mellow wind chimes in symphonic harmony. So many choices of books and gifts and cards for friends. Books for all ages and interests. A true gem in the heart of Carmel. Thank you for curating this secret place. Tunie M

I placed a Togo order for some French onion soup and got some pastries while we waiting! Took some photos of their menu as well

It is the LAST BOOKSTORE in Carmel! My friend accidentally spilled coffee on some books. They only charged her for the most damaged ones rather than charging her for all of the damaged books This place has a cute Secret Garden in the back! It is pretty cute! A nice place to find a book to read while you are on vacation!

Cannot recall the last time I enjoyed serenity in a book store like this one. I spent the first 20 minutes seated comfortably in an oversized chair perfect for perusing books.. I didn't know how much I needed this store until I became lost in one book after another.. Remember libraries as a kid? This was the identical experience. Then I made my way Toward the back of the store and surprisingly met the man behind this loving gem of over 30 something years, Paul. When I asked what are his 3-all-time -best -books, He replied without trepidation, "The Devil in The White City," #1 National Bestseller.. Which he so eloquently summarized..and I purchased. Another outstanding feature of this Longterm bookstore is the SECRET GARDEN , in which Paul invited me to check out, connected thru his back door.. DOUBLE FUN!! Thanks a million Paul , I'll be back the next time I visit amazing Carmel.. Great to meet you & cannot wait to read my new book.

Absolutely stunning! A secret little oasis in the middle of Carmel. I can't wait to share this special place with my friends when we/they visit.

this was the cutest bookstore i've ever been to!! I read that it was the last one in caramel so i had to go and i got a cute book! the secret garden part of it was so magical and peaceful i would definitely visit it again if i find myself in that area!

If you're in Carmel, you must check this place out!! There is a secret garden that is not like anything I've seen or would have expected to see. Such a zen vibe and if you're lucky like I was, a slight breeze will come by and all the chimes will start playing and you'll wish you could just hang out here all day. Great collection of books! Def pick something up here before you head to the beach!

The Secret Garden is definitely a secretly lovely gem in Carmel. I found this place via Yelp last night knowing that I'll be in Carmel today for work, and I'm so glad I did. After strenuous work, this place was just perfect to just relax & have a little breather. There's an alleyway that leads to the garden area where you can check out their little items for purchasing or to just look at. It's so quiet & tranquil there with little trinkets that are inspirational. They also have a bookstore/gift shop that you can check out for books about variety of topics like metaphysical stuff to inspiring ones and other interesting knickknacks that would be great additions for your own garden/home. It's a must-see spot if you're in Carmel :)

So every year I make a couple pilgrimages to this heavenly bookstore. I have been going here for years. It is my favorite. Period. I find peace and tranquility here. My routine is to enter in the Secret Garden first. I quiet my mind, prepare my soul by breathing in the air, listening to all the wind chimes and trickling water features, seeing all the plants and foliage and perusing the charms, candles, cards, and decor. Then when I am in my mental happy place I head into the bookstore. I can sit on the window bench browsing through books for hours. The store is quaint and they mostly offer books that soothe the spirit, teach you how to be your best, health, love, abundance. And they also carry fictional and other non-fiction best sellers. I love all of the beautiful note cards, jewelry, healing stones, and incense. They also offer spiritual readings by appointment. This place is a true gem.

They sell my two favorite things - succulents and books! Such a cute little store and the staff is always very kind. Definitely stop by if your visiting Carmel and check out their secret garden behind the book store!

Absolutely love this place. Feels whimsical and relaxing. The aesthetics is awesome. Daughters actually picked some books. We'll be back. Staff is very helpful. Has cute Knick knacks

Be nicer to kids playing in your garden. We felt unwelcome when the owner came out to scold our kids for admiring the sound of the gongs in the garden.

This is a lovely community book store! Not a lot of book options (it is small of course) but is absolutely lovely. Their collection of crystals and other spiritual items is quite broad which is lovely to see. Since it is a local business, the prices may seem a little much but again that is to be expected when buying local. The secret garden was such a lovely surprise! Because of covid you have to exit through it and I am so grateful I got the opportunity to walk through. Can't wait to go again :)

I WISH I could gate-keep this place, but I don't want it ever going out of business so I'm not going to. This place has such an amazing and magical feeling to it. The garden is absolutely stunning.. amazing candles, succulents, books on sale, etc. It is gorgeous, my only complaint is the pricing of certain items, very expensive. It's really such a beautiful business. I can't wait to be back and get one of those amazing candles!!

Loved this personable and sweet little bookshop! I've been to Carmel a ton and this trip was my first time finding this gem. Definitely look forward to a return visit. Thank you!

Always a good place to swing by. Garden accessory selection is limited. So are the plant selection as well. They have a lot of good potted plants for your office though. There are a lot of meditation stuff. Not that meditate requires accessories. Kinda defies the definition of "meditation". But they have lots of incense, accent stones (love, peace, etc) that could be hung or put on your office desk. They also have Buddhas and a small beautiful bookstore! Maybe this place is for the tourist

If you love plants, books, garden fountains, plant tchotchkes, cute gifts, or garden goodies this is the place! If I could sit there and meditate all day, I totally would! In a great little part of downtown Carmel close to everything! Will be going back there!

Spiritual and inspirational bookstore and garden shop. Small and has just what you are looking for. From

Really good book selection and a lot of gifts for people who are in to healing, metaphysics, and crystals. Great smelling candles!

Adorable bookstore with a garden that also sells plants, crystals, crystal jewelry, and incense sticks. Small place but great selections and prices are not bad. I purchased a few books and used their 25% off Check-In Offer.

Please support the very last bookstore in Carmel!!! Just the fact it's the last breaks my heart into billions. This place is peaceful and full of the gift from god next to music-books. But it has a special zen vibe and a feeling of knowing you belong right there reading. Thank you pilgrims.

My fiance and I were strolling around downtown Carmel and saw this little quirky shop and went in and came out with some cheap candles that smell great! We stayed in one of the old fartsy Inns and it was great to burn it in the suite. There are a ton of succulents and beads if your into that. Random assortment of books and just all kinds of stuff.. Check it out--it's fun to see it.

Great little store! Maybe I'm the only millennial still buying books from an actual brick and mortar store instead of Amazon but it's great to know that places like this still exist! Very knowledgeable and professional staff. Any book they don't have they can order and get within a day or two and often for less money than new books are on Amazon. Really can't say enough good things about this store. Please support small privately owned businesses like this one!

Such an amazing place but we felt uncomfortable and unwelcome the whole time. We had gone once before and had no problems. But the seconds time, not so much. We were in the garden for about ten minutes looking around and taking pictures when an older gentleman (the owner) walked out and began to hover, there were three younger kids with us and we had a large group. So it would be understandable if he was just making sure we were destroying his property. But as more and more people came in he only followed us. So this has sadly left us to think that he had racially profiled us, because we are Hispanic and darker than anyone in the shop. He followed us until we got to the cash register and paid. There were other people in the back with younger children and dogs and he never followed them. So sadly it's a very beautiful place, but I wouldn't recommend going if you are a POC :/

Nice looking bookstore but definitely not kid friendly! Staff was rude towards my child's interest in their books. If you're not buying a book in 5 min, get out!

I love this bookstore and the garden behind it. It is a wonderfully charming place to buy my favorites things- books, incense, crystal jewelry and more. The staff is so kind and friendly as well. Just a terrific energy in there!

In the real dark night of the soul, it is always 3 o'clock in the morning. F Scott Fitzgerald Last night, I woke up at 3:11 AM for no apparent reason. Perhaps it's all the stress we're feeling from a weakening domestic and international economy. Is it just me, my fellow Yelpers, or are any of you out there starting to feel the pinch, too? What do you do when things get too hot too handle, when you need to open a release valve to let out some of the pent up steam? Sex, drugs, and rock and roll use to work; but now, I need something more restorative, something that may inspire me to keep moving forward in difficult times. I go to the Pilgrim's Way Bookstore in downtown Carmel. Pilgrim's Way is the last remaining book store in Carmel. The owners, Paul and Cynthia, are really nice and helpful and can help you find a book that may help with what ails you, that may give you a perspective, information, or an edge that could be helpful. They specialize in books on self-help, metaphysics and world religion, spiritual and healing, local interest, business, and cooking. They also have cd's, dvd's, incense, crystals, and jewelry in the store as well. They offer regular workshops on a variety of subjects as well as book signings, lectures, reading groups, and concerts. Paul and Cynthia own the business next door, the Secret Garden, which is tucked away at the end of a narrow walkway and features garden supplies and accessories and miscellaneous items for the home. It's peaceful back there and very calming to walk though and enjoy. Other stressbusting activities I do on the Monterey Peninsula include: Massage Envy in Monterey Massage is a major stress reliever Carmel Beach in Carmel Running releases endorphins Garden Health in Carmel Exercise burns away despair AW Schucks in Carmel Alcohol & raw oysters - a healing pair Sunset Center in Carmel Music calms the soul Il Fornaio in Carmel Time with family, friends is priceless Point Lobos in Carmel A walk in nature calms and refreshes Tommy Wok's in Carmel Afternoon Dim Sum eases my pain Crystal Fish in Monterey Sushi reminds me of Mom A quiet room, Anywhere Meditation keeps me in the zone Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, they're always rough patches to get through. We've got to fight through to get to the other side utilizing every strategy and resource at our disposal. No matter how tough things get, remember: The darker the night, the bolder the lion...

Came here about 2 months ago, it was the perfect hidden little store. The garden was so peaceful and beautiful, they take great care of the place. I was so excited to see that they had mini metaphysical area, they had soo many crystals, insence and holders etc. The staff was super sweet and helped me whenever I asked.

I have always been in love with this store. Since I was in high school. It's esoteric, meets local, meets garden shop. You can find local restaraunts cook books, dream interpretation books, books on meditation, and also buy a statue of the buddha. The side of the shop starts their garden shop and the back is a atrium filled with more merchandise, like soy candles and beautiful signs for the backyard. This place is whimsy and wisdom. Love it.