Docent-led Tours
I built it with my hands, I hung
Stones in the sky
-Robinson Jeffers
Visit Tor House and Hawk tower
Tor House is open for full indoor and outdoor tours on Saturdays. Tours begin at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the docent office.
Learn about the history of early Carmel and the arrival of Robinson and Una Jeffers to this singular place of beauty at the continent’s end. Tour Tor House, a National Historic Landmark, with the aid of knowledgeable docents who will regale you with how Jeffers learned the art of making “stone love stone” as he built Tor House and Hawk Tower. Climb Hawk Tower, reminiscent of ancient Irish stone towers, for the awe-inspiring view, and marvel at Jeffer’s ability to build it alone. Hear the poetry of Robinson Jeffers that defines the California Central Coast, humanity’s place in the universe, and world history in the making. Experience the atmosphere that inspired America's finest poetry. You’ll be delighted you did.
Tour Tickets are $25 per adult, $10 for full-time students. Use the Reservations button to purchase tour tickets for your next visit and experience firsthand the inspirations that were the foundation of Robinson Jeffers’ poetry and philosophy.
A stone house and stone wall in a garden with a brick pathway, a bench, potted plants, and landscaped greenery.
Stone cottage with a shingled roof, surrounded by lush green plants and flowering bushes, under a clear blue sky.
A small brick garage with wooden double doors and a wooden beam decorated with horseshoes and a small window above.
Sunlit dining area with a table and chairs, brick and stone walls, and wooden ceiling beams.
A bedroom with wooden panel walls, a bed with a floral quilt, two windows with red curtains, and a small nightstand.
A wooden dining table with benches, large stone fireplace with a wooden mantel displaying orange pots and decorations.
Hawk Tower surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Wood-paneled wall with three arched windows, framed photographs, and decorative items on the ledge.
A marble plaque with Latin inscription, embedded in a stone wall. 'SUIS MANIBUS ME TURREM FALCONIS FECIT MCXXIX.'
A stone sundial on a mossy ground, surrounded by plants and a stone wall in the background.
Location
Tor House is on Carmel Point at 26304 Ocean View Avenue, just to the south of Carmel Village. It faces Scenic Road and is bounded by Stewart Way and Ocean View Avenue.
Directions from Highway 1:
Traveling on Highway 1 South to Carmel, go past the Carmel exits and make a right-hand turn onto Rio Road.
Follow Rio Road about 1/2 mile past the Carmel Mission and make a left-hand turn two streets down onto Santa Lucia.
Follow Santa Lucia all the way down to the ocean and make a left-hand turn onto Bay View Avenue.
Follow Bay View Avenue three blocks to the end and make another left-hand turn onto Ocean View Avenue.
Follow Ocean View Avenue about 100 yards. On the right side of the road, you will find Tor House at 26304 Ocean View Avenue. You can park in the neighborhood.
Walk up the open gated driveway to Tor House. Tours start promptly on the hour in the Docent Office next to the garage. Have a great time!