I can't say enough good things about Nails by the Sea! I came in with my mom and mother in law to get mani-pedis before my wedding and we had a great time! The women working there were very kind and lovely to chat with. I had to move the appointment and they were very accommodating. Not to mention our manicures and pedicures looked beautiful. I got a gel manicure and the woman who did it was very detailed in making sure it was perfect. I look forward to returning again in the future! Read Less

The staff was friendly and the shop inviting. The chairs were old and cracking but worked. I wish they would have asked me if I wanted the massage turned instead of just starting it.The reason for the generous three stars is that my pedicure polish did not dry. I waited in the shop 30 minutes. By hour two, still soft and tacky. Finally in the evening I gave up and went to sleep. I woke with a totally ruined polish.I have no idea what happened. Read Less

We love this salon! Our first stop during our annual trip to Carmel is always Nails By the Sea, where Wendy and Tina make us feel so welcome.  We usually make reservations, since there are three of us (mom, sister, and me).  The whole pedicure experience is  top notch....comfortable massage chairs, warm foot bath, foot and calf massage, expert nail care and polish, and friendly conversation. There is a good selection of classic and trendy colors, and they are always ready to add a little flair (think glitter and jewels) if we request it.   We always walk out with great looking toes.  I highly recommend this salon! Read Less

Friendly staff that did a wonderful pedicures for all three of us! I got the $40 pedi that included a scrub and fabulous hot stone massage on my calf muscles! Highly recommend this salon and would return in a heartbeat if I didn't live in Michigan! Read Less

I've been here twice so far and both visits were absolutely perfect. The first time I splurged since I was treating my sister for her birthday, so we got the pedicures that included the paraffin wax (LOVE!). The calf/foot massages were amazing and our nails were done wonderfully. They also painted my daughters toes, even though she wouldn't get into the pedicure chair. She's 4 years old and was a bit intimidated by the chairs and tubs, but they were so patient and sweet with her. They set her up in a regular chair and by the end of the visit they were all old friends. Our second visit I brought in my husband and went for the basic 30 minute pedicure. The massage was wonderful (hot stones!) and the nails were done perfectly, as usual. The wee one got her toes done again and chatted up the ladies like they were all besties. I'm totally fine paying a little more than the average for a pedicure, as the ladies who work here are fantastic. I love chatting with them, I feel welcome in their shop, and they do top notch work. PS - CASH/CHECK ONLY, so plan ahead. Read Less

Wendy and Tina are so nice. They make you feel right at home. We got the foot reflexology with pedicure and massage. I'd have to say the massage was much better than the pedi in comparison to other places that I have gone to. But still well worth it. We booked at the last minute and they were still able to accommodate us. Also, for all you urbanites, be aware it is cash only! We went on a Saturday around 10:30 in the morning and they quickly started to book up so we'd recommend calling ahead and making an appointment. I felt the pedicure could've had a bit more focus...but, it's not like it was terrible. If you are looking for more in the pedi arena than foot reflexology then make sure you make your request known (I wanted my nails cut shorter but didn't ask). Read Less

Very few times have I gone into a nail salon out-of-town. This was the BEST choice! I was on my honeymoon, and they fit me in within 30 minutes. Very nice ladies, fixes my nails that another salon had done a very poor job on, and let me sit as long as I wanted to wait for my husband to arrive so we could walk around the town. Even though their waiting room was small! Great job, gals. If I'm ever in town again, I may chip a nail on purpose just to come into your salon. :) Read Less

I have tried them all and Nails by the Sea is without a doubt the best. Wendy, her lovely mother and Tina are always so warm, friendly and professional. I feel so comfortable and welcome there. They all do a beautiful job and have been so accommodating for last minute appointments. Thank you! Nancy C :) Read Less

Do not look anywhere else!!! Nails by the Sea is the best in Monterey County! I have been to many nail salons, but this one takes the cake!! Not only are Tina and Wendy kind and accommodating, but the color choices are extensive and the mani pedis last forever. This is the only salon that I trust for last-minute special events as I know that I will never be disappointed! I have gotten countless mani pedis here and not once have they let me down!! 10/5 stars!! Read Less

First time here today...After going to another carmel nail salon 2 weeks ago, I noticed my acrylic nails were lifting.  I made an appointment at this salon this morning....Tina and Wendy took me in.  They were both very personable and repaired my acrylic nails.  Wendy's mother was sweet and I was given a cup of water.  The ladies at this shop treated me with respect and I felt warmly welcomed. Read Less

Accepted walk ins and took me right away. There isn't a sign that said cash only, so I had to get my husband to run and get some cash.I had a manicure and pedicure (48$) and was excited to be ready in time for a wedding. They did a horrible job with my nails. I don't know if it was the base coat or the polish was old, or what, but my nails didn't make it to today. (This was done yesterday) there are chunks (bare nail, no polish)missing from the nail tech not polishing my nails fully, the paint was still soft even though I spent too much time in the dryer, and overall super sloppy.I could have done a better job, and I should have fixed my two nails myself instead of paying this much for a mediocre job. This place got the two stars because of the walk in availability and was clean. Read Less

I stopped into this nail salon on a whim after getting engaged on a wonderful trip to Carmel. The engagement was a total surprise and I needed a quick gel manicure for my unsightly, chipped nails. I thought nothing could bring me down from cloud nine, but WHOA, this incredibly rude staff came very close. My manicuist huffed and puffed the whole way through my simple manicure (and I'm not picky by any means). Between labored sighs, she took phone calls and continued to do my nails with the phone on her shoulder. At this point, I realized this wasn't going to be a pleasant experience, but at least I would leave with a manicure fit for my new engagement ring.But then I pulled out my Visa to pay for my rushed, unpleasant manicure and you may have thought I'd committed a crime. The manicurist scowled at me with disdain and ordered me to, "call my husband and tell him to bring me money." Ok, there was probably a 'cash only' sign that I hadn't seen on my way in. If I'd seen it, I would've used an ATM before sitting down. However, I live in a major metropolitan city where credit cards are the norm. If your nail salon wants to avoid paying taxes and card processing fees, that doesn't entitle you to be rude to your customers. As if being scolded like a child weren't already embarrassing enough, when I asked where the closest ATM was located, my manicurist simply pointed her finger up the hill. She then told me, in front of the entire nail salon, to write all of my information on a piece of paper, as if I would attempt to skip out on paying for a $30 manicure. Needless to say, I found the ATM (up the hill) and met up with my fiance. After telling him how terribly they treated me, he went in to pay them so I wouldn't have to deal with them again. Never one to care what people think, he had a little fun with them and tried to pay with his card again before presenting them with cash. I did notice they treat their regulars well, but if you're a tourist...find somewhere else if you expect to be treated kindly! Read Less

I love almost everything about this place, except for the fact they don't take cards. I went here with my friend for an early bday pedi and I would have spent more money, but then realized they don't take card. Besides that flaw, I like this place. It's very cute, not a large nail polish selections, but what they have is opi and Essie. The message chairs are out of this world and the workers spend a long time pampering you. The lady helping me even took of my super chipped nail polish on my hands for free. If I was a local, I would for sure come back! Read Less

I have had both a great and decent experience here. What I appreciate is the engaging, and friendly nail technicians. The prices are fair too, & considering this salon is the generally pricey Carmel by-the-Sea, this is a plus. I got a standard gel-mani. The first time my nails turned out flawless, the second time they were a little messy; maybe the technician was having a bad day. I'll likely return. Read Less

AVOID THIS PLACE Worst manicure I've ever had. The polish was applied so thick it never dried .  Their colors were all old and thick nd they had none of the new colors,to choose from and for $50 mani/pedi I expect fresh nail polish. But even worse than this, they filled a pedicure chair for a man and he sat with his feet in the water for 10 min before leaving(he decided not to get the pedicure after all) and instead of draining the water and cleaning the bowl, they left it full and when the next girl walked in, they told her to sit in the chair with the old water and just turned on the jets.  It was disgusting I will NEVER go back and I live in town Read Less

My family has come here on multiple occasions, and my Mom is almost a regular. We came with a bunch of people before my sister's wedding a few years ago and more recently for my bachelorette party a couple weeks ago. We have always been treated when great respect and they have been so wonderful about letting us bring snacks and drinks so that the people who are waiting can still hang out and enjoy themselves. We had an appt at 11am for 8 girls- almost all mani pedis- and they got us out of there by 1pm! That's nuts. And no one felt rushed or like they didn't get quality manicures. It was such a great experience, thank you! Read Less

$$CASH ONLY$$Thrilled I found a nail place in Carmel!I had a mani/pedi, and they did a great job. I love the extra time spent on my leg massage, complete with a hot stone rub! The place is a bit expensive ($48 for both) compared to prices I normally pay for that combo in SF ($28 - 30) but you have to expect it in Carmel. It's a treat and was well worth it in the end.They take their time, which some people don't know how to appreciate....so remember to sit back, relax and take in the easy going Carmel lifestyle! Read Less

This place is cute! It's right off the main street in Carmel where you will find a ton of wine tasting rooms, restaurants, cafes, and cute shops. The owner, Trang, is very friendly and speaks english. The others seem to not speak English but are very kind and know what they are doing. They're very thorough and they do a good job. We thought they were going to charge us $45 for our pedicures but turned out to be only $30. We were surprised by how well they did our pedicures for the 30-minute selection! They do have a limited selection of colors - most of them are in the red category and they don't have much else. They have 2-3 shades of other colors but if you're looking to try something new you may not find it here. They have wonderful massage chairs that you get to sit in while you are getting your feet soaked which was phenomenal considering I've had a slew of bad massages recently. These chairs were worth it! If we were ever in the area again we would definitely come back. Read Less

1 star for getting a group of 6 in last minute. They said they would move around appointments to accommodate us the next day. On arrival, we were rushed. Some of my party were 5 minutes late and I was told to call them, that the salon was too busy for them to be late. Ok... I had the fastest mani/pedi ever and both done at the same time. Not much massage, no hand soak. She pushed back the cuticles and it was painful. I asked for a flower (it was for my wedding and I wanted a flower) and she frowned and instead put a layer of glitter polish on my ring fingers. Not even 8 hours later, my polish is already chipping on my hands. I will need to get them re-polished tomorrow before my wedding. My friend's polish isn't even completely covering her nails. People were walking in with their own nail polish and tools. One customer was even removing her own polish. Not normal.  I would stay away from this place. I came because of the good reviews but nothing 4 or 5 star about this place. Definitely not worth the $230 for all of us to have mani/pedis. Read Less

Whenever I have time to travel from Santa Cruz to Carmel, I go to see my favorite beach and to spoil myself with nails and pedicures at this little corner salon. The lovely owners work together like a family, creating a peaceful and engaging atmosphere. Also my favorite neighborhood, the owners call everyone by their first names, always have a smile and regardless, make each person feel special. The meticulous pedicures and manicures are awesome; the massage will send your thoughts sailing out to sea..... Delightful folks and top notch at what they do! If there is one thing you don't give up in the recession, this should be it! Read Less