Things to do in Carmel

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel which includes a house and fall colors
Carmel
Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and signage
Carmel
Carmel which includes food, a city and street scenes

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most popular experiences in Carmel

Tours & day trips

See all 53 activities
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,541 per adult
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Price is P 456 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,141 per adult
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike RentalOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Activity duration is 1 day
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,313 per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up ComboOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,426 per adult
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Carmel

Popular places to visit

Carmel Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as an individual femail

Carmel Beach

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Carmel Beach
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Carmel at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Carmel Plaza

Carmel Plaza

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Carmel Plaza during your visit to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the golf courses.

Carmel Plaza
Carmel Mission which includes interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Carmel Mission Basilica

This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.

Carmel Mission Basilica
Bixby Bridge showing general coastal views, a bridge and landscape views

Bixby Bridge

This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.

Bixby Bridge
Monastery Beach

Monastery Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Monastery Beach
Garrapata Beach showing rocky coastline

Garrapata State Park

Enjoy a trip to Garrapata State Park and popular activities like golfing in Carmel. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants.

Garrapata State Park
Sunset Center featuring theater scenes and interior views

Sunset Center

Catch local up-and-coming acts and international superstars in one of America’s most intimate theaters.

Sunset Center
Point Sur Lighthouse featuring farmland

Point Sur State Historic Park

Explore the great outdoors at Point Sur State Historic Park, a lovely green space in Carmel. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its hiking trails.

Point Sur State Historic Park

Areas of Carmel

Carmel featuring a house, fall colors and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Rectangle
Carmel featuring a house, fall colors and a sunset

Downtown Carmel

If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Carmel
Carmel featuring a house, fall colors and a sunset

Northwest Carmel

While visiting Northwest Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Northwest Carmel
Forest Theater Guild showing a park and theater scenes

Southeast Carmel

If you're spending some time in Southeast Carmel, Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

Southeast Carmel
Default Image

Northeast Carmel

Though Northeast Carmel might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Northeast Carmel
Carmel Mission featuring heritage architecture, a fountain and skyline

Carmel Point

If you're spending some time in Carmel Point, Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Carmel Point
17-Mile Drive

Pebble Beach

McWay Falls which includes a sandy beach, rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

Big Sur

Monterey

Monterey

Photo by Inis Hsieh

Carmel Highlands

Frequently asked questions

Is Carmel worth visiting?
Known for its coastal beaches and surfing, discovering awesome things to do in Carmel is simple. Remember to add Monterey Bay Aquarium to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Carmel?
Start your adventures with a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. Then, check out different areas of Carmel for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carmel?
The top tourist attraction in Carmel is Monterey Bay Aquarium, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Carmel?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, like Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Carmel Beach. The average stay in Carmel is two days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Monterey isn't far away.
Is Carmel a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Carmel is a good destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica. Then take a stroll around Monterey Vista, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Munras Avenue, which is roughly 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Carmel with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Carmel with kids.

What to do in Carmel for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Carmel for adults including Folktale Winery and Vineyards and Ventana Vineyards Tasting Room.
Are there free things to do in Carmel?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Carmel. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Cannery Row is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.