Things to do in Carmel

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel which includes a house and fall colors
Carmel which includes a house and fall colors
Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and signage
Carmel showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach
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Most popular experiences in Carmel

Tours & day trips

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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 27 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,663 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 16 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 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,250 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 15 activities
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,068 per traveler*
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in CaliforniaOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 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 1,358 per adult
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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
These are golfers approaching the green at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye, in Carmel, California.

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
GFB72N Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea

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
Point Sur Lighthouse featuring landscape views, mountains and general coastal views

Point Sur Lighthouse

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Point Sur Lighthouse
While driving South between Monterrey and Big Sur along the rugged coastal highway 1, Lynn and I saw a picturesque trail winding down to the ocean cliffs. This is one of the 100s of pictures we took along this short hike. Perched on this bluff was a nesting seagull and the flowers were blooming along the entire coast. #Nature #Trovember

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
Monastery Beach offers a stunning view towards Carmel Point, showcasing California's serene coastal beauty, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

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
Carmel_FolktaleWineryandVineyards_553248633876899054-3

Folktale Winery and Vineyards

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Folktale Winery and Vineyards during your travels to Carmel. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Folktale Winery and Vineyards

Areas of Carmel

View of Carmel Beach from Scenic Rd.

Golden Rectangle

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

Golden Rectangle
Houses in Pacific Grove, California

Downtown Carmel

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

Downtown Carmel
Art galleries in beautiful downtown Carmel.

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 art 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
Winter beach day in Carmel. #lifeatexpedia

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
A View of the California Coastline along State Road 1

Carmel Highlands

Carmel Highlands is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Point Lobos Ranch and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Carmel Highlands
The Lone Cypress, seen from the 17 Mile Drive, in Pebble Beach, California.; Shutterstock ID 438920428

Pebble Beach

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

Big Sur

Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach

Monterey

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.

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