Things to do in Carmel

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel which includes autumn colours and a house
Carmel
Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes
Carmel
Carmel which includes food, street scenes and a city

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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 21 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €53 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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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 €7 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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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 €47 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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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 €16 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 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 €81 per adult
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What to do in Carmel

Popular places to visit

Carmel Beach featuring landscape views and a beach as well as an individual female

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 enjoy retail therapy at Carmel Plaza during your trip to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the golf courses.

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

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 a bridge, landscape views and general coastal 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 care-free afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

Monastery Beach
Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline

Garrapata State Park

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

Garrapata State Park
Sunset Center showing theatre 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 showing a house, a sunset and autumn leaves

Golden Rectangle

5/5(11 area reviews)

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

Golden Rectangle
Carmel showing a house, a sunset and autumn leaves

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 showing a house, a sunset and autumn leaves

Northwest Carmel

5/5(12 area reviews)

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

Northwest Carmel
Forest Theater Guild featuring theatre scenes and a garden

Southeast Carmel

While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Southeast Carmel
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Northeast Carmel

4/5(14 area reviews)

While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Northeast Carmel
Carmel Mission Basilica showing heritage architecture, a fountain and skyline

Carmel Point

5/5(1 area review)

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 rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

Big Sur

Monterey

Monterey

17-Mile Drive

Del Monte Forest

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 holiday, Monterey isn't far away.
Is Carmel a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, 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 kilometres from the centre, and Munras Avenue, which is roughly 5 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.