What to do in Carmel, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel
Carmel
Carmel
Carmel
Carmel

Things to do

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

฿2,464
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

฿657
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

฿2,037
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

฿2,135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

฿1,150
per traveller
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

฿2,300
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

฿3,121
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

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

฿755
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Cannery Row Cross Overs

Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey

฿295
per adult
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
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Most fun & popular experiences in Carmel

Tours & day trips

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Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 11 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 240 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿4,292 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 22 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
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Price is ฿266 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 20 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
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Price is ฿266 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿2,162 per adult
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Carmel

Popular places to visit

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(60 reviews)

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

Carmel Beach
GFB72N Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea

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
These are golfers approaching the green at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye, in Carmel, California.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

4/5(1 review)

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
Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge

4/5(62 reviews)

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
Carmel Mission Basilica

Carmel Mission Basilica

5/5(3 reviews)

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
Point Sur Lighthouse

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
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
Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carmel River State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carmel. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Carmel River State Beach
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 care-free afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Monastery Beach

Where to stay in Carmel

Find the best Carmel areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Carmel
Learn more about Carmel
Photo by Aimee Bollinger
Open Photo by Aimee Bollinger

Downtown Carmel

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

Sunset Point - Pebble Beach, California, February 17, 2018: Beautiful sea and rocky point vista along the 17 Mile Drive south of Cypress Point Golf Course overlooking Sunset Point.

Carmel Point

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

Carmel Valley overlook in panoramic format, Carmel Valley Road in Northern California East of Carmel

Hatton Fields

While Hatton Fields isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel, California

Mission Fields

While visiting Mission Fields, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Preserve and Hatton Canyon.

Photo by Bryce Karr
Open Photo by Bryce Karr

Golden Rectangle

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

Day trip destinations from Carmel

Big Sur

Big Sur

Monterey

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 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.