Things to do in Carmel Highlands

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Inis Hsieh
Photo by Inis Hsieh
Photo by Mary Pat Collins
Photo by Mary Pat Collins
Photo by Louise Ryan
Photo by Louise Ryan
Photo by Vinny Espinosa
Photo by Vinny Espinosa
Photo by Vilinh Nguyen
Photo by Vilinh Nguyen

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

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Most popular experiences in Carmel Highlands

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 22 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 €20 per adult
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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 €81 per adult
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What to do in Carmel Highlands

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 riverfront 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 Highlands

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Carmel Riviera

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Carmel Riviera and surrounding area, you can visit China Cove and Hidden Beach.

Carmel Riviera
Carmel which includes autumn colours and a house

Carmel

Frequently asked questions

Is Carmel Highlands worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are many great things to do in Carmel Highlands. Don't forget to enjoy the area's mix of awesome attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Carmel Highlands?
Kick your day off with a visit to Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica. Then, check out different areas of Carmel Highlands for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carmel Highlands?
Carmel Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Carmel Highlands and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carmel Highlands?
You can easily visit top attractions like Carmel Beach, Carmel Mission Basilica and Point Lobos Ranch with a three-day break in Carmel Highlands. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Monterey.
Is Carmel Highlands a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Carmel Highlands. Several key sights, including Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel River State Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Carmel Highlands's neighbourhoods, Mission Fields is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Carmel Point is 5 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Carmel Highlands with kids?
Planning what to do in Carmel Highlands with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Carmel Highlands for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Carmel Highlands, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Folktale Winery and Vineyards or Galante Vineyards.
Are there free things to do in Carmel Highlands?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Carmel Highlands is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Carmel Beach is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.