Things to do in Carmel

Activities, attractions and tours

A two-story building with a gabled roof, a flagpole with an American flag, and a sign that reads "Alain Pinel."
A coastal landscape with green hills, rocky cliffs, and clear blue waters.
A street with shops, including a gallery and a jewelry store.
A beach with waves, a rock formation, and a hilly landscape in the background.
A bakery with a sign reading "Carmel Bakery and Coffee Co. Since 1906" and a display of baked goods.

Things to do

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

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

€17
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

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

€20
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

€60
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Whale Watching Tour

€60
per adult
Monterey Whale Watching Tour
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

€65
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour

Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour

€10
per traveller
Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

€82
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Cannery Row Cross Overs

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

€8
per adult
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

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

€48
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
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Most 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 242 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €113 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 24 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 32 reviews
Price is €7 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 22 activities
Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 63 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €87 per traveller*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 13 activities
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

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

Activity duration is 1 day
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €20 per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up ComboOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 7 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 €57 per adult
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Carmel

Stay near popular Carmel attractions

A sandy beach with waves crashing onto the shore, a rocky outcrop, and a person walking.

Carmel Beach

9.6/10 (5,436 reviews)
Carmel Beach captivates with pristine white sands and cypress-framed Pacific views. Arrive for sunset when golden light transforms the shoreline into California's most magical coastal moment.
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Where to stay in Carmel

Find the best Carmel areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Carmel
Learn more about Carmel
A quaint building with a turret, a window with a white frame, and a sign that reads "Hush House."
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.

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a clear blue sea, and a mountainous backdrop.

Carmel Point

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

A valley with houses, trees, and rolling hills.

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.

A courtyard with a fountain, a church, and surrounding buildings.

Mission Fields

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

A beach with waves, a clear sky, and a tree on the right.
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.

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, dense green foliage, and the ocean.

Pebble Beach

A coastal landscape with turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a waterfall.

Big Sur

A sandy beach with footprints, a wooden fence, and a clear blue sky.

Monterey

A stack of smooth, rounded stones on a pebbly beach with waves in the background.

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.

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