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

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

€65
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

€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
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
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

€83
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

€85
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a long stretch of soft, white sand in Carmel, a picture-perfect town just 15 minutes’ drive south from Monterey. Steady swells make this a popular destination with surfers, swimmers and kayakers. Rent a kayak and paddle out across the kelp beds. Bring a wetsuit, as the water is often cold except in the heat of summer.
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A sandy beach with waves crashing onto the shore, a rocky outcrop, and a person walking.

2. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Follow misty hiking trails through towering cypress trees along dramatic, craggy shorelines and down to secluded beaches. Once the home of whalers, sealers and fishermen, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and surrounding waters are now a protected wildlife and marine reserve.
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A coastal landscape with rocky shores, calm sea, and distant hills.

3. Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge (aka Bixby Creek Bridge) is an iconic bridge along the famous Highway One. The bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks on the California section of the Pacific Coast highways. Bixby Bridge spans Bixby Creek, which cuts through a rocky canyon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Visit to admire the bridge’s imposing structure and the natural beauty surrounding it.
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A bridge spanning a deep gorge with a coastal view.

4. Carmel Mission Basilica

The Carmel Mission, officially known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, is one of the oldest and most beautiful missions in California. It’s easy to while away an afternoon strolling the grounds of this sacred place, especially if you appreciate architecture, gardens, history, or photography. Although it’s a Christian place of worship, most anyone will feel a sense of faith and spirituality in the tranquil surroundings.
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An ornate church interior with a crucifix, altar, and religious paintings.

5. Point Sur Lighthouse

Point Sur Lighthouse is a destination for maritime history enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy spotting varied wildlife and appreciating spectacular natural scenery. This is one of the only complete 19th-century lighthouses in California that is open for public visits. Climb to the top of Point Sur Lighthouse for impressive views, visit the keeper’s quarters and learn about its history and legends.
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A coastal landscape with a prominent hill, beach, and ocean waves.

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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