Things to do in Carmel

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Carmel featuring a house and autumn leaves
Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and signage
Carmel showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach
Carmel showing a city, street scenes and food
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Carmel must see attractions

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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Carmel Beach which includes a beach and landscape views as well as an individual femail

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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Point Lobos State Reserve showing general coastal views, a bay or harbor and landscape views

3. 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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Carmel Mission featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

4. 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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Bixby Bridge featuring a bridge, landscape views and general coastal views

5. Sunset Center

The Sunset Center is a classic American theater located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, just a 15-minute drive from Monterey. Built in 1931 as a school auditorium, the center is now a major art institution and the creative hub of Monterey County.
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Sunset Center featuring interior views and theater scenes

What to do in Carmel

Discover the most popular places to visit in Carmel

Carmel Beach which includes a beach and landscape views as well as an individual femail

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 Plaza

Carmel Plaza

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Carmel Plaza during your visit to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the golf courses.

Carmel Plaza
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 Mission featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

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 featuring 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
Sunset Center featuring interior views and theater scenes

Sunset Center

Catch local up-and-coming acts and international superstars in one of America’s most intimate theaters.

Sunset Center
Garrapata Beach showing rocky coastline

Garrapata State Park

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

Garrapata State Park
China Cove, part of Point Lobos State Reserve, is no longer accessible due to erosion and unstable cliffs; however it can be viewed from above, along with seals and their pups resting on the sand in the spring. #blue

China Cove

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, China Cove might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carmel. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

China Cove
Carmel by the Sea

Monastery Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Monastery Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Carmel

Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(186 area reviews)

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

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

Downtown Carmel

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

Downtown Carmel
China cove

Carmel Highlands

Carmel Highlands is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Gibson Beach.

Carmel Highlands
Forest Theater Guild featuring theater scenes and a park

Southeast Carmel

If you're spending some time in Southeast Carmel, Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

Southeast Carmel
Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Northwest Carmel

4.5/5(159 area reviews)

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

Northwest Carmel
Winter beach day in Carmel. #lifeatexpedia

Northeast Carmel

4.5/5(192 area reviews)

Though Northeast Carmel might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Northeast Carmel

Popular day trips from Carmel

17-Mile Drive

Pebble Beach

National Steinbeck Center which includes interior views

Salinas

McWay Falls featuring rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor

Big Sur

Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach

Monterey

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley

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 vacation, Monterey isn't far away.
Is Carmel a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Munras Avenue, which is roughly 5 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.