Things to do in Carmel

Find and book 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

Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

￥10,077
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

￥11,378
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

￥12,191
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

￥10,565
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

￥15,441
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

￥12,841
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

￥15,441
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
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Most popular activities 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 ￥20,944 per adult
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day TourOpens in new tab

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 26 reviews
Price is ￥1,297 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

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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 ￥16,074 per traveler*
Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar TourOpens in new tab

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
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥3,733 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 ￥10,553 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 and neighborhoods 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 might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica.

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

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

Popular day trips from Carmel

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

Pebble Beach

A vast green field with mountains in the background.

Salinas

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 winding dirt road through a lush green valley with rolling hills and dense forests.

Carmel Valley

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 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.