Things to do in Carmel

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel showing autumn colours and a house
Carmel
Carmel which includes a city, signage and street scenes
Carmel
Carmel featuring street scenes, food and a city
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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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Carmel Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as an individual female

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 featuring rugged coastline and general coastal 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 showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

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 showing a bridge, general coastal views and landscape views

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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Point Sur Lighthouse which includes landscape views, a beach and general coastal views

6. 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 showing interior views and theatre scenes

What to do in Carmel

Popular places to visit

Carmel Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as an individual female

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(60 reviews)

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 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 Valley Ranch Golf Course

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

4/5(1 review)

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 showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

Carmel Mission Basilica

5/5(3 reviews)

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, general coastal views and landscape views

Bixby Bridge

4/5(62 reviews)

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
Garrapata Beach featuring rocky 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
Point Sur Lighthouse showing general coastal views, mountains and a sandy beach

Point Sur Lighthouse

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Point Sur Lighthouse
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
Garrapata Beach

Garrapata Beach

Search for wildlife in the abundant rock pools and be at one with nature at this wild and untamed stretch of perfect white sand.

Garrapata Beach

Areas of Carmel

Carmel which includes autumn colours, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(11 area reviews)

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

Golden Rectangle
Carmel which includes autumn colours, 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
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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 Point Lobos Ranch.

Carmel Highlands
Carmel which includes autumn colours, a house and a sunset

Northwest Carmel

5/5(12 area reviews)

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

Northwest Carmel
Forest Theater Guild which includes theatre scenes and a park

Southeast Carmel

While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Southeast Carmel
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Northeast Carmel

4/5(14 area reviews)

While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Northeast Carmel
17-Mile Drive

Pebble Beach

McWay Falls which includes a sandy beach, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline

Big Sur

Monterey

Monterey

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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