Things to do in Carmel

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Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Carmel Attractions

It's no wonder so many tourists keep coming back to Carmel each year. This appealing city is full of tempting things to do. Whether you're fond of visiting local attractions or trying more exhilarating experiences, you won't have a dull moment here.

If you're ready to explore Carmel, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {82 fun activities in Carmel fun activities in Carmel} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Carmel

Adventure & outdoor

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Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Activity duration is 4 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Tours & day trips

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
4.9 out of 5 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $70 per adult
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Food, drink & nightlife

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Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 3 reviews
Price is $139 per adult
Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

History & culture

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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
Price is $8 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Classes & workshops

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Macaron making with a Master Chef - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Macaron making with a Master Chef - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
Macaron making with a Master Chef - Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Recommended things to do in Carmel

Number of things to do
82
Things to do from
$8
Cheapest thing to do
Santa Maria - Monterey: Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Carmel

Free Things to Do in Carmel

They say the best things in life are free. Discover the following around Carmel:

Cherry Center for the Arts - This is a terrific place to get your culture hit and find out about the vibrant local arts scene.

Tor House - If you're eager to explore the region's history through its landmarks, put this one on your sightseeing list.

The Carmel Business Association - Stop here and discover the significance of this place to the local community.

Carmel Mission Basilica - Spend a bit of time in prayer or meditation at this peaceful sacred place.

Carmel Beach - Breathe in the fresh sea air and watch the waves splashing against the shore at this beautiful coastal spot.

Palo Corona Regional Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gorgeous plant life.

Things to Do in Carmel with Kids

There are plenty of amazing experiences in Carmel that the entire gang will love. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Carmel? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Carmel on a sunny day?
Soak up the good weather (and get some fresh air as well) with one or two of these fun activities:


What should I not miss in Carmel?
Pack your camera, because this trove of wonders is just waiting to be explored:

  • Carmel Beach
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  • Bixby Bridge

Are there cheap things to do in Carmel?
Keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket with these thrifty and fun activities:


What can you do in Carmel for free?
Your escape to Carmel won’t cost a fortune with free things like these to keep you on the go:

  • Carmel Beach
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  • Carmel Mission Basilica
  • Carmel River State Beach

Discover the most popular places to visit in Carmel

Image for Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(1,826 reviews)

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Carmel Beach
Image for Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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
Image for Carmel Mission Basilica

Carmel Mission Basilica

4.5/5(169 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
Image for Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge

4.5/5(527 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
Image for Carmel Plaza

Carmel Plaza

4/5(13 reviews)

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
Image for Monastery Beach

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
Image for Point Sur Lighthouse

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
Image for Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Garrapata State Park, a lovely green space in Carmel. Stroll along the pebble beaches or seek out the golf courses.

Garrapata State Park
Image for Point Sur State Historic Park

Point Sur State Historic Park

Explore the great outdoors at Point Sur State Historic Park, a lovely green space in Carmel. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its hiking trails.

Point Sur State Historic Park

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

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
Forest Theater Guild featuring theater scenes and a park

Southeast Carmel

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

Southeast 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
Carmel Mission which includes a house, a fountain and skyline

Carmel Point

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

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

Carmel Point
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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 Mission Basilica and Carmel Plaza.

Hatton Fields
See our Where To Stay guide

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

Monterey featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and landscape views

Monterey

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley

Photo by Inis Hsieh

Carmel Highlands