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

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 {65 fun activities in Carmel fun activities in Carmel} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Carmel

Tours & day trips

See all 54 activities
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $62 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 16 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
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Price is $8 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Activity duration is 1 day
Free cancellation available
Price is $23 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $95 per adult
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Carmel

Number of things to do
65
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8
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!

 

 

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 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 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 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
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
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
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
Point Sur Lighthouse which includes farmland

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

Downtown Carmel

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

Downtown 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
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
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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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

Photo by Inis Hsieh

Carmel Highlands

Frequently asked questions

Is Carmel worth visiting?
Known for its coastal beaches and surfing, finding awesome things to do in Carmel is a breeze. Be sure to add Monterey Bay Aquarium to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Carmel?
Start your adventures with a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach. Then, tour different areas of Carmel for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carmel?
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Carmel and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carmel?
Three days in Carmel is enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel Beach and Cannery Row are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Monterey.
Is Carmel a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Carmel is a good destination to tour on foot. Wander between Carmel Beach and Carmel Mission Basilica. Then take a stroll through Monterey Vista, located 2 miles from downtown, and Munras Avenue, which is about 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Carmel with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Check out our 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 adventure seeker, there are loads 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 wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Carmel. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Carmel Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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