What to do in Carmel, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel showing a house and autumn leaves
Carmel
Carmel showing signage, a city and street scenes
Carmel
Carmel featuring a city, food and street scenes

Carmel Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Carmel AU$13. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 63 activities in Carmel, California.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Carmel attractions from AU$13, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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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 which includes 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 showing a bay or harbour, general coastal views 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 Basilica featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral 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 landscape views, general coastal views and a bridge

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 showing interior views and theatre scenes

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Recommended things to do in Carmel

Number of things to do
63
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: AU$13
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Carmel

Discover the most popular places to visit in Carmel

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

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 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 Mission Basilica featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

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 showing landscape views, general coastal views and a bridge

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 showing interior views and theatre scenes

Sunset Center

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

Sunset Center
Garrapata Beach which includes 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
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
China Cove

China Cove

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

China Cove

Explore areas of Carmel

Carmel which includes autumn colours, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(5 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 Gibson Beach.

Carmel Highlands
Forest Theater Guild which includes a garden and theatre scenes

Southeast Carmel

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

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

Northwest Carmel

5/5(1 area review)

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

Northwest Carmel
Default Image

Northeast Carmel

4/5(3 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

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Carmel

17-Mile Drive

Pebble Beach

National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views

Salinas

McWay Falls featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and rocky coastline

Big Sur

Monterey

Monterey

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley

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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