Things to Do in Carmel, CA - Carmel Attractions
Things to Do in Carmel
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Point Lobos, Carmel River State Beach, Scenic Walking Areas, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Point Lobos, Carmel River State Beach, Scenic Walking Areas, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Carmel.
E-Bike Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$75
Wine Tastingsfromper adult$159
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult$35- fromper adult$127
- fromper group (up to 15)$10
Scavenger Huntsfrom$22per adult$18
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult$8- fromper group (up to 15)$10
E-Bike Toursfromper adult$250
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult$49
State Parks
Coastal state reserve with scenic trails through diverse ecosystems, cypress groves, and wildlife. Features include forested paths and picturesque sea lion habitats.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
State Parks
Hiking Trails
Religious Sites
Historical site with a well-preserved church and museum, set within beautiful grounds, providing a reflective journey through the region's rich spiritual and cultural past.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historic site with intimate tours led by passionate guides through hand-built structures, revealing insights into a poet's life and maritime connections.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Scenic Walking Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Beaches
Speciality Museums
Other Top Attractions around Carmel
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- WanderingSpritiChicago, IL277 contributionsThe VIEWS!!! Oh so beautiful!!! You can take an easy walk across Cycamore grove and see the most beautiful vistas ! You will see frolicking otters , napping sea lions and birds - of so many kind! It is a spectacular place!Written December 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jaskel08California374 contributionsBeautiful white sand beach to enjoy the ocean. To the north, rocks, which allow for some beautiful views, rock climbing, and tidepools. To the south, the Carmel River empties into the Pacific Ocean. There’s more to this beach than ocean and sand. It’s also located adjacent to the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Reserve. That means you can explore some unique and picturesque wildlands and view plenty of wild birds and other creatures.
From the beach, to the south, you a beautiful view of Point Lobos!
Public bathrooms are present, as well as a lifeguard station. It’s also a nice place to go for a walk or watch the sunset. The location is nice – not far from the town center. It’s also located along the end of Scenic Road. So, it you want a break from the beach, it would also be fun to take a stroll north on Scenic Road as it overlooks the coastline.
As a result, this all makes for a unique beach experience.
Negatives:
Limited parking. Parking is very very very limited. You’ll likely end up parking in the limited spaces in the adjoining neighborhoods……. which means, expect to a pretty good walk.
Size. From the Carmel River, on the south, to the rocks, on the north, the beach is no long.
Lifeguard station. It is a positive but it wasn’t manned at the time we were there.
Water temp. It’s cold, but that is expected for all beaches north of Santa Barbara.Written January 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jaskel08California374 contributionsWe hiked the Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail to Soberanes Point (Whale Peak). Not many people as opposed to Point Lobos where there is no parking available on a Saturday. Beautiful walk along the bluffs. Then we hiked to the top of Soberanes Point (Whale Peak), which has an elevation of just under 300ft…… so, not difficult at all. At the point, we had an amazing panoramic view of the coastline. We got to see so many colors of red, orange, green, yellow, gray…. and this was January! It took 1 hour and we traversed a total of 2 miles. If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider, Soberanes Canyon Trail or Point Lobos.
Can’t wait to return in March to see Calla Lily Valley in full bloom!Written January 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sam101645Walnut Creek, CA345 contributionsOcean air, sounds, and view, On the other side of the street there are unique homes for your viewing pleasure. Although the Pacific Ocean never disappoints.Written April 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RonCentralCACapitola, CA669 contributionsFantastic historical site - a must see.
Having been born and raised in California I am well familiar with the chain of missions from San Diego in the south north, each about a day's foot walk apart (by intent). Though I have lived near Carmel for most of my life, this was my first visit. I was wowed by the care and presentation, and of course the burial location of Junipero Serra, the missionary who led creation of the mission chain.
Plan a few hours to absorb the sense of place and history.
Seniors 62 and over only $10 admission, otherwise $13 (as of April 2024).Written April 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kimberly Maness29 contributionsWOW!! At the beauty God has created!! This was such a magnificent place to visit! I wish we would have had more time to stay here. The hike around to see the cove was easy and short. It was just beautiful every way you turned. We had plans to go along Hwy 1 from here but ran out of time but this place made up for it!Written August 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Disney_WertheimToronto, Canada13 contributionsA charming and delightful tour of a quirky house, and some great insights into the life of the poet and his family. It's a great way to get away from the bustle of Carmel town and into the quiet, leafy backstreets. The tower climb is a highlight! Highly recommended.Written October 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- food ePhoenix, AZ1,008 contributionsIf you want ocean, upscale galleries and shopping in high end style this is amazing. Beats everwhere in bel.air ,bests newpprt hands down. Excellent dinning. Ocean at rhe end of this higj rent street. There are several streets full to spend a day or week.
No hot dogs or can beer here. But if u want the best its here. Homes and cottages also great if u like history and design. Not for casual not for budget folks. Not a bar scene. Is high class and romantic. Almost dream like ... a must see 5 star place.Written September 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeri Jo SLongmont, CO74 contributionsThe most amazing view. Crystal clear water and soft sand between your toes. A lovely walk, nice people, lots of dogs but it can be quite windy and a little cool so bring layers.Written February 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sergei PT595 contributionsLong and wide beach with soft nice sand. Very walkable you can go all the way up to the Pebble Beach golf course.
Several entries along the beach, all a bit hilly but nothing extreme.
There is parking but it will run out quickly, most of all at sunset.Written November 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JOHN NSan Francisco, CA157 contributionsWe were visiting Monterey and learned of a country concert being presented at this location.
What a wonderful venue, great sight lines, comfortable seating and a helpful (volunteer) staff. (seating is about 750).Written March 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,648 contributionsThis was a very accessible beach along Highway 1 before Point Lobos. Parking was easy but right along the highway. Unfortunately there was no dedicated turn lanes so to get back onto the freeway and head north meant making a u turn. So be careful.
We liked the expansive beach and clear view of the Pacific Ocean even on a rainy morning. The air was clear and clean but a little chilly.
No lifeguards were on duty and a large sign and red flag warning of dangerous waves greeted us as we entered. We experienced those waves as they came rolling up to the beach and kept on coming up the slight incline. I can see where someone who was not paying attention could get swamped and pulled under as other readers highlighted in their reviews.
As we walked along the beach we came across very little shells or seaweed remnants. I guess the strong waves pull most of them back.
Will try to come back during nicer weather.Written January 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January52 ºF8 days of rainModerately busy
- February53 ºF8 days of rainWettest monthVery busy
- March54 ºF7 days of rainVery busy
- April55 ºF4 days of rainModerately busy
- May56 ºF2 days of rainModerately busy
- June57 ºF0 days of rainModerately busy
- July58 ºF0 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- August59 ºF0 days of rainVery busy
- September60 ºFHottest month1 day of rainLess busy
- October59 ºF2 days of rainLess busy
- November55 ºF5 days of rainLess busy
- December52 ºFColdest month8 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.