Carmel Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Carmel

Carmel which includes street scenes, nightlife and signage

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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 femail

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 general coastal views, a bay or harbor 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 which includes interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements

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 featuring a bridge, landscape views and general coastal 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 showing general coastal views, landscape views and mountains

Popular places to visit

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Monastery Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

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.

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.

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.

Areas of Carmel

Carmel which includes a house, autumn colours 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.

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.

Forest Theater Guild featuring theatre scenes and a park

Southeast Carmel

When in Southeast Carmel, you can plan a visit to Carmel Plaza and Carmel Mission Basilica, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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.

Carmel Mission Basilica featuring a house, a fountain and skyline

Carmel Point

5/5(1 area review)

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

Hatton Fields

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

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Things to do in Carmel

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