Carmel Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city
This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers eclectic architecture, streets rich in bohemian history, and a laid-back lifestyle. Spanish explorers and missionaries first claimed the area around Carmel in the 17th and 18th centuries. It wasn’t until the after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that the sleepy hamlet began to develop into a charming and ecclectic town that continues to draw art lovers and romantics.

Carmel’s heady bohemian days may have long passed, but the city is still fully engaged in the arts and determined to preserve the small community’s characteristic atmosphere and aesthetic. Several artists have served as mayor, including actor and director Clint Eastwood. Historic theatres, including the Sunset Theatre and Forest Theatre, are still thriving. Check local guides for current productions. There are over 80 art galleries dotted throughout the downtown area, which is impressive for a town with a population of less than 4,000. Pick up a Carmel Gallery Guide or simply take a wander. 

Architecture is one of Carmel’s main attractions. Don’t miss Tor House on Carmel Point. Once the home of renowned American poet Robinson Jeffers, the house was built by Jeffers himself with stones collected from the beach below. This extraordinary home features a 40-foot (12-metre) tower embedded with stones from around the world, including the Great Wall of China. Walker Residence is another of the city’s architectural marvels. This modern stone building sits just above the beach and was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Ocean Avenue is the old town’s busy hub and is perfect for people-watching. There are over 500 boutiques to explore, and plenty of excellent cafés and restaurants. Monterey County’s reputation as a commercial fishing hub means the seafood is fresh and abundant. Carmel is also close to the California wine region, resulting in wine lists that are long and impressive. The city is renowned for its relaxed attitude towards dogs, and that includes the beach and many restaurants. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 15-minute drive from Monterey and is accessible by bus from downtown Monterey. Once you arrive, it’s best to sightsee on foot. Pick up a self-guided tour map or join one of the fascinating two-hour Carmel Walks. 

Where to stay in 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.

Golden Rectangle
Carmel which includes a house, autumn colours and a sunset

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.

Northwest Carmel
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.

Southeast Carmel
Default Image

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.

Northeast Carmel
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.

Carmel Point
Default Image

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.

Hatton Fields
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
The price is ₹13,212 per night from 29 May to 30 May
₹13,212
per night
29 May - 30 May
Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,293 reviews)
Overall good, but not when renting electric car.
"The Hotel is beautiful. However, our coffee wasn't refilled by the cleaning crew. We had to leave for Whale tour, therefore we didnt have time to ask for it. Electric vehicle chargers are only outlets and you need to bring your own charging cable. Obviously, when renting a car, you do not have that. ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Carmel Mission Inn
La Playa Hotel
La Playa Hotel
4 out of 5
Camino Real at Eighth Ave., Carmel, CA
The price is ₹29,145 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹29,145
per night
13 May - 14 May
Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping and a garden. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent service. Beautiful property grounds. Delicious breakfast."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

La Playa Hotel
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr, Carmel, CA
Fully refundable
The price is ₹27,892 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹27,892
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (622 reviews)
"We had the most amazing views of the ocean from our balcony. The only downside was that they said online that rollaway beds were available, but didn't have any when we requested. Rest everything was great."

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
7 Springs Inn & Suites
7 Springs Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
950 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,383 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable rooms with friendly staff."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

7 Springs Inn & Suites
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
3.5 out of 5
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,014 reviews)
"nice property, would stay again"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,514 reviews)
"Staff was nice. Rooms were nice and clean. Property was very well kept"

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Carmel

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 59.45945945945946%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 29.72972972972973%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 8.108108108108109%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.7027027027027026%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
12 Dec 2019

Bit quiet (due to being off season) as we are young maybe not as much about to do. But lovely place and great beach

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Oct 2019

Check out the Mission Ranch for early dinner, and then watch the sun go down at the beach

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Oct 2019

Paradise!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Sep 2019

Beautiful place but visit Monterey for the real world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Sep 2019

Lovely

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Sep 2019

Want to go back asap

Cities near Carmel