//
City in California, United States
Photo: Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Carmel-by-the-Sea, often called just Carmel, is a beautiful oceanside town on California's Highway 1, complete with dramatic views, white beaches, friendly locals and great food.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
One of the 21 California missions established by Father Junipero Serra along the coast of California. Established in 1771, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the missions. Father Serra, the leader behind the greater Spanish mission to California, is buried along with his most faithful lieutenant at the front of the church. During the lifetimes of Father Serra and Father Fermin Lasuen, it was the headquarters of the mission system from 1771 until 1833. Self-guided tours take you through the remaining original buildings which now hold exhibits, a small museum, and a gift shop. Catholic Masses occur regularly. Keep in mind that the mission is a working Catholic church, so dress and act respectfully.
Carmel Point, just to the south of Carmel Village. The famous stone home of poet Robinson Jeffers. Tours take about 1hr.
Considered the crown jewel of the California State Park system, Point Lobos is just south of Carmel on Highway 1. It is a rocky outcrop into the Pacific that has some great kelp forests, nice trails and small coves excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (if you can survive the cold temperatures). If the water's too cold for your taste, you can climb on the rocks oceanside or head back to the trails. Look for birds and, in early spring, newborn harbor seal pups. Dress in layers, and include a windbreaker jacket. Multiple picnic areas and restroom locations are wheelchair accessible. Bikes on paved roads only. Extra fees for diving, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and boating. No dogs, no skateboarding, no smoking, no fires.
Artist Jim Needham has created a sculpture garden of rocks that have been stacked without the use of any adhesives, bolts or supporting structures. Some of the sculptures are as tall as nine feet.
Friendly volunteers can provide information about things to do, see and eat in Carmel. They have maps, brochures and post cards.
Stroll through the town and admire the incredibly diverse architecture. The quintessential "Carmel cottage" abounds but contrasts, sometimes wildly, with the assortment of surrounding homes.
The historic outdoor Forest Theater presents community theater performances in a sort of natural amphitheater nestled in a pine forest. There are also film screenings throughout the summer as part of "Films in the Forest." Be sure to bring blankets and something warm to drink.
Bring a dog, a Frisbee, or a camera for a stroll down the beach. Dip your toes, or a bit more if you can brave the chill. Be prepared for a crisp ocean breeze. Build a twilight beach bonfire on the stretch of sand at the bottom of 13th (fires must be out by 10PM). Bring lots of blankets, hot drinks, and smore ingredients! Surfing is a possibility for very experienced surfers only (vicious riptides scour the coastline) - take off from the beach at the bottom of 8th.
The quieter Carmel River State Beach adjoins an estuary that provides perfect bird-watching opportunities. On the hill across from the lagoon is a wooden cross marking the centuries-old "port" for supply ships to the mission. Wading in the river here is possible, but the steep slope of the beach makes for a violent current, and swimming in the ocean here is not a good idea.
If you're feeling brave enough to ford the river, behind the cross winds a network of paths that eventually lead to Monastery Beach, a great favorite among scuba divers. Watch as you walk for ubiquitous ice plant, and maybe a golden poppy or two (the state flower).
Co-ed sauna with steam room, Nordic and thermal waterfalls, hot and cool pools.
A famous scenic drive through one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Northern California. Unless you are a resident or hotel guest you have to pay $10.50 to get your vehicle through the gate. This fee is reimbursed if you spend $35 at most Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants.
One of, if not the, most famous and scenic golf courses in America. Open to the public, but very expensive, with the cost to play starting from $595 if you're a hotel guest (and more if you're not).
Two-week summer festival celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach's music and legacy. Multiple concerts and presentations at several venues in and near Carmel. Some daytime events are free; tickets for the main evening concerts can run $50 to $100 or higher. Order tickets by May if you want the best options.
Offers pizza complemented by a wide selection of classic Italian entrees. The crust is the perfect cross between thick and thin, crispy and chewy.
The gourmet deli is a must-visit. Especially worthwhile are the tri-tip sandwich and authentic tamales. Perfect to go for a picnic on the beach. This market also carries groceries, including some imported groceries, but if you contemplate a major grocery run, your wallet will thank you for heading out to the Safeway or Lucky on the other side of the highway.
Carmel Bakery was established in 1899, making it the oldest retail business in the village and the oldest building in the village.
Boasts burgers, shakes, and sandwiches. The simple, cheery decor and quick service make it a favorite among families.
Chinese food in a humble off-street location.
This establishment has been around for ages. It serves quality food in a genuinely fascinating atmosphere.
Another long-standing local institution, serving up the best traditions of creative American cuisine. The daily quesadilla ($20) and warm sourdough bread ($5) will rev up even the most sluggish of appetites.
This restaurant has attracted visitors and locals alike for decades, sometimes a destination in its own right for the signature chocolate chip cookie dessert ($25, big enough to share).
Serves exceptional food with a stunning ocean panorama at the historic sheep ranch rescued by Clint Eastwood. The large patio area is perfect for warm days, while the intimate interior is perfect for anytime. A piano bar graces the place at least Thursday and weekends. Mission Ranch is especially strong for its very popular Sunday brunch. No reservations and no large groups (maximum 8 people).
Old-school Continental French restaurant. Smaller portion sizes mean you'll have room for multiple courses. If you've never seen dessert flambéed before, then consider their classic desserts: cherries jubilee, crêpes suzette, or bananas Foster ($40, serves two).
The menu changes every few months at this tiny restaurant. Pick two or three courses for a set price. About half the options, and usually all of the desserts, are soufflés. French wines offered by the glass at reasonable prices.
Opened in 1994.
This is the Carmel outpost of Monterey's brewpub with outdoor seating.
An experimental pico-brewery opened in 2018.
Combines a private garden setting with the warmth of a country inn. Offers free Wi-Fi access.
All of the services of a hotel with the ambiance of an inn located in downtown Carmel.
Collection of cottages and duplex amongst pine and oak trees. Quiet, quaint, rustic yet romantic and comfortable.
Historic, full-service boutique style hotel right in downtown and walking to the ocean. Elegant rooms with charm and character.
Freshly baked cookies and coffee offered daily give this inn with its lovely courtyard a sense of home.
Pet friendly bed and breakfast offering suites and studios with fireplaces, beautiful gardens, and bountiful breakfasts.
Cottages in Downtown next to shops and restaurants. Large suites with fireplaces and parking. Historical building with all new furniture.
Cottages and suites in downtown Carmel, and the closest Inn to the beach. Rooms have fireplaces and king beds. Free parking, free light breakfast, beach chairs to borrow as well as beach towels. Pet friendly.
La Playa Carmel is a luxury hotel with 75 rooms, prestigious gardens, and terrace swimming pool.
Asian-themed boutique hotel.
7th & Mission.
Hotel Carmel features traditional cottage-style architecture with a modern seaside feel, newly renovated guest rooms, and a warm and inviting garden courtyard.
Locally owned and operated, this little shop is packed full of unique, high-quality designer clothing. Nearby you'll also find sister shop Paloosh.
Shopping center is a collection of upscale shops in the heart of town. Be sure to look on the lower courtyard level for The Cheese Shop.
is a "shopping village" on the outskirts of Carmel, on the inland side of Highway 1. The collection of art galleries and clothing and antique shops is nestled among fabulously well-kept gardens that are worth the visit even if you don't plan to browse the stores.
By bus
By train
Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops in nearby Salinas. Amtrak runs a bus service from the station to Carmel with stops in Monterey in between. The train can be slow and is often delayed.
By plane
Nearby Monterey Airport (MRY) offers connecting service through a number of different airlines. The airport also handles a large volume of private air traffic.
There are no street numbers for homes or businesses in the main part of the town. Directions are given by street name and the nearest intersection.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Monterey · Regional · MRY
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Carmel (California) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.