Carmel

Travel Guide
Carmel which includes a city, street scenes and nightlife
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 theaters, including the Sunset Theater and Forest Theater, 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-meter) 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 featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(12 area reviews)

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

Golden Rectangle
Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Northwest Carmel

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting Northwest Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Northwest Carmel
Forest Theater Guild featuring theater scenes and a park

Southeast Carmel

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

Southeast Carmel
Winter beach day in Carmel. #lifeatexpedia

Northeast Carmel

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Though Northeast Carmel might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Northeast Carmel
Carmel Mission which includes a house, a fountain and skyline

Carmel Point

4/5(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
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Hatton Fields

While Hatton Fields might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel Plaza.

Hatton Fields
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
The price is CA $216 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $216
CA $288 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
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 May 6, 2024

Carmel Mission Inn
La Playa Hotel
La Playa Hotel
4 out of 5
Camino Real at Eighth Ave., Carmel, CA
The price is CA $477 per night from May 12 to May 13
CA $477
CA $626 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this hotel in Carmel. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent service. Beautiful property grounds. Delicious breakfast."

Reviewed on Apr. 29, 2024

La Playa Hotel
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr, Carmel, CA
The price is CA $457 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $457
CA $556 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this spa resort in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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 May 3, 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.
One Queen Bed Cottage
One Queen Bed Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stay at this cabin in Carmel. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
Quick Stay in carmel
"The unit was clean; check-in was quick, and in a convenient location."

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2024

One Queen Bed Cottage
Hacienda Aguajito: Gated Estate with Ocean Views on 23 Exotic Acres in Carmel
Hacienda Aguajito: Gated Estate with Ocean Views on 23 Exotic Acres in Carmel
Carmel
Stay at this vacation home in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
Lovely home
"We enjoyed the house as everyone’s rooms were spread out and gave each privacy. Beautifully decorated and much detail throughout. Loved the indoor and outdoor kitchens as one of our family members is a fine dining chef and we all enjoy cooking. The wood sauna and soaking tub was a huge hit with our ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 25, 2023

Hacienda Aguajito: Gated Estate with Ocean Views on 23 Exotic Acres in Carmel
Carmel Special. Beautiful Private Cottage
Carmel Special. Beautiful Private Cottage
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
Anniversary Get-Away
"Clean, comfortable, nice neighborhood, everything we needed. We are in our 60's, so didn't need anything more."

Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2024

Carmel Special. Beautiful Private Cottage
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

Things to do

Reviews of Carmel

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
34
" "5 - Excellent 75.55555555555556%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 22.22222222222222%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 2.2222222222222223%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 23, 2019

The beach was 5-10 min drive away and was amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 26, 2019

Beautiful are, lots to see and do, great restaurants and wineries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 20, 2019

Carmel is lovely & the beach is outstanding

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 19, 2019

Carmel is a charming little town. Carmel has the best views on the pacific coast. A must see

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jul. 16, 2019

not much to do if travelling with kids except beach! dogs everywhere! more at monterey for kids

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jun. 23, 2019

It's so sweet and quaint. Would love to stay here longer to explore more!

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