Top Activities in Carmel

As its name suggests, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must-see seaside destination in California. Known for its rugged coastline, stunning ocean views, and cute cottage-like aesthetic, it’s no wonder this town is one of the most popular coastal towns in the country. Here are the best activities to do while visiting Carmel. 

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Zhenrui Mei
A charming cottage-style bakery with a sloping roof and large windows. A striped red and white awning hangs above the entrance displaying a "Tuck Box" sign. Two people stand outside chatting and looking at something. Flower boxes adorn the front. Trees and shops surround it, making it one of the top activities in Carmel.
Photo: Courtesy of California Legacy Tours

Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk

Meet: 66 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Price: $49

Take a guided nature walk along the exquisite cliffs of Point Lobos and look out for wildlife, such as otters, seals, sea lions, birds, and other land and sea bearing animals. On your walk, learn engaging stories about how Carmel evolved from a town of whalers and fisherman to the fairy-tail like destination it has become.

A group of eight people stands in front of a red wine trolley parked by the sidewalk in a sunny area with large trees. The trolley, advertising food and wine tours in Carmel, has "Wine Trolley" text and contact information on the side. The group appears happy and ready for an outing, posing for the photograph.
Photo: Courtesy of @winetrolley

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Meet: San Carlos / 9th Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA | Return: Carmel Plaza Mission St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Price: $129

Stroll through Carmel and sample local gourmet culinary dishes the town is known for, such as ethnic dishes, pastas, olive oils, chocolates, wines, and other farm-to-table arrangements. On your tour, your enthusiastic guide will teach you about Carmel’s history, namely regarding the gourmet culinary scene, as well as other tidbits about the architecture.

Carmel
Photo: Courtesy of @santonii

Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea

Meet: Pine Inn Ocean Ave &, Lincoln St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 | Return: Carmel Art Association Gallery Dolores Street between 5th &, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Price: $35

Gain new perspective on Carmel as you are guided through town and listening to storytellers talk about the arts and artists, architecture, and other history of the residents of Carmel. Learn how Carmel became the cute village it’s known as today.

A woman wearing a helmet, green jacket, and blue leggings sits on a bicycle, adjusting her helmet straps. She is on a paved path with a wooden fence, overlooking a rocky shoreline and ocean waves in the background under a clear blue sky—one of the top activities in Carmel.
Photo: Courtesy of @maddogscarmel

17 Mile Drive Guided E-bike Tour Pebble Beach From Carmel

Meet: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop SW Corner of Ocean Ave and Mission St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Price: $60 special, $75 usual

Don’t miss this opportunity to bike one of the most famously scenic paths in the world, known as 17 Mile Drive. Let your electric bike do the work as you enjoy looking at magnificent coastal views, well known golf courses, the most photographed tree in the world, and iconic landmarks like The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Bird Rock, Point Joe, Spanish Bay, and Crocker Grove.

Four people are sitting around a table outdoors, raising their glasses for a toast. They appear to be smiling and enjoying each other's company. There is a bottle of red wine on the table with some papers and napkins. Greenery and soft sunlight fill the background, making it one of the top activities Carmel offers.
Photo: Courtesy of @carmelfoodtour

Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package

290 Figueroa St, Monterey, CA 93940
Price: $299

Sample Carmel Valley’s best wines paired with cheese and crackers at “A Taste of Carmel” then enjoy lunch and try wine at two additional venues. Take home a premium bottle of Karlsen Family Wine, a Wine Trolley t-shirt, glass, and wine opener.

A rugged coastline with rocky outcrops and scattered trees overlooks a vast blue ocean. Lush green foliage in the foreground contrasts with the deep blue water and mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky, making it one of the top activities in Carmel for nature enthusiasts.
Photo: Courtesy of Zhenrui Mei

Scenic Path Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Start and end: Camino Real & 8th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Price: $8

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s stunning views on Scenic Road during this self-guided and paced walk. You will pass the North Dunes Habitat Restoration Project, Carmel Beach Overlook, the home where Clint Eastwood lived while serving as mayor, and more while learning about Carmel’s iconic architecture style and other stories of the past.

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