Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Carmel-by-the-Sea during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the small town charm, the beaches, the restaurant scene, and the beautiful scenery.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an adorable seaside town that's located on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It has a picturesque beach and a quaint town center that is filled with shops and cafes. There are also many fairytale cottages and easy access to nearby parks.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Three days provides ample opportunity in Carmel-by-the-Sea to enjoy the small town charm, the beaches, the restaurant scene, and the beautiful scenery. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Couples enjoy the area for its activities, too.
How to spend 3 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
When visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can't miss Pebble Beach Golf Course as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour ($164)
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea ($159)
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus ($139)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.
The small-town atmosphere of Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a seaside town that is filled with local shops and restaurants. The village center is just one square mile, and it's the perfect place to spend a few hours browsing.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea ($40)
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea ($159)
- Discover the real Monterey - the Original Monterey Walking Tours ($35)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea ($40)
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea ($159)
- Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland ($46)
The beautiful beaches await you in Carmel-by-the-Sea, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey ($65)
- Monterey Bay Full-Day Kayak Rental: Otters, Seals and Sea Lions ($40)
- Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland ($46)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Is 4 days enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
With four days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Carmel-by-the-Sea as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the small town charm, the beaches, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
17-mile drive, Carmel by the Sea, California
How to spend 4 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
With 4 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
Shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Is 5 days enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Five days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Explore the small town, relax at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Carmel-by-the-Sea as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 5 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you have more than 5 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
This town offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Carmel-by-the-Sea, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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