Should You Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this town for one to three days because of the many great activities. 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. We first visited in 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its local personality and beautiful seaside setting.

17-mile drive, Carmel by the Sea, California

Reasons to Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Food
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.

Beaches
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.

Shopping
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.

Museums
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.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Carmel-by-the-Sea, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, wander through the small town, and spend time at the museums.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the small town charm.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).

The low season for travel in Carmel-by-the-Sea is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and sample the delicious cuisine.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the small town charm.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Carmel-by-the-Sea with a lively nightlife scene. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Carmel-by-the-Sea might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Carmel-by-the-Sea here or see if Carmel-by-the-Sea is expensive here.

Related

What is Carmel-by-the-Sea most famous for?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is most famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. The town is very popular for its food, beaches, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums. It is often described as charming, picturesque, and quaint.

What is the most famous sight in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The most popular sight in Carmel-by-the-Sea is Pebble Beach Golf Course. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Carmel-by-the-Sea on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Pebble Beach Golf Course and other attractions here.

How touristy is Carmel-by-the-Sea? Is it a popular town to visit?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea: $35
• Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey: $65
• Monterey 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $60
• The Original Monterey Walking Tours : Guided Tours of Cannery Row: $35
• Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5 Hour Electric Bike Tour: $75
• 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
• 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $95
• Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour: $45

How long should I spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea is one to three days. Since Carmel-by-the-Sea has activities such as dining, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Carmel-by-the-Sea?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Carmel-by-the-Sea?.