Quick Summary: Carmel is a picturesque little village with a Mediterranean vibe on the Monterey Peninsula on the Pacific coast with less than 4,000 permanent residents.The town of Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded in 1902 and quickly became famous for its artist colony and a large number of artists who made it their home. The wonderful climate makes nature in and around Carmel lush and green all year, and its beautiful white sandy beaches attract many vacationers throughout the year.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Point Lobos State Reserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Point Lobos State Reserve | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of Lynn Yeh - Fotolia.com

2. Carmel Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Carmel Beach | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of beketoff - Fotolia.com

3. Seventeen Mile Drive

Seventeen Mile Drive | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

4. San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

5. Carmel River State Beach

Category: Activities
Carmel River State Beach | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of jerdad - Fotolia.com

6. Tor House

Tor House | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

7. Scenic Road Walkway

Category: Activities
Scenic Road Walkway | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of Laurens - Fotolia.com

8. Sunset Cultural Center

Category: Attractions
Sunset Cultural Center | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Sunset Cultural Center

9. Mission Ranch Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
Mission Ranch Restaurant | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Mission Ranch

10. Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Category: Accommodations
Bernardus Lodge & Spa | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Bernardus Lodge & Spa

11. Golden Bough Playhouse

Category: Entertainment
Golden Bough Playhouse  | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Golden Bough Playhouse

12. Forest Theater

Category: Entertainment
Forest Theater | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of linjerry - Fotolia.com

13. The Barnyard

Category: Food & Drink
The Barnyard | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© The Barnyard

14. Caraccioli Cellars

Category: Food & Drink
Caraccioli Cellars | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of alexugalek - Fotolia.com

15. La Balena

La Balena | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© La Balena

16. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts

Category: Attractions
Carl Cherry Center for the Arts | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Carl Cherry Center for the Arts

17. Treehouse Cafe

Category: Food & Drink
Treehouse Cafe | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Treehouse Cafe

18. Westbrook Modern

Westbrook Modern | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of Roman Sigaev - Fotolia.com

19. Palo Corona Regional Park

Category: Activities
Palo Corona Regional Park | Things to Do in Carmel, CA
© Courtesy of photobyjimshane - Fotolia.com

20. Refuge

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