Whether you love nature or appreciate the finer things in life, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a wealth of activities for visitors. This charming Central Coast town is noted for its incredible views and amazing collection of restaurants.
Guests who stay long enough soon discover that Carmel-by-the-Sea also has amazing art galleries, golf courses, high end boutiques, tasting rooms, and other places to spend a day. Are you throwing together a getaway to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a bachelorette party, romantic getaway, or some other special occasion?
A tour we think you'll love
Fall in love with this special place with our list of the seven best things to do in Carmel California:
1) Visit Wine Tasting Rooms
As part of Monterey County, Carmel-by-the-Sea is situated in a prime California wine region. Some of the country’s finest sparkling wines are produced in this region. Visitors exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea can enjoy a plethora of vineyards and wine tasting rooms.
Famous Galante Vineyards Tasting Room and Albatross Ridge Tasting Room on Dolores Street are both popular choices. However, there are close to two dozen tasting rooms in total in the vicinity of Dolores Street that you can use to “room hop” when planning a fun night out.
Pro Tip: To make the most of your wine tasting experience, consider visiting during the week when the crowds are smaller. This way, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and get personalized attention from the staff at each tasting room!
2) Do A Food Tour
The truth about visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea is that it can be easy to feel like an “outsider” on the food scene when you’re selecting places to eat. Visitors can also struggle with not knowing where to go to get the best meal.
If you’re eager to experience the best of the best without taking a gamble on a dinner reservation, skip the conventional dining experience for a guided food tour. Carmel Food Tours offers unforgettable food tours that cater to your tastes. Eat your way through Carmel with us!
We carefully craft tour itineraries to give our culinary explorers a taste of off-the-beaten-path gems and the iconic restaurants everyone talks about. In the end, you’ll get a well-rounded experience that makes you feel like a well-informed student of the Carmel food scene. When you choose our Carmel-by-the-Sea Classic Food Tour, you’ll enjoy:
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Three hours dedicated to nothing but discovering Carmel’s amazing food scene!
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Five to six separate tastings at acclaimed local eateries and specialty shops.
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A narrated experience from an expert local tour guide that covers the town’s unique history, architecture, and culture. You’ll be engaged in a truly immersive experience that feeds all the senses while learning and dining in a lively atmosphere.
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Walks through the charming streets and passageways of Carmel.
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So much variety! One of the best things about our Carmel food tours is that our itineraries can include wine tastings, a stop at a chocolate shop, and much more.
In addition to offering standard food tours, we also offer private tours catering to your tastes and interests. In the past, our guests have absolutely loved stopping at Carmel Bakery for European-style pastries after enjoying a seafood-inspired tour with a wine component. We also offer tours that combine food and biking on e-bikes.
Don’t just settle for dinner – let us create an unforgettable experience just for you! Book your tour with Carmel Food Tours today and get ready for a day of fun and flavor!
3) Visit Carmel Beach
Beautiful Carmel Beach is a long, wide beach with soft sand that welcomes dogs. While the breakers are tame here, the water can be quite chilly. That’s why most people simply build sandcastles or settle into beach chairs to watch a spectacular sunset.
As the sun sets and paints the sky with vibrant colors, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Carmel Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of this coastal gem!
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a relaxing stroll after a great meal in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can walk along the quiet streets, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the lovely views around you.
After your stroll, treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream from one of the nearby shops! Enjoying a sweet treat while listening to the waves is a great way to end your beach day.
4) See Seabirds At Carmel River State Beach
If you’d like to visit a more secluded beach, this state park is a bird sanctuary contained within a lagoon. The beach is located just before the spot where the mouth of the Carmel River reaches the sea. While exploring this stunning mile-long state park, you can take in views of soft sand dunes while pelicans, oystercatchers, and other seabirds busily swoop in around you.
After enjoying the sights and sounds of the seabirds, take a moment to relax on the beach and soak up the sun. It’s a great spot to unwind, read a book, or simply listen to the gentle waves. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view of the beautiful lagoon and the ocean beyond.
Fun Fact: Carmel River State Beach is not only a great spot for birdwatching, but it’s also a popular place for spotting sea otters and harbor seals. Keep your eyes peeled for these playful creatures while you enjoy your time at the beach.
5) See Where Legends Are Made At Pebble Beach Golf Course
Don’t miss your chance to play at one of America’s most prestigious golf courses, where legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have competed. Located just a short drive from downtown Carmel, Pebble Beach Golf Course is home to iconic PGA Tour and U.S. Open events. The golf course is open to the public. When visiting as a non-guest, you can reserve your spot up to 24 hours in advance.
Make the most of your visit! Even if you’re not a golfer, Pebble Beach is worth a visit. You can take a scenic drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the golf course.
There are plenty of spots to stop and take photos, so be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around you! Highlights include stops at Spanish Bay, Bird Rock Vista Point, the 250-year-old Lone Cypress, Point Joe, and the Restless Sea.
6) Explore The Marine Habitats Of The Monterey Peninsula At The Aquarium
Located in nearby Monterey on Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is famed for its exhibits showcasing local marine habitats. Don’t miss your chance to see these exhibits:
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Viewing decks with opportunities to see humpback whales and sea otters.
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An underwater kelp forest with leopard sharks, wolf eels, sardines, and more.
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The giant Pacific Octopus.
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Mesmerizing jellies.
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Mudflats and marshes that serve as seabird aviaries.
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Penguins, sharks, sea otters, and more!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s unique setup allows you to feel like you’re diving into the Pacific to get face-to-face looks at marine life without ever getting wet! Visitors have so many opportunities to observe amazing creatures in their natural habitats. Don’t miss your chance to learn why the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula is worth preserving at this world-class marine attraction!
7) Explore The Courtyards And Passageways Of Ocean Avenue
Do take some time to simply stroll along Ocean Avenue to take in the fairytale-like architecture and charming shops. It’s always fun to stroll along leafy cobblestone sidewalks to do some window shopping at the storefronts of this charming town. You can also dip into Carmel Plaza for a shopping experience that combines national retailers with specialty shops.
As you wander along Ocean Avenue, don’t forget to stop for a coffee or a sweet treat at one of the cozy cafes. It’s the perfect way to recharge while you enjoy the lovely atmosphere. Whether you choose to sit outside and people-watch or grab a snack to go, you’ll find that the little moments make your visit even more special.
Pro Tip: Take your time exploring the side streets and hidden passageways off Ocean Avenue. You never know what delightful shops, art galleries, or beautiful gardens you might discover. Each turn can lead to a charming surprise, so keep your eyes open and enjoy the adventure!
Experience The Flavors Of Carmel
Central California is calling! Whether you plan to dip your toes in the soft sand at a state park or take a scenic road to see a sunset at Point Lobos, you’re going to fall in love with Carmel. Of course, they say that you can’t really know a place until you’ve sat down to enjoy a meal with locals.
At Carmel Food Tours, we believe that the top things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea include sampling a little bit of everything with our informative, satisfying, and fun culinary adventures. Spend a sunny day with us, accompanied by the sounds of crashing waves setting the tone for your meal!
