Carmel-by-the-Sea travel guide

Carmel-by-the-Sea Tourism | Carmel-by-the-Sea Guide

You're Going to Love Carmel-by-the-Sea

With a population of 3.722, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Carmel-by-the-Sea deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Valley Kitchen (1 Old Ranch Road) and Seventh & Dolores (7th Avenue & Dolores St) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Il Tegamino (SS of Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Monte Verde We are tucked in the Courtyard behind the Cottage of Sweets) and The Grill, Carmel-by-the-Sea (Ocean Ave & Mission Street) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

When to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea in February
Estimated hotel price
$263
1 night at 3-star hotel
Carmel-by-the-Sea in February
Estimated hotel price
$263
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Plane

When flying to Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll arrive at Monterey Regional (MRY), which is located 8 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Carmel-by-the-Sea include Air Canada, Avianca and Copa Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel-by-the-Sea departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The train journey from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Sacramento takes 1h 38m and costs around $29 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $25 for a 3h 58m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 144 km from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea using FlixBus or Greyhound. From Los Angeles, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 169 km and will cost you around $25. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $47 for a journey of 636 km. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s bus station is located 1.8 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll arrive at Monterey Regional (MRY), which is located 8 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Carmel-by-the-Sea include Air Canada, Avianca and Copa Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel-by-the-Sea departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The train journey from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Sacramento takes 1h 38m and costs around $29 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $25 for a 3h 58m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 144 km from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea using FlixBus or Greyhound. From Los Angeles, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 169 km and will cost you around $25. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $47 for a journey of 636 km. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s bus station is located 1.8 km from the city center.

Airports near Carmel-by-the-Sea

Airlines serving Carmel-by-the-Sea

Lufthansa
Good (4,699 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
SWISS
Good (955 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (490 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,600 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,965 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,962 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (820 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (925 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
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Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $566 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $300 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Comfort Inn Carmel By the Sea and Clarion Collection Carmel Oaks Inn.

Where to stay in popular areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Most booked hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Quail Lodge
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 581 reviews)
$385+
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1021 reviews)
$372+
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1026 reviews)
$284+
Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1241 reviews)
$217+
La Playa Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 251 reviews)
$557+
Arbor Inn Monterey
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 3772 reviews)
$113+

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $52 per day, on average, or $104 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 33% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Carmel-by-the-Sea (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel-by-the-Sea is Full-size (Chevrolet Suburban or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $52 per day, on average, or $104 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 33% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Carmel-by-the-Sea (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel-by-the-Sea is Full-size (Chevrolet Suburban or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.