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.

Most popular restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Italian
Wonderful (267 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (235 reviews)
French
Wonderful (233 reviews)
Californian
Wonderful (217 reviews)
American
Wonderful (181 reviews)
Californian
Wonderful (164 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (267 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (235 reviews)
French
Wonderful (233 reviews)
Californian
Wonderful (217 reviews)
American
Wonderful (181 reviews)
Californian
Wonderful (164 reviews)

When to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea in February
Estimated hotel price
$258
1 night at 3-star hotel
Carmel-by-the-Sea in February
Estimated hotel price
$258
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 5 miles 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 Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around $16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 41m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 90 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Carmel-by-the-Sea, including FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 295 miles and will cost you around $68. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 425 miles. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s bus station is located 1.1 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll arrive at Monterey Regional (MRY), which is located 5 miles 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 Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around $16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 41m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 90 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Carmel-by-the-Sea, including FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 295 miles and will cost you around $68. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 425 miles. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s bus station is located 1.1 miles from the city center.

Airports near Carmel-by-the-Sea

Airlines serving Carmel-by-the-Sea

Lufthansa
Good (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,928 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $539 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $259 and up for a 5-star experience.

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, 588 reviews)
$408+
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1064 reviews)
$393+
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1056 reviews)
$311+
Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1272 reviews)
$214+
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1937 reviews)
$227+
La Playa Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 255 reviews)
$508+

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $86 per day, on average, or $171 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 28% more expensive than at San Francisco.

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 Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 53% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $86 per day, on average, or $171 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 28% more expensive than at San Francisco.

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 Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 53% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.