Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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 among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Carmel-by-the-Sea deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re looking for affordable options, Albatross Ridge Tasting Room - Downtown Carmel (Dolores Street, Between Ocean & 6th Avenues) and Casanova Restaurant Carmel (5th Ave) are great picks.

When to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea in January
Estimated hotel price
$355
1 night at 3-star hotel
Carmel-by-the-Sea in January
Estimated hotel price
$355
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 Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel-by-the-Sea departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 25m.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 89 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Turo and Kyte, among others, in San Francisco.

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 Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Carmel-by-the-Sea departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 25m.

Car

Another option to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 89 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find branches of Turo and Kyte, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near Carmel-by-the-Sea

OAKOakland
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving Carmel-by-the-Sea

Lufthansa
Good (8,036 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,524 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,018 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,397 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,410 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,965 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,223 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,596 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,779 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (921 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,581 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,804 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,119 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,199 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,401 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (409 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,354 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,444 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,266 reviews)
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Find flights to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $401 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $277 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge and Carmel Bay View Inn. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with prices from $59 to $1,430 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea are about 124% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea by neighborhood

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

Most booked hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

See all
The Quail Lodge
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1223 reviews)
$273+
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Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (9, 1804 reviews)
$353+
View
Stilwell Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9, 1516 reviews)
$462+
View
Intercontinental Hotels The Clement Monterey By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 2406 reviews)
$303+
View
Tradewinds Carmel
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 699 reviews)
$222+
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Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 2606 reviews)
$208+
View

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $73 per day, on average, or $145 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 2% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $73 per day, on average, or $145 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 2% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92.

Find car rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea