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.

Article

Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Valley Kitchen (1 Old Ranch Road) and The Pocket - Carmel (5 Lincoln 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 May
Estimated hotel price
$386
1 night at 3-star hotel
Carmel-by-the-Sea in May
Estimated hotel price
$386
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 New York and takes around 5h 56m.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

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 New York and takes around 5h 56m.

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 Turo and Movly, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s bus station is located 1.1 miles from the city center.

Airports near Carmel-by-the-Sea

OAKOakland
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving Carmel-by-the-Sea

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $544 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $226 and up for a 5-star experience. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with prices from $82 to $1,793 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 93% 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, 1060 reviews)
$322+
View
La Playa Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 417 reviews)
$575+
View
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 2230 reviews)
$323+
View
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1750 reviews)
$362+
View
Carmel Bay View Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 2443 reviews)
$261+
View
Carmel Valley Ranch
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 167 reviews)
$610+
View

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $60 per day, on average, or $120 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel-by-the-Sea is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $60 per day, on average, or $120 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 4% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Carmel-by-the-Sea is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Carmel-by-the-Sea city guide for the best Carmel-by-the-Sea travel tips. To help you organize your Carmel-by-the-Sea trip ideas, this Carmel-by-the-Sea visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.