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 Austrian Airlines, United Airlines and American 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 Santa Clara takes 1h 01m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 16m 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 Greyhound or FlixBus. From Fresno, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 652 km and will cost you around $53. From Burbank, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 676 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 Austrian Airlines, United Airlines and American 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 Santa Clara takes 1h 01m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 16m 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 Greyhound or FlixBus. From Fresno, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 652 km and will cost you around $53. From Burbank, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 676 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 (4,697 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,586 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,269 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (491 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,957 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,935 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (224 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,170 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (820 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,725 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $565 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $302 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, 582 reviews)
$385+
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1024 reviews)
$372+
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1028 reviews)
$280+
Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1242 reviews)
$215+
La Playa Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 250 reviews)
$550+
Arbor Inn Monterey
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 3764 reviews)
$112+

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.