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 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 Santa Clara takes 1h 02m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 14m 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, Greyhound and Busbud. From Los Angeles, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 95 miles and will cost you around $22. From Sacramento, the ticket costs about $30 for a journey of 140 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 Santa Clara takes 1h 02m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 14m 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, Greyhound and Busbud. From Los Angeles, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 95 miles and will cost you around $22. From Sacramento, the ticket costs about $30 for a journey of 140 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 (4,672 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
SWISS
Good (930 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,503 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,606 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,563 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,940 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,131 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,809 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
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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 $263 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

Quail Lodge & Golf Club
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 582 reviews)
$409+
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1048 reviews)
$372+
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1051 reviews)
$299+
Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1259 reviews)
$220+
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1938 reviews)
$227+
La Playa Carmel
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 255 reviews)
$518+

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $59 per day, on average, or $118 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 7% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. 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, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $59 per day, on average, or $118 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 7% cheaper than airport locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. 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, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.