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 Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $17 for a 3h 58m 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 Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea using FlixBus or Greyhound. From Burbank, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 420 miles and will cost you around $47. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $92 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 Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $17 for a 3h 58m 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 Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea using FlixBus or Greyhound. From Burbank, the bus ride to Carmel-by-the-Sea takes 420 miles and will cost you around $47. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $92 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 (4,665 reviews)
KLM
Good (852 reviews)
SWISS
Good (942 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,539 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,306 reviews)
Air France
Good (984 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,585 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (484 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,958 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,120 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,860 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (872 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,177 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (827 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
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Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average rates range from around $538 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $293 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)
$385+
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1040 reviews)
$372+
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1033 reviews)
$281+
Carmel Bay View Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1244 reviews)
$220+
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1938 reviews)
$233+
La Playa Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 253 reviews)
$530+

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 6% more expensive than at San Francisco.

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, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 6% more expensive than at San Francisco.

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, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.