THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Carmel with Kids (Updated 2024)
Things to Do in Carmel with Kids

THE 10 BEST Carmel Things to Do with Kids

Things to Do in Carmel with Kids

Traveler rating
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19 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • Tania T
    São Paulo, SP66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the place where you need a full day to see all beautifull landscape there. There are some hinking but you find some restrooms, a coffeeshop and a lot of park space.
    Written May 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RonCentralCA
    Capitola, CA662 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic historical site - a must see.
    Having been born and raised in California I am well familiar with the chain of missions from San Diego in the south north, each about a day's foot walk apart (by intent). Though I have lived near Carmel for most of my life, this was my first visit. I was wowed by the care and presentation, and of course the burial location of Junipero Serra, the missionary who led creation of the mission chain.
    Plan a few hours to absorb the sense of place and history.
    Seniors 62 and over only $10 admission, otherwise $13 (as of April 2024).
    Written April 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bart C
    Foster City, CA473 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Broad sandy beach overlooking the Point Lobos Peninsula and right at the edge of the housing sections of Carmel. Not enough parking when busy, however. There was a lifeguard station and bathrooms, yet I don't know when they actually have a lifeguard.
    Written May 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sam101645
    Walnut Creek, CA348 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ocean air, sounds, and view, On the other side of the street there are unique homes for your viewing pleasure. Although the Pacific Ocean never disappoints.
    Written April 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aaron W
    95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I actually liked this park better than Point Lobos. Less crowds- more scenic coastline and the hike into the Redwood forest was amazing! Lots of water and greenery. Loved it
    Written April 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Waddler
    York, UK11,353 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Its a gorgeous cove and beach you can look down on from the Bird Island Trail. Its a very short walk from the Bird Island car park (not many car parking spaces, though we parked straight away at 4pm on a Tuesday).

    For the full effect of the turquoise water you want it to be sunny so bear that in mind given that in summer mornings are often foggy in these parts.

    Be sure to check the beach for sea lions - the chances of seeing them on the beach are good. Also look out for sea otters all along the trail, we saw them in two different locations right at the start of the walk and then just past Bird Island (but not in China Cove itself)
    Written September 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • food e
    Phoenix, AZ967 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you want ocean, upscale galleries and shopping in high end style this is amazing. Beats everwhere in bel.air ,bests newpprt hands down. Excellent dinning. Ocean at rhe end of this higj rent street. There are several streets full to spend a day or week.
    No hot dogs or can beer here. But if u want the best its here. Homes and cottages also great if u like history and design. Not for casual not for budget folks. Not a bar scene. Is high class and romantic. Almost dream like ... a must see 5 star place.
    Written September 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeri Jo S
    Longmont, CO73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most amazing view. Crystal clear water and soft sand between your toes. A lovely walk, nice people, lots of dogs but it can be quite windy and a little cool so bring layers.
    Written February 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 1VictoriaTheTraveler
    Sacramento, CA764 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I visited Carmel Beach on Sunday March 24th and the afternoon was gorgeous. The beaches are clean and fully of lovely people with their dogs running about. The waves are powerful and I would not recommend swimming here (signage said the same). But absolutely lovely beach for a good day and walk.
    Written March 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carmelites
    Carmel, CA114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surprisingly good production of Mary Poppins on August 11, 2022! With Covid still a menace, we wanted to treat our daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters to an outdoor theater production. The main character has an amazing singing voice--and is an opera singer for the Monterey Symphony Orchestra, and the chimney sweep, Burt, is an experienced actor and member of the actors equity association. Seriously, they rivaled Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke in the classic movie. The stage design was also quite remarkable with moving cables, magnetic shoes for some "Cirque du Soleil" acrobatic moments. A big shout-out to this small community production!
    Written August 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alexM7114VS
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm a local and am consistently amazed at the wonderful plays put on by this small theater. I just saw "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and rate it an A+. There were people in the audience who had seen the London & NYC productions and said that this was at least as good or better!
    Written July 2, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GregH
    Eagleville, TN349 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited Del Mar beach for a little beach walking yesterday. Bach was a very comfortable walk. Sand was firm enough so as to not fill up my shoes and it was not so sloped making our walk more comfortable. It was a weekday so not many people on the beach. All in all a very nice walk. We didn’t visit any shops or restaurants but they offered options if we would have wanted to stay longer.
    Written January 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheLeongOhana
    United States7,435 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our main reason for going to the Plaza was to collect some information from the visitor center located on the second floor. I agree this was a well designed shopping area, open floor plan and a good assortment of restaurants and stores. Parking was easy to find on a surrounding street with two hour time limit. Bathrooms were located on the second floor and were clean.

    I observed good COVID-19 practices in the stores, visitors and a decent number of hand sanitizers deployed around the plaza.

    Courtyard was populated with tents for the now banned outdoor eating but you could still see the nice landscaping with seating to enjoy using proper special distancing. There was even a dedicated Fountain of Woof just for dogs. Drinking from the fountain was said to bring good luck for the dog?!?

    Unfortunately the visitor center was closed. A sign did encourage visitors to call their number and staff would answer or return the message. I received my callback the next day, so maybe they were very busy?
    Written January 12, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Baerbel D
    Greenbrae, CA5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best breakfast I had, however it is big , and the service vary friendly would recommend this place
    Written September 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure687974
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was our 2nd time renting bikes from Mad Dogs. The staff is very friendly and the bikes are solid and well maintained. This will for sure be our bike rental place of choice when we visit the Monterey/Carmel area!
    Written June 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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