Southeast Carmel Travel Guide
Carmel
Visit Southeast Carmel
Popular places to visit
Forest Theater Guild
Enjoy a classic play or film beneath the pine trees and stars at this century-old outdoor theater in historic seaside Carmel.
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Carmel at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Carmel Plaza
You can enjoy retail therapy at Carmel Plaza during your trip to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the golf courses.
Bixby Bridge
This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.
Things to do
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Top hotels in Southeast Carmel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Upon arrival, valet was quick and attentive, delivering our luggage to the room as we checked in. Walking through the hotel, it was clean with a pleasant smell. We reserved a double queen room with a courtyard. This room may have worked if it was just myself and my husband. But with us and our two ..."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Absolutely superb! Spotless clean, super comfy beds, and great location."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Great restaurant."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"Restaurant food was very good. Amenities plentiful. Room was too small no table, no counter space in bathroom. Great location to Carmel!"
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"Location is great. The first time we stayed in a different room and had no noise issues and reason we booked again; however, our recent stay was very noisy; bed creaked with every turn and we could hear the other rooms as well. Not sure we’ll stay again…"
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
"Room was clean, beds were comfortable & it was quiet during the night."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Southeast Carmel
Downtown Carmel
If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza.
Northeast Carmel
While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza are some notable places to visit nearby.
Carmel Highlands
Carmel Highlands is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Point Lobos Ranch and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Northwest Carmel
If you're spending some time in Northwest Carmel, Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza are top sights worth seeing.
