A Solo Traveler's Guide to Carmel, California

So, you’re finally ready to take your first solo trip to Carmel, California? How exciting?!

Carmel, CA is a great way to kick off your solo travel experience as it’s known for its ability to help unwind, unplug, relax, and reconnect; appreciating each moment as it arises. Between its gorgeous coastline, idyllic storybook houses, beautiful art galleries, and delicious food and wine, savoring the senses and connecting to nature is abundant. Whether you plan to fly in and enjoy the downtown area and shops or drive and expand your horizon of stunning Big Sur coastline, taking time to be mindful and practice self-care is easily in store for you.

How to Get to Carmel, CA

If you are flying in, the airport closest to town is Monterey Regional Airport. It’s about a ten minute Uber ride to your accommodation if you’re staying in the heart of town. If you don’t have a car, walking around town is easy, but can make visiting places like Bixby Bridge a challenge. You may want to rent a car if you plan to explore further outside of town. There is plenty to see and do if you decide to take day trips.

If you’re driving in from Los Angeles, expect at least a 5-hour drive.

Extra help: to better customize your itinerary to your favorite travel style, when you arrive in Carmel look for the Official Visitor’s Guide from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce or check out the official Carmel by the Sea tourism site.

Where to Stay in Carmel, CA

There are tons of beautiful and cozy hotels in Carmel. Determine your price-point and how far in town you want to be.

You may want to consider:

The Hotel Carmel - newly transformed and located at 4th & San Carlos - steps away from shops, galleries, and restaurants.

L’Auberge Carmel - Originally built in 1929, the historic hotel is known for its graceful architecture, personalized guest services, European-style and elegance.

Cypress Inn - Nestled in the heart of Carmel which CNN Travel called a “legendary overnight oasis” and Sunset Magazine termed “Probably the most famous dog-friendly hotel in the country.”

What to Pack for your trip to Carmel, CA

Most of the year, the max temperature in Carmel is in the 60’s (F), and the ocean temperature can be chilly. With cool mornings and evenings, your best bet is to pack and dress in layers.

Fun fact - there is a city ordinance outlawing high heels, so do yourself the favor and bring comfortable walking shoes. Dress in town is usually casual so honor your sense of style with this in mind.

If you plan to be active, do yoga, take walks, go for a run, bring your usual fitness attire and favorite work out sneakers.

If you aren’t brave to ask a stranger to take your photo everywhere you go, pack a tripod like this one for your camera or this one for your phone and have fun capturing your solo moments.

What to do in Carmel, CA

1. Spend time on and around Carmel Beach

Even if you’re visiting when temps are cooler or you are faced with inclement weather, spending time on or alongside Carmel Beach is a must. Plan to have a picnic, enjoy the sunshine or go for a walk. In addition to the coastline views, there are beautiful homes, like the famous Eames house to see as well as the magic of the sounds of the crashing waves.

2. Browse the local boutiques

Thomas Kinkade Gallery Garden Passageway

There are so many cute and stylish shops located in downtown. Take time to meet local shopkeepers and check out what’s in style in Carmel. Consider Bee Bark and Moss Bags, Paloosh, and the shops in Carmel Plaza.

3. Do a wine tasting

Whether you find something local or head a bit out of town to Folktale Winery, there are many options of delicious wines to try.

4. Tour the local art galleries

There’s so much amazing and interesting art throughout Carmel. Whether you’re drawn towards paintings, photography or sculpture there’s plenty to take in and consider bringing home.

5. Take in the sunset at Bixby Bridge

Easily one of the most iconic bridges in the world and rightfully so. About 25 minutes south of downtown Carmel is the Bixby Creek Bridge. Use a Golden Hour app to determine when the magic hour light begins and plan to arrive 20 minutes earlier to take in the sights and determine your favorite spot to enjoy the view.

6. Enjoy the food scene

There’s nothing wrong with visiting Carmel hungry. There are many delicious restaurants with all different types of cuisine all over town. In fact, if you want to experience the local food scene and have some company, consider signing up for a food tour. Otherwise, take a look at this list and start making your reservations. Fun fact: there are no fast-food restaurants in town. See the link below for WHERE TO EAT.

7. Breathe in the fresh air and look for marine mammals in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Located about 15 minutes outside of downtown Carmel is Point Lobos State Park. It offers a gorgeous scenic coastline with hiking and a variety of sea animals and wildlife. If you enjoy photography there will be plenty of opportunities to capture stunning landscape images. Be sure to take note of the park times for entrance and exiting.

8. Get a massage (or simply relax by a fire)

If you’re heading to Carmel to take time away from your busy and stressful day-to-day, this is the perfect setting to indulge in some spa treatment. See if your hotel offers massages or check out Aqua Wellness Day Spa or Refuge.

9. Take in the beauty of McWay Falls

McWay Falls is about an hour south of downtown Carmel. If you have the time and want to explore more of Big Sur, it’s worth the time and the drive. Especially for this iconic waterfall that falls directly into the ocean. You may want to consider hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

10. Visit the Carmel Mission and Museum

Dating back to 1797 this Roman Catholic church is one of the best authentically restored churches in California. Whether you are religious or not there’s much beauty in the serene setting and architecture of this basilica and grounds.