• MEETING PLANNERS
• 
• TOUR & TRAVEL
• 
• MEMBERS
• 
• MEDIA

• Lodging
  • 

    Lodging

    Where to stay? The choices are as varied as Monterey County's landscape. Quaint, decadent, understated, austere - which beckons you? From historic mansions...more
  • • Full Service Hotels and Resorts
    • Hotels and Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
    • Campgrounds and RV Parks
    • Vacation Rentals and Retreat Properties
    • Pet Friendly Hotels
• Things to Do
  • 

    Things to Do

    Monterey County is a mecca for all things active. By paddle, pedal, foot or golf cart, you're going to have ample opportunity to move and do. Only here,...more
  • • Attractions
    • Itineraries
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Animals and Wildlife
    • Parks
    • Beaches
    • Arts and Culture
    • Family Adventures
    • Golf
  • • Farmers' Markets
    • Guided Tours
    • Historic Attractions
    • Literary Sites
    • Romance
    • Shopping
    • Spas
    • Sporting Events
    • Weddings
• Events
  • 

    Events

    From world class racing to art and music festivals, top tier golf tournaments to food & wine events, there is always something fun happening in Monterey....more
  • • Music Festivals
    • Sporting Events
    • Food & Wine Events
    • Art Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Submit an Event
• Food & Wine
  • 

    Food & Wine

    Gastronomic stimulation is a hallmark of any memorable travel experience. And here again, Monterey County does not disappoint. The diversity of culinary...more
  • • Restaurants
    • Food Features
    • Wineries
    • Farm Stands
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Food and Wine Events
• Resources
  • 

    Resources

    We've got everything you need to plan a wonderfully memorable Monterey experience. Find out how to get here from wherever you are and be sure to check on...more
  • • Getting Here
    • Maps
    • Special Offers
    • Photos & Videos
    • Visitors Center
    • Webcams
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Desktop Wallpapers
    • Free Travel Guide
  • • Visitor Services
    • Transportation Services
    • Contact Us
    • Travel Alerts
• Destinations
  • 

    Destinations

    You would never tire of driving the 99 miles of Monterey County coastline in either direction. But as hard as it might be to take your eyes or mind off the...more
  • • Monterey
    • Big Sur
    • Pebble Beach
    • Carmel-by-the-Sea
    • Pacific Grove
    • Moss Landing
    • Carmel Valley
    • Seaside
    • Salinas Valley
  • • Salinas
    • Marina
    • Del Rey Oaks
    • Sand City
    • Soledad
    • Castroville
    • Parkfield
    • Spreckels

Carmel on a Shoestring

Carmel’s distinct architecture, secret courtyards, haute dining and art galleries have graced the glossy pages of high-end travel magazines around the globe. But fear not, fellow travelers! Spending time in Carmel doesn’t require spending your children’s college savings. We’ve rounded up some secret (and not so secret) ways to get away to this TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice destination without breaking the bank:

• During the summer, take a free ride on the trolley! This free, old-style vehicle travels a 30 minute scenic loop around Carmel. The trolley stops at hot spots like Carmel Beach and the Carmel Mission, one of the oldest and best-preserved missions in California.
• For a historic and wallet-friendly experience, explore the Carmel Mission Basilica. Founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, the mission is beautifully restored. Don’t miss the onsite museum and peaceful garden that are open daily.
• Stop by the Carmel Visitor Center and pick up a self-guided walking tour map. Visitors can choose either the Historic Tour or Hidden Courtyard Tour. Both are free and fascinating.
• Carmel Beach is known for its white sand, its dog friendly atmosphere, and as a great spot for snuggling up next to a beach fire. Pack a picnic and get a front row seat for Nature’s best show, a sunset over the Pacific.
• A 15 minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Earthbound Farm in the sunny Carmel Valley has a free Walking Labyrinth made from living aromatherapy plants that kids go crazy for. While there, don’t miss the gourmet goodies at their farm stand, and indulge in a guilt-free splurge on their organic frozen yogurt.
• A.W. Shucks Oyster Bar serves a dozen freshly shucked oysters for just $20. Locals and visitors alike come here for the hearty clam chowder, reasonably priced seafood and laid-back setting.
• Happy Hour at Doris Day’s hotel, the Cypress Inn, features swanky martinis and live jazz in an ultra-fabulous setting. Or, stop by Clint Eastwood’s Carmel Mission Ranch to kick back by the outdoor fireplace with a glass of local Pinot Noir at sunset. You may even get to see him tinkling the ivories at the piano bar.
• Make a beeline for the Carmel Plaza’s Cheese Shop for free samples of gourmet cheeses from around the world.
• New urban wine tasting bars are popping up around Carmel, including Caraccioli Cellars and Wrath Vineyards. Taste by the sip, the glass, or pick up a bottle to enjoy later.
• Hop aboard the Grapevine Express, a public transportation line that takes passengers to 11 distinct tasting rooms in the beautiful Carmel Valley. A day pass costs $8 and travelers can get on and off as much as they wish. The daily shuttle picks up every hour at Carmel Rancho off scenic Highway 1.
• Discover some of Carmel’s poetic roots at the charming Tor House and Hawk Tower. These local gems were built by poet Robinson Jeffers, crafted from boulders gathered from the rocky shore of Carmel Bay.
• In Carmel, not only can visitors catch a live theater or musical performance that they would expect to find in a metropolitan area, tickets to these shows are typically  far less than what would be paid at a big city box office. Head to the Pacific Repertory Theatre or Sunset Center for an experience that’s rich in culture, not cost.
• Play a challenging round of golf at Rancho Cañada, situated on the Carmel River just a few miles inland. This course is home to some of the lowest green fees on the Monterey Peninsula.
• Wild and ruggedly beautiful, Point Lobos State Reserve is perfect for day hikes and a short drive away from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Views throughout this stunning piece of coastline explain why painter Francis McComas called it "the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.”