Kid-Friendly Guide to Carmel and Monterey – Top Things To See and Do

Carmel and Monterey are beautiful coastal towns in Northern California that offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, marine life exploration, and fun activities for the entire family. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, interactive museums, or scenic drives, these destinations have something special for kids of all ages.

This area of the coastline offers the quintessential Northern California experience, with rugged cliff shores and dramatic ocean views. Many areas of the Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur feel like they’re straight out of a cinematic film. It’s truly an escape from the everyday ordinary!

Our Family Trip to Carmel and Monterey

Our family planned a late summer August trip to the Monterey coast from Sacramento. The plan was to escape the inland heat of over 100 degrees and soak up some beach days. We also happened to be there at the same time as the Monterey Car Week, which was an absolute delight for my husband who loves cars. In total we spent the better part of a week exploring the top attractions, including a day trip to Big Sur. In this guide you’ll find many family-friendly itinerary ideas, complete with our own photos to give you a visual idea of how it all looks.

Best Time of Year to Visit Carmel and Monterey

The best time of year to visit Carmel and Monterey is from September to November, when the summer crowds have dwindled but the weather remains warm and sunny. This “secret season” offers clear skies, mild coastal breezes, and beautiful fall colors without the heavy tourist traffic. Spring (April to June) is also a lovely time, with blooming wildflowers and abundant marine wildlife, including migrating whales. Summer is the busiest season, though it can bring coastal fog, especially in the mornings.

Getting to Carmel and Monterey

Carmel and Monterey are most easily reached by car via US‑101 → CA‑156 → CA‑1, offering a spectacular 3 hour drive from Sacramento through California’s Central Valley before sweeping into coastal vistas.

Our family usually piles into the car mid‑morning, heads south of Sacramento, stretches legs around Gilroy, and rolls through winding redwoods before arriving at the small ocean towns.

Visitors driving from San Francisco enjoy a picturesque 120 mile coastal route via US‑101 and CA‑1 or scenic CA‑1 through Half Moon Bay — perfect for spontaneous stops at beaches and viewpoints before descending into Carmel and Monterey.

Transportation and Getting Around Carmel and Monterey – A Car is a Must!

Having a car is essential for getting around Carmel and Monterey, mostly because all these picturesque coastal towns are spread out and full of hidden gems that are best accessed by driving. While the downtown areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are walkable and charming, many of the must-see attractions, such as the 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and various beaches, require a car for convenient access.

Public transportation options are limited, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft may not always be readily available, especially in more remote or scenic spots. Plus they’re super expensive!

With a car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, take scenic drives, and easily hop between the two towns and surrounding areas, making sure you don’t miss any of the stunning landscapes and experiences that make this region so special.

How Many Vacation Days Should You Book in Carmel and Monterey?

For a family trip with kids, booking 3 to 4 vacation days in Carmel and Monterey is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore kid-friendly attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dennis the Menace Park, and Carmel Beach at a relaxed pace. A few extra days allow for scenic drives along 17-Mile Drive or short hikes in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve without feeling rushed. With this flexible itinerary, you can balance adventure with downtime, making the trip enjoyable for both kids and parents.

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Carmel and Monterey

Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn is a mid‑range hotel features a heated pool, hot tub and spacious patio areas where both kids and dogs can play. This hotel is especially known for being style forward with colorful mid century modern decor. Ideal for taking cute family photos!

Holiday Inn Express Monterey – Cannery Row by IHG

The Holiday Inn Express Monterey is conveniently located steps from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with free breakfast buffet featuring kid‑friendly fare—and perks like in‑room cribs and mini‑fridges. Location is definitely the best perk, along with minimalism modern design.

Hofsas House Hotel

On a previous trip years ago, we stayed at the Hofsas House Hotel when our daughter was 2 years old. A charming, fairytale Bavarian‑inspired boutique with 38 rooms, many offering balconies with ocean views, plus small kitchens—ideal for families. It boasts a year‑round heated pool that kids love, plus extra‑large family suites with separate bedrooms and living areas. It’s pretty easy to convince the kids that you’re staying in a fairytale cottage when you’re a guest here!

Tips for Parents Traveling with Kids in Carmel and Monterey

Traveling to Carmel and Monterey with kids can be a fun and memorable experience—especially with a few smart tips to help everything run smoothly.

Dress in Layers

When visiting the Carmel coast, it’s best to dress in layers since the weather can change quickly throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are often cool and breezy, while afternoons may warm up with sunshine. Especially make sure that you have jackets on hand for your kids!

Pack Plenty of Snacks

Pack plenty of snacks when traveling with kids in Carmel, as kid-friendly food options can be limited. Many restaurants are upscale and pricey, so having your own snacks on hand can save money and keep little ones satisfied between meals.

Bring Binoculars

Bring binoculars when visiting Carmel to get a closer look at the stunning coastal views and abundant wildlife. From sea otters floating in the kelp to whales breaching in the distance, there’s always something worth zooming in on.

No Cell Phone Signal

During our entire 5-day stay in Carmel, we didn’t have barely any cell phone signal (our family’s providers are AT&T, T-Mobile and Metro PCS). We couldn’t make phone calls or text each other without being connected to the wifi. Have a plan in place for communication in case this happens to you too!

Top Things To Do with Kids

Discover the best family-friendly adventures in Carmel and Monterey — from tide pooling on sandy shores to strolling through the famous aquarium — perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your kids!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in the historic Cannery Row. It’s home to over 35,000 animals and 550 species in a spectacular 322,000 sq ft facility designed to inspire ocean conservation. Its signature exhibits — including the towering, first-ever living kelp forest, mesmerizing jellyfish galleries, and the massive 1.2‑million‑gallon Open Sea tank featuring sharks, tunas, and sea turtles — offer immersive glimpses into diverse marine habitats.

Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a fun and historic waterfront district in Monterey where kids can explore souvenir shops, grab sweet treats, and watch sea lions lounging on the rocks. It’s an easy walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and full of kid-friendly stops, including toy stores and ice cream shops. The ocean views, street performers, and colorful murals make it an entertaining stroll for the whole family.

Dennis the Menace Park

Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey is a 1.15-acre playground in El Estero Park. It has whimsical features like a giant rollerslide, suspension bridge, hedge maze, climbing wall, and even an old steam engine that still captures kids’ imaginations. The kids really loved this spot and was nearly impossible to get them to leave. Best part is that it’s free!

El Estero Paddle Boat Rentals

El Estero Boating is a family‑run paddle boat concession located right across the river from the Dennis the Menace Park, just blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, offering swan, duck, dragon boats as half‑hour or hourly rentals. Life jackets are provided free of charge and the water is very calm and easy to paddle. We took the kids out for an hour and they had a blast.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a stunning spot for families, offering easy, scenic trails like the Cypress Grove and Bird Island loops that wind through Monterey cypress forests and along dramatic coastal vistas — perfect for curious little hikers. Kids will love discovering tide pools, watching seals and sea lions in the kelp beds, and exploring hidden coves like China Cove.

Window Shopping in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea

Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a charming window‑shopping experience along tree‑lined Ocean Avenue, where whimsical fairytale cottages and boutique storefronts invite family exploration. Pop into kid‑friendly shops like toy stores, candy boutiques, and Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore (don’t miss its hidden Secret Garden) for surprises at every turn.

17-Mile Drive

17‑Mile Drive is a spectacular scenic loop along the Monterey Peninsula, offering families breathtaking coastal vistas, iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress, and plenty of easy pull‑overs perfect for a quick picnic or photo break.

With 17 kid‑friendly stops along the way—including tide‑pooling at Seal Rock, watching sea lions at Bird Rock, and sandy stretches like Spanish Bay Beach—children can stretch their legs and explore without long hikes.

Elkhorn Slough Safari

The Elkhorn Slough Safari is a family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through one of California’s largest wetlands, where kids can spot playful sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and over 300 bird species guided by knowledgeable naturalists.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove

Visiting the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove with kids offers a magical seasonal experience, as thousands of monarchs cluster in eucalyptus, pine, and cypress trees from October through February during their migration.

Best Beaches in Carmel and Monterey for a Picnic and Play Day

Pack your picnic blanket and prepare for memory-making moments — Carmel and Monterey boast some of California’s most scenic and family-friendly beaches, perfect for a playful day of sandcastles, snacks, and seaside fun!

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a family photo session in Carmel, see our Best Beaches in Carmel Photography Guide.

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a dreamy family destination with its soft, wide white sand and gentle surf — perfect for little ones to build sandcastles or run along the shoreline. Not that the Pacific waters are very cold and chilly, so there’s not likely to be any swimming. Kids can explore the nearby tide pools to spot crabs and sea stars.

Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach is a serene, mile-long stretch where the river’s lagoon meets the ocean — perfect for families with kids who can splash gently in calm waters while parents enjoy scenic views. With free parking, restrooms, and leash-required access for dogs, it’s a convenient, family-friendly beach choice just south of Carmel.

Pacific Grove’s Lovers Point Park

Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove is a four‑acre seaside playground nestled at the foot of 17th Street, perfect for families — think picnics on the grassy lawn, sandy cove swimming, and leisurely strolls along the scenic pier. Kids adore the shallow, heated Stillwell children’s pool, beach volleyball courts, and gentle waves that make it ideal for little ones to splash safely.

Garrapata State Park

When you scroll through the photos in this blog post, you’ll see a beach with bright blue crystal clear ocean waters. These pics were taken during our pit stop to Big Sur from Carmel. Garrapata State Park is a coastal gem located along California’s Highway 1, about 6.5 miles south of Carmel and 18 miles north of Big Sur. You have to park your car on the side of the road, and then there’s a leisurely walking trail and wooden staircase leading down to a white sandy beach. It goes get very windy here, so make sure to pack jackets!

Where to Eat with Kids in Carmel and Monterey

Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for fine dinning and very adult oriented venues. Most restaurants are made for fancy adults with gourmet meals and very breakable tableware.

We’ve been to Carmel multiple times with our kids, and I can tell you from experience that it’s hard to find kid-friendly places to eat. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the legwork and research to compile a list of both delicious and kid-friendly places to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Rise and Roam Pizza

Rise + Roam Pizza and Bakery in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a modern and trendy spot that combines morning sweet treats of a traditional bakery with the vibrant flavors of artisanal pizza. The cozy, modern atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a casual meal or a quick coffee and pastry stop while exploring the charming streets of Carmel. They’re very kid-friendly with a kids menu, coloring pages and crayons. I ordered The Roam pizza with pesto, broccoli, mushroom, house-made sauce and evoo.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Cannery Row

Our kids loved having lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. after a morning of exploring the aquarium. Their meals were large and even fairly inexpensive by modern day standards. The children’s meals come inside little fun boats and also have activities for entertainment.

The Crossroads Center in Carmel

Just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll find The Crossroads Carmel, a shopping and dining plaza offering a more relaxed and budget-friendly alternative to the pricier downtown eateries. Here, you’ll discover a wide range of modern, casual dining options with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the coastal breeze. It’s a great spot for a laid-back meal with something for everyone. We’ve taken our kids to eat at The Crossroads Barbecue and R.G. Burgers.

Adult Favorite Things To Do in Carmel and Monterey

If you have older children (or a very young baby) you may be able to squeeze in some adult-friendly spots in the Monterey area.

Monterey State Historic Park

Visiting Monterey State Historic Park is like stepping back in time to the early days of California’s rich history. Located in the heart of Monterey, this park is a collection of beautifully preserved historic buildings and gardens that tell the story of the state’s Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods.

As you stroll through the park, you can explore adobe houses, the Custom House, and the Pacific House Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits on Monterey’s past. The park’s walking tours, led by knowledgeable guides, bring history to life with stories of explorers, early settlers, and the state’s first capital.

It’s an educational and immersive experience, perfect for history buffs and families alike, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage that shaped the Monterey Peninsula.

Carmel Mission Basilica

The Carmel Mission Basilica, founded in 1770 by Father Junípero Serra and rebuilt in stone by 1797, serves as the historic headquarters of California’s early mission system and features one of the oldest surviving mission church buildings in the state. Families will enjoy exploring the tranquil courtyards, fountain, and gardens, while kids can marvel at living history in the museum galleries — including exhibits on the mission’s restoration and Father Serra’s cell.

Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Ocean Avenue is one of Carmel’s most beloved spots for visitors, offering a scenic, walkable one-mile stretch filled with charming shops and picturesque views. The area enjoys beautiful weather year-round, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Best of all, the walk ends at a stunning sandy beach that feels like a reward at the end of a storybook path.

Carmel Valley Wineries

Carmel Valley’s boutique wineries are perfect for families—vineyards like Folktale and Odonata offer spacious grounds, outdoor games, and non-alcoholic grape juice for kids while parents sip. Many tasting rooms, including Parsonage, Joyce Vineyard, and Seabold Cellars, are kid- and dog-friendly, with sunny patios, bocce or cornhole, and relaxed atmospheres that let everyone unwind in the laid-back valley charm.

Golfing in Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach offers a breathtaking golfing experience with its world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, consistently rated as the No. 1 public course in the U.S., where players walk along dramatic coastal cliffs and ocean vistas.

Families with young golfers can enjoy more casual, beginner-friendly options at The Hay short course, and through programs like the Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association, kids learn golf etiquette and skills in a welcoming environment.

Even non-golfers can soak in the beauty — spectators (though children under 7 must stay off the course) can ride in carts or follow on paths to iconic spots like the 18th green for some of the most memorable views in the game.

Planning a Big Sur Day Trip from the Carmel and Monterey Area

Starting from our hotel in Carmel, it only took us about 45 minutes to drive all the way down the coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Along the drive you will pass by so many scenic spots. including Garrapata State Park which has the famous crystal clear turquoise ocean waters. We also stopped at the Big Sur River Inn to enjoy ice cream from their truck.

Once you arrive into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the first thing you’ll see is the Big Sur Lodge which has sight-seeing, shopping and a restaurant. You don’t have to pay the entrance fee to the park to enter this area. If you want to enter the official park area for day use or to access the campgrounds, then you’ll have to pay the $10 fee (cash, Visa or Mastercard accepted).

Inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park there’s hiking and swimming. We visited during the month of August and there were many families swimming in the river’s water holes. There’s two notable spots for swimming – the Parking Lot 2 swimming hole (which can easily be viewed from the road), and the second one is Big Sur River Gorge.

The swimming hole next to Parking Lot 2 can easily be accessed from the parking lot with minimal walking. Getting to the Big Sur River Gorge requires a short hike, which starts in Parking 3. Follow the trail marked Gorge Trail which is just over a mile when calculating out and back. The Gorge swimming hole is larger but not as easy to access, especially if you have young kids.

If you’re visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State during the fall and winter months, you can hike some of the many trails around the park. This area of California rarely gets snow, so the park is accessible year-round. They also have several picnic areas in the park with tables and benches.

Traveling with Kids and Dogs in Carmel and Monterey

Traveling to Carmel and Monterey with both kids and dogs offers the perfect blend of family fun and furry-friendly adventure—Carmel-by-the-Sea is famously one of the most dog-friendly towns in the U.S., where pups can roam on sandy shores and enjoy welcoming patios, shops, and secret courtyards.

In nearby Monterey, leashed dogs are invited on many walking trails, beaches, and even bustling shopping areas, making it easy for families to move seamlessly between sightseeing, pet playtime, and kid-friendly restaurants and activities.

Popular Dog-Friendly Hotels in Carmel

• Stilwell Hotel
• Hotel Carmel
• The Quail Lodge

Final Thoughts

Carmel and Monterey are a dream destination for families, offering a perfect mix of coastal beauty, kid-friendly adventures, and even a warm welcome for your four-legged companions. From exploring tide pools and spotting sea otters to strolling charming streets and enjoying hands-on museum fun, there’s something to delight every age. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, this magical stretch of Northern California promises lasting memories for the whole family.