Carmel is one of our favorite destinations for a California family vacation. Here are our favorite things to do in Carmel with kids, along with where to stay and helpful tips from several family trips.

Vineyard and rolling green hills at Carmel Valley Ranch in California

Carmel is one of our favorite destinations for a California family vacation. With its beautiful beaches, storybook cottages, family-friendly activities, and easy access to Monterey, it’s an ideal spot for a long weekend with kids.

We’ve visited Carmel and Carmel Valley several times as a family, including three stays at Carmel Valley Ranch. It’s about a four-hour drive north of Santa Barbara, five to six hours from Los Angeles, and two hours south of San Francisco, depending on traffic.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Carmel with kids, along with where we stayed and a few tips from our family trips.

Children harvesting lavender and enjoying lavender lemonade at Carmel Valley Ranch

Family Activities at Carmel Valley Ranch

One of the things we love most about Carmel Valley Ranch is the variety of activities offered throughout the property. During this visit, we happened to arrive during the annual lavender harvest, so the girls and I joined the Ranch’s beekeeper and lavender expert to gather bunches of fragrant lavender.

Afterward, we brought our lavender to the organic garden for a little tea party and made fresh lavender tea by filling empty tea bags with buds from the plants. It was surprisingly delicious, especially with lavender shortbread and glasses of lavender honey lemonade.

Two bunches of French Lavender and a hawk feather just harvested at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Gardens, Wildlife, and S’mores

The lavender fields smelled incredible, and we found feathers and other little treasures during our walks around the property. The girls’ favorite was a red-tailed hawk feather they found near the garden and added to their lavender bouquets.

Carmel Valley Ranch has an extensive organic garden filled with vegetables, herbs, flowers, and towering sunflowers. Many of the ingredients grown here are used by the resort’s restaurants.

Sunflowers, vegetables, and herbs growing in the Carmel Valley Ranch organic garden
A small portion of the beautiful organic garden at Carmel Valley Ranch. Tall sunflowers, vegetables, and herbs that go directly to the Ranch kitchen.

Deer roaming the grounds at Carmel Valley Ranch

Wildlife is another part of the experience. We regularly spotted deer and wild turkeys roaming freely around the property, which made even a simple walk feel like an adventure for the girls.

Family s’mores by the fire at Carmel Valley Ranch

In the evenings, families gathered around the fire for s’mores. It was such a simple activity, but it became one of our favorite parts of staying at the Ranch.

Family pool, splash area, and dining at Carmel Valley Ranch

Why Carmel Valley Ranch Works Well for Families

Our suite had a separate bedroom and living room, along with two fireplaces. A door between the sleeping and living areas meant I could put the girls to bed without sitting silently in a dark hotel room for the rest of the evening—something parents of young children will understand!

The family pool and children’s splash area were perfect for the girls. At the time of our visit, the resort also offered a children’s activity cottage where they could do arts and crafts while I worked out. Activities and childcare offerings can change, so check the current schedule before your stay.

We had planned to spend more time exploring Carmel, but there was so much to do at the Ranch that we never left the property that weekend. The restaurants were also very good; one of my favorite dishes was the pea ravioli with truffles pictured above.

If you’re planning a family getaway, you can check current rates and availability at Carmel Valley Ranch here.

Things to Do in Carmel and Monterey with Kids

If you have time to explore beyond the resort, these are some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Carmel and nearby Monterey:

    • Visit the Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley for a casual breakfast or lunch and a walk through the garden.
    • Spend a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, about 20 minutes from Carmel Valley Ranch.
    • Explore the shops, courtyards, and storybook architecture of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
    • Play on the sand and watch the sunset at Carmel Beach.
    • Visit Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey, especially if you’re traveling with younger children.
    • Walk the coastal trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of Carmel.
    • Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, with stops for coastal views and wildlife.