The Sunset Center in Carmel is a historic venue for live performances and community events. Built…read morein 1926 as Sunset School, the Spanish Colonial Revival building was saved and transformed into the Sunset Center, giving it new life as a cultural hub. Good lighting and clear acoustics here, and performances are enjoyable from all 718 seats in the main room. For the show we attended, sponsored by Folk-Yeah, our seating was assigned & we picked physical tickets up at will-call --no electronic tickets. It felt relatively small and well organized for a concert venue. Wine is sold in non-spillable sippy cups, a smart, practical detail. For our show, the merchandise line spilled out the front door and moved slowly. More than enough bathrooms at the venue. The ushers are helpful, though pocket lights and seat assistance during the performance can be distracting. Overall, an intimate place to see a live act in Carmel.

I really enjoy volunteering here, for many reasons. The presentations and performances are top…read morenotch. Entertainers, artists, musicians, comedians and others adore visiting Carmel by the Sea and the Monterey Peninsula. The venue maximum is about 700 guests in the main theater and 50 for the studio 105 shows. So not overwhelming crowds, thank goodness. Many outdoor patio shows and big screen theater movies are complimentary, to all. As volunteers, we work usually less than 4 hour shifts and see the shows, for free. We earn credits for next season tickets, with Bravo lounge status. Maxed 4 tickets, 10 shifts per ticket. We choose the shifts and shows to volunteer, then get assigned. Older very nice group of people, the majority are women. Exciting to be involved with such a fabulous team. Thank you kindly!

Carmel Mission Basilica (formal name 'San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo') is one of six minor…read morebasilicas in the state of California (five being former Spanish missions). It is the oldest one, founded in 1770, and elevated to basilica status by Pope John XXIII in 1960. My wife, her mom, and I visited it during a late Sunday afternoon during our first day in Carmel, and found it to be a great, worthwhile experience, especially if one is Roman Catholic. The basilica is still a working parish, so parking during non-mass hours was easy to find. A ticket booth was set-up at the visitor entrance, with cost of $15 per adult ($13 for senior). There is an adjacent gift shop that doesn't require admission and sells all the various religious items that one would expect from a religious tourist attraction. We ended up spending about 90 minutes here (there is a lot of information here, along with a lot to see). -- Founding priest was Junipero Serra ("Apostle of California"). He was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, and his shrine/remains are interned here. -- Only U.S. church visited by a pontiff during a papal visit: Pope John Paul II in 1987. He paid homage to Father Serra, and laid flowers at the tomb. This visit is clearly commemorated. -- the Munras Family Heritage Museum is worth going to, to see a short movie about the prominent Monterey family, along with early California artifacts from the family. -- the Nativity scene was one of the most intricate -- the large courtyard is a good place to stop and admire the architecture of a California Spanish mission, along with a thick trunk Cork Oak tree By the time we were leaving, the ticket office had closed (last call is at 16:30, to allow everyone to have enough time before official close at 18:00).

My friends took me to the Basilica and we enjoyed walking around the grounds and visiting the…read morevarious Chapels within the site. It is also the final resting spot of Saint Junipero Serra, the Founding Father of California. Pope John Paul II visited here in 1987 and is recognized in the Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel, which is a beautiful, small chapel with a confessional from years ago. The Mission Cemetery is the final resting place for some members of this Parish. It also includes a symbolic cemetery representing the hundreds of indigenous people buried here and the surrounding area. These grave sites are adorned with abalone shells as an honorary recognition of their cultural presence to the area. There are several museums on site, beautiful artwork and religious artifacts as well as an extensive courtyard to wander around. Finally, there is a display of the final resting place for Saint Junipero as well as reproductions of other parts of the Basilica back in the day. The price of $15 for adults/$12 for seniors may be a little steep for families, but it is worthwhile to explore the history of the renowned Basilica.

Inviting small theater in downtown Carmel…read more On the maps it is called "Golden Bough Playhouse - Founders Theatre and Circle Theatre". However, sometimes it is called simply Circle Theater. It is a nice intimate theater with nary a bad seat in the house. I really enjoyed my experience watching a play here. The cast was a fun bunch and all the staff inside were helpful and friendly. A great community feel to it. So, buy a ticket online and support this special local theater. Enjoy a meal before a show ( get reservations because it can be busy). Do many good choices. Parking: Don't be afraid there is parking, but not always easy to find. Fear not! Make an offering to your preferred parking demi-god and a space should open. Don't lose your faith and pre plan you arrival to give yourself plenty of time to find a space.

Love this theater...as well as the small lower venue. I've never seen a poor production here and…read morethe actors...often local talent...are always worth watching. Simply a good venue to enjoy live performances!

Newly remodeled the interior design is elegant. Volunteers very friendly. There is no dedicated…read moreparking and it's surrounded by homes so you may park several blocks away...With no sidewalks nor lighting the walk is not safe. The cast of GYPSY had amazing voices. The set was cheesy and the costumes a disappointment. Looks like a thrift store haul. Aside from that, all actors gave a wonderful performance and Herbie, Rose & Louise have impressive voices. My favorite performer was the actress who played Louise... she projected the feelings of a scene without overly emoting too much! Overall it was an enjoyable evening out!

We saw a production there recently. And the theater has been recently refurbished. The theater was…read moreamazing, show was breathtaking. You can't tell that these are a bunch of local folks. They are Uber talented and I highly recommend attending a show.

This is my second time using the Sand Guys for a team building event and all I can say is Wow!! I…read morehave referred them many times, and will many more!! This is an amazing team building event for any type of business unit, they are organized, incredibly friendly, and helpful .. in a word .. MAGICAL!! When you arrive, they have an example of what you can build .. folks arrive thinking .."This is so cool" .. "What the heck is Kim making us do??" "Really"?? Rusty the Sand Guy (as I like to call him) began by giving very clear, easy instructions on how to build your base. He got everyone started within their team then he and his partner went to each team individually to provide instruction on how to make a solid foundation, ways to build upon your base. and how to add details! teams began first by compiling a very large pile of sand .. and staring into space .. "what will we do". Within minutes your team is not only collaborating on the best way to execute, but WORKING together to create something really special. I participated the first time, I got to observe and help the second time. I learned so much about my team, who are the leaders, who is the most creative. who can advise and execute. We put this group into teams of people they did not know well, they all created and collaborated to create something very cool. You have about two hours to devise your plan and create. The entire group was fully engaged, everyone designated their own unique way of participating, and no one was left out or let their team down. Did I mention how competitive this became?? such a great day at the beach, and a new skill to show off to your kids and friends. Not only did I get amazing feedback form everyone on the team, I was told by those that laughed and thought it was silly; that it was one for the best team buildings they ever have had. I highly recommend the San Guys, the creativity and camaraderie it inspires is invaluable for all aspects of relationship building!

From the owner: Team building, corporate events, weddings, art & entertainment.read more

A wonderful outdoor theater experience. Nestled just a few blocks from the sleepy town of Carmel…read moreby the Sea. This event space livens up for a few hours to local performances to movie nights. Though, parking is a challenge if you don't get there early. I recommend parking near downtown and stretch those legs for a short hike to the venue. There is on-site concessions that serves snacks and soft drinks, wine and beer. Check out Pacific Repertory for a schedule of performances or the Forest Theater website for this own list of events. NOTE: Some shows sell out so buy them online to insure you will get in the door.

Wonderful family friendly place! The out door environment is also great the show was so amazing.read more

We made a 3 hour drive to see Ride the Cyclone. What a wonderful idea. The performers were…read morewonderful and gracious. They were patient with the fans. Yes, there were girls lined up for autographs. Thank you to the woman who took my daughters Playbill and collected staff autographs for those still backstage. Every single person was amazing. We will be back.

Wow, another cool place to add to my list of things to do around here in the summer…read more With a group of people we headed over to see the musical "Evita". I had no idea what to expect, as others did the planning, but I knew it was outside and was told they allow picnics and to bring wine. Wow- how many places can you go these days that welcome you to bring your own food AND alcohol, no restrictions, glass is fine, etc! The theatre is hidden in a grove of trees. Parking can be difficult, they have a small lot inside their main gate, otherwise it's street parking on very narrow windy streets, so get there early! Seating is generally general admission, so even more reason to get there early. (hint- try to snag one of the few rows with a railing in the front if you're doing food/drinks because you can use it as a table!). The amphitheater is small and cozy though, and there's basically no bad seats, so don't worry. I'd also suggest bringing something soft to sit on as the wood benches get hard fast! The stage/performance/acting was great. It's kinda magical out there in the dark with just the stage and two small bonfires burning on each side. It gets cold at night, so bring layers. They apparently show various plays throughout the summer, and also movies. Not sure how much the movies are, but the Evita tix were $25 with various discounts for students/seniors etc. They have a small snack bar selling everything from coffee to soda, homemade chili to 'cup of noodles, cookies, etc. Nothing to fancy or substantial so bring stuff along. The pre-show talk mentioned something about upcoming improvements like more comfortable seating and more bathrooms. Sounds good just as long as they keep the charm, though I have no doubt they will

this place is a whole experience and it's so beautiful. definitely a must stop by at carmel.read more

Don't miss the Convento Museum which you will see right before you exit the Mission complex. The…read morecell used by Saint Junipero Serra and where he died in 1784 is on display here. The other museum rooms present interpretive displays and provide visitors with a historical education of this beautiful heritage site

Fantastic experience visiting Tor House in Carmel. I have visited the area many times and yet this…read moreundiscovered gem somehow never made it on my bucket list. The visit has opened the door to learning more about Carmel and its history. Inspired by the docent who hosted our tour, Anne. She had a wide breadth of knowledge regarding the poet, Robinson Jeffers, the construction of the house, and the antiquities within the home. If history, art, or architecture interests you, schedule a visit to Tor House!

What a wonderful tour we enjoyed with Eric yesterday. Eric was extremely knowledgeable and made the…read moretour interesting for all . I learned so much and will look forward to returning to Tor House again.