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!

So grateful to been able to attend Sunday Mass. Basilica is so beautiful and it has so much…read morehistory and also they have free museum and a small shop. Sunday mass is full but the have lots of extra chairs in the back outside the church. Parking could be crowded so get there early.

I have been visiting the California missions throughout my life. Usually it is a positive…read moreexperience. However, I recently revisited the Carmel Basilica on a Sunday, and like other visitors I was totally put off by the commercialization of this particular church/historical monument. There are a few security guards who stand out front and a ticket booth positioned in a way that you cannot enter the church without paying first. The mission is not open everyday which is odd since it is such a beloved place visited by people around the world. The price of admission is 15.00 per person, five dollars higher per person than other missions which are also open everyday. This is quite pricey. If you arrive during mass you may not enter to look around until after mass! It seems really against the whole concept of all are welcome. Lighting one candle is 5.00! Usually it is just a donation or a dollar or two. The parking lot is small and congested. Personally, I enjoyed San Juan Bautista, which is close to Monterey and Carmel, much better. Friendlier, less expensive and open to all everyday! The setting is beautiful as well, surrounded by fields and beautiful gardens. I highly recommend history buffs stop by San Juan Bautista and other smaller missions.

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

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

Very beautiful location! We had a very informative tour guide who really seemed to enjoy his job!…read moreThe grounds are very well maintained and all of the staff were very kind! Definitely worth a visit!

What a great tour of a beautiful and interesting home. Our Docent (tour guide), Linda, was a great…read moresource of information about the Jeffers family and the Tor House. She had great back-stories and anecdotes, and showed great enthusiasm. The 90-minute tour breezed by and the cost is incredibly reasonable at just $15.