The main activities are beach walking and beach-hopping. The trail from town over the headland to Kudle Beach, then to Om Beach, then over the cliff to Half Moon Beach, and finally to Paradise Beach is a rewarding half-day walk. Sections involve scrambling over rocks; wear decent footwear.
The Mahabaleshwara Temple in the town centre is worth visiting even for non-pilgrims — Car Street around it is atmospheric with its priests' houses and small shops. The Kotiteertha Tank, where pilgrims bathe, is nearby, and a short walk brings you to the Maha Ganapati Temple and Bhadrakali Temple.