The sunny inland river valley east of Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to well-to-do residents who have an aversion to the often-cool coastal climate. Golf courses, ranches, exclusive estates and lodges pepper the hills and meadows. While the area is a hideaway for the hoity toity, it’s also got a casual, friendly, welcoming vibe.
This is also wine country — Carmel Valley is an official AVA with many vineyards and tasting rooms.
Carmel Valley Road is the main artery through the region. It leads 13 miles east of Highway 1 and Carmel-by-the-Sea to artsy Carmel Valley Village. The chefs at the valley’s great restaurants have an easy time finding local organic veggies — much of the state’s bounty comes from here or just over the mountains to the east. And the Earthbound Farm Stand is right in the heart of the valley.
This itinerary takes you on a journey through the valley’s best attractions and experiences, from scenic hikes to culinary delights, wine tasting, vineyard tours, and relaxing at an outdoor European-style thermal spa.
Garland Ranch Visitors Center, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Sunny Bakery Cafe, East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Refuge, Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Earthbound Farm Stand, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Corkscrew Cafe, West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
The Valley Kitchen, Old Ranch Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Carmel Valley Village, CA, USA
Bernardus Lodge & Spa, West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Lucia Restaurant & Bar, West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Café Rustica, Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Carmel Valley Ranch - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Old Ranch Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Valley Greens Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Stonepine Estate, East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Carmel Valley Lodge, Ford Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Blue Sky Lodge, Flight Road, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Contenta Inn, Vía Contenta, Carmel Valley, CA, USA
Before Breakfast in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Start your day with a hike in cooler morning hours in the vast Garland Ranch Regional Park, with miles of trails for all levels. Follow the Carmel River, a creek, a redwood canyon, and other scenic trails, and view historic buildings and indigenous tribes village sites. Download a trail map PDF from the park website, or pick up a map at the visitor center at the main entrance.
Best Places for Breakfast in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Sunny Bakery Café
Start your day at this rustic café in Carmel Valley Village with freshly baked, French-inspired pastries, a breakfast sandwich or burrito, or other sweet or savory delights, fresh juices and coffee. Locals rave about the BLT, loaded with bacon, along with farm-fresh lettuce and tomatoes on a brioche bun.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Refuge
Stress melts away at tranquil Refuge, a co-ed, outdoor relaxation spa at the Carmel Valley Athletic Club property. Go through a thermal cycle: start by heating up in a cedar sauna with a Himalayan salt wall or eucalyptus-infused steam room or hot pool with waterfall, then cool down briefly in a plunge pool, then relax in a lounge chair or hammock. Repeat several times. Book a massage to complete the experience.
Earthbound Farm Stand
About a quarter century ago, Earthbound Farm started as a 2.5-acre backyard garden in the heart of Carmel Valley. It’s now the world’s largest grower of organic produce, selling to millions of health-minded shoppers. The Earthbound Farm Stand sits just down the road from the original garden. But don’t stop here just to buy organic produce and groceries — sniff your way through the aromatherapy labyrinth and cut your own herbs, and learn how Earthbound Farm helps sustain the planet. Kids can touch away in a special garden planted just for them.
Best Places for Lunch in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Best Places for Dinner in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Splurge on one of the finest dining experiences in the region at Lucia, an upscale restaurant at Bernardus Lodge & Spa. The sophisticated, California-country menu features local ingredients, some from the on-site chef’s garden. Diners rave about the nightly chef spccials.
Best Places to Stay in Monterey Bay, Carmel & Pebble Beach
Carmel Valley lodgings are mostly high-end. In addition to Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge & Spa highlighted below, consider these options:
Relatively affordable: Blue Sky Lodge, Contenta Inn
Mid-range: Quail Lodge & Golf Club
Luxe and mid-range: Stonepine Estate
Carmel Valley Ranch
An upscale, playful, family-oriented resort for all ages, Carmel Valley Ranch occupies 500 sprawling acres. The hardest part about staying here is choosing what to do from the huge list of options. Learn about beekeeping and sample honey, take a cooking class, soak in an infinity hot tub, roast marshmallows at a fire pit, or meditate on a hilltop. You can also work out at the posh athletic club, or splurge on a session in the spa, or play a round of golf.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Bernardus offers luxe, first-class pampering in the heart of Carmel Valley. It sits on 26 acres amid estate vineyards, gardens and lavender fields. The resort also includes a lavish spa with steam and sauna rooms. The lodge’s signature restaurant, Lucia, attracts serious foodies.
Explore Downtown Carmel