If you’re seeking a truly relaxing weekend getaway, with fantastic food and wine, maybe a spa treatment or two, consider the Carmel Valley and the surrounding central California region. Foodies and oenophiles are in heaven here, as well as golfers, nature lovers, horseback riders – really, anyone who wants to explore the rolling hills and vineyards of this bucolic valley. Carmel Valley Village (or CV Village, as the locals call it) is a great home base with countless excellent restaurants and shopping. There are organic farms to tour, rugged hiking to challenge you and scenic drives to wow you. Add on Carmel-by-the-Sea if you have time, but recognize that Carmel Valley is actually a separate little paradise. It’s hotter, drier and more inland and culturally different than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Think more agricultural, wine making and ranching … and less shopping. While you’re here on the central coast, tack on days in Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Big Sur to extend your stay, if possible. Have just a couple days? Here’s an inside guide to the ideal weekend in Carmel Valley and the surrounding area.
Sightseeing in Carmel Valley and Surrounding Area
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Fit in a few of these top sights in the Carmel Valley and the surrounding area on your weekend itinerary:
Carmel Beach: Wild and secluded, Carmel Beach looks a bit different than nearby Santa Cruz beaches. This isn’t a stretch of Pacific coastline where you’ll want to swim – there are dangerous rip tides – but you can certainly enjoy the scenery of the pristine beach and the crashing waves. This is a favorite local sunset-viewing spot, especially when accompanied by a bottle of local wine. The region’s cypress trees give the beach a distinctive look. Drive the Scenic Road that runs parallel to the beach or walk along the dirt Scenic Bluff Path, with multiple stairways that lead to the beach. Find the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea at the foot of Ocean Ave. (Carmel River Beach is a mile south.)
Carmel Mission: Officially the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, the Carmel Mission is still an active church. Notice the basilica, which is a National Historic Landmark, in this 1771 church, founded by Father Junipero Serra of Spain. The basilica is known for its lavishly decorated interior and 30-foot-tall, gilded reredos behind the altar. Also of note are the Moorish-style Star Window and Bell Tower. Take the time to explore the Convento Museum and the lush Munras Courtyard.
Carmel Beach: Wild and secluded, Carmel Beach looks a bit different than nearby Santa Cruz beaches. This isn’t a stretch of Pacific coastline where you’ll want to swim – there are dangerous rip tides – but you can certainly enjoy the scenery of the pristine beach and the crashing waves. This is a favorite local sunset-viewing spot, especially when accompanied by a bottle of local wine. The region’s cypress trees give the beach a distinctive look. Drive the Scenic Road that runs parallel to the beach or walk along the dirt Scenic Bluff Path, with multiple stairways that lead to the beach. Find the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea at the foot of Ocean Ave. (Carmel River Beach is a mile south.)
Carmel Mission: Officially the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, the Carmel Mission is still an active church. Notice the basilica, which is a National Historic Landmark, in this 1771 church, founded by Father Junipero Serra of Spain. The basilica is known for its lavishly decorated interior and 30-foot-tall, gilded reredos behind the altar. Also of note are the Moorish-style Star Window and Bell Tower. Take the time to explore the Convento Museum and the lush Munras Courtyard.
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17-Mile Drive: Take the time for an outing along 17-Mile Drive, which stretches from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Lover’s Point Park, wrapping around Monterey Bay and Carmel Bay. Stop to snap a photo of the iconic Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress tree above Pebble Beach – it’s over 200 years old. There are several resorts, world-class golf resorts and upscale restaurants along the drive.
Ocean Ave., Downtown Carmel: Spend some time popping in and out of the charming boutiques on Ocean Ave. in downtown Carmel. You’ll find everything from local artwork to interesting jewelry to antiques. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Cottage of Sweets, known for its English candies. Pick up wild west memorabilia at the Burns Cowboy Shop and Nordic housewares at Fjorn Scandinavia. There are shops devoted to music boxes, vintage instruments, bikes, hats, pen and paper – just about everything you can imagine. While you’re on Ocean Ave, be sure to check out the many excellent restaurants and local markets and grocers. There are plenty of farm-to-table options – the ultimate in California Fusion cuisine – as well as French, Japanese and even Irish restaurants.
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row: Check out Monterey’s Cannery Row, just a 10-minute drive from Carmel. This former fish-packing area and now thriving waterfront district is beloved for its boutique shopping and seafood restaurants. You’ll find the Monterey Bay Aquarium here, too, a hit for all ages with its sea otters, puffins, sea turtles and observation deck for whale watching.
Ocean Ave., Downtown Carmel: Spend some time popping in and out of the charming boutiques on Ocean Ave. in downtown Carmel. You’ll find everything from local artwork to interesting jewelry to antiques. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Cottage of Sweets, known for its English candies. Pick up wild west memorabilia at the Burns Cowboy Shop and Nordic housewares at Fjorn Scandinavia. There are shops devoted to music boxes, vintage instruments, bikes, hats, pen and paper – just about everything you can imagine. While you’re on Ocean Ave, be sure to check out the many excellent restaurants and local markets and grocers. There are plenty of farm-to-table options – the ultimate in California Fusion cuisine – as well as French, Japanese and even Irish restaurants.
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row: Check out Monterey’s Cannery Row, just a 10-minute drive from Carmel. This former fish-packing area and now thriving waterfront district is beloved for its boutique shopping and seafood restaurants. You’ll find the Monterey Bay Aquarium here, too, a hit for all ages with its sea otters, puffins, sea turtles and observation deck for whale watching.
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Pebble Beach Golf Links: If you’re an avid golfer, don’t miss this famous 18-hole golf course overlooking the ocean. The 18th hole is considered one of the world’s best finishing holes and has been played by the likes of Bing Crosby, Teddy Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill and Jack Nicklaus. Check out The Lodge at Pebble Beach while you’re there. While you’re here, warm up at the 9-hole Peter Hay Golf Course or try the new Poppy Hills Golf Course.
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Big Sur: Take the epic drive to Big Sur and over the landmark Bixby Bridge. Hike at Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This majestic section of the Pacific Coast Highway sits between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and boasts towering redwoods, great hiking and a coastline you won’t be able to look away from.
Explore Art: Known as an artist colony at the turn of the century and to the present day, Carmel is home to more than 100 art galleries in one-square mile. No matter your taste in art, you’ll find something that speaks to you. At 21 of these galleries, the proprietors are the artists-owners who actually work on site. Local artists on fully on display at the Sunset Center’s Marjorie Evans Gallery and you’ll find stunning photography at the Center for Photographic Art (Ansel Adams was one of the founders).
Explore Art: Known as an artist colony at the turn of the century and to the present day, Carmel is home to more than 100 art galleries in one-square mile. No matter your taste in art, you’ll find something that speaks to you. At 21 of these galleries, the proprietors are the artists-owners who actually work on site. Local artists on fully on display at the Sunset Center’s Marjorie Evans Gallery and you’ll find stunning photography at the Center for Photographic Art (Ansel Adams was one of the founders).
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Go Wine Tasting: In Carmel-by-the-Sea alone, there are nearly 20 wine tasting rooms in one square mile. Take a self-guided wine walking tour to visit several. Monterey County is known for its highly rated appellations and wide range of varietals. Try chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, merlot, zinfandel, grenache, Mourvedre, Barbera and Falanghina.
Having exhausted the Camel-by-the-Sea wine tasting options, head out to the Carmel Valley, with a different feel – more agricultural charm than chic downtown. More than 70 percent of the wines you’ll find here are cabernet sauvignon and merlot varietals. As you learn more about each vineyard, you’ll feel a special connection to the valley. Choose from dozens of tasting rooms, mainly along the main Valley Road. There are also several close together in Carmel Valley Village, easy to walk between. Among our favorites is the Cowgirl Winery for its albarino and pinot noir, live bluegrass music and rustic barn aesthetic. At Albatross Ridge, you can talk to the family who runs it and taste their delicious pinots and chardonnays in a charming cottage.
Other favorites include Bernardus Winery, Holman Ranch Vineyards and Joullian Vineyards. They’re close enough together to walk between. Consider branching out to nearby Taste Morgan and Folktale Winery, as well. If you take the Monterey-Salinas Transit bus 24, the Grapevine Express, you can stop at a number of wine tasting rooms. Pick up the bus at the Monterey Transit Plaza. Or, hop on the five-hour Wine Trolley operated by Tours Monterey for local insight and a fun, social wine-tasting day.
Looking for somewhere to stay for an overnight wine-tasting excursion in the Carmel Valley? Consider indulging in a stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch, an upscale homebase for your explorations of the valley, Camel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Big Sur and beyond. Set on 500 private acres, it’s the perfect place to escape and to explore. Learn about bees, wander through gardens, play on the Pete Dye-designed golf course, play tennis, spoil yourself at the spa and dine decadently on handcrafted, homegrown food. The prestigious Bernardus Lodge, right among the vineyards of the Bernardus Winery, is another indulgent choice.
Hit the Beach: Monterey County offers countless beach options for the sun lover. Not all are safe for swimming, but there are spots for whale watching, scuba diving, picnicking, tide pooling and more. Try McAbee Beach in Monterey for diving the kelp forests, go birding at Carmel River State Beach, look for rocks at Jade Cove at Big Sur, surf at Asilomar State Beach, Marina State Beach or Moss Landing State Beach. Go whale watching right from shore at Lovers Point Beach or Marina State Beach. Have your dog along? Head to pet-friendly Carmel Beach.
Slip Away to the Spa: Wine tasting, shopping, decadent dining – and spa treatments. These are the makings of the quintessential Carmel Valley area vacation. Check out Refuge in Carmel Valley, with its hot and cold plunge pools, the vinotherapy treatments at the Spa at Bernardus Lodge and the botanically based therapies at Aiyana Spa.
In Monterey, hide away in the seaside sanctuary that is the Vista Blue Spa in the Monterey Plaza Hotel, get a couple’s massage at the Spa on the Plaza in historic Monterey or sink into a Big Sur lavender and sage massage at the Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey. Big Sur itself is home to a number of award-winning upscale spas – treat yourself to a stay at the Spa at Post Ranch Inn for Big Sur Jade Stone Therapy or the Spa at Ventana to try out creativity classes and astrology readings.
Having exhausted the Camel-by-the-Sea wine tasting options, head out to the Carmel Valley, with a different feel – more agricultural charm than chic downtown. More than 70 percent of the wines you’ll find here are cabernet sauvignon and merlot varietals. As you learn more about each vineyard, you’ll feel a special connection to the valley. Choose from dozens of tasting rooms, mainly along the main Valley Road. There are also several close together in Carmel Valley Village, easy to walk between. Among our favorites is the Cowgirl Winery for its albarino and pinot noir, live bluegrass music and rustic barn aesthetic. At Albatross Ridge, you can talk to the family who runs it and taste their delicious pinots and chardonnays in a charming cottage.
Other favorites include Bernardus Winery, Holman Ranch Vineyards and Joullian Vineyards. They’re close enough together to walk between. Consider branching out to nearby Taste Morgan and Folktale Winery, as well. If you take the Monterey-Salinas Transit bus 24, the Grapevine Express, you can stop at a number of wine tasting rooms. Pick up the bus at the Monterey Transit Plaza. Or, hop on the five-hour Wine Trolley operated by Tours Monterey for local insight and a fun, social wine-tasting day.
Looking for somewhere to stay for an overnight wine-tasting excursion in the Carmel Valley? Consider indulging in a stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch, an upscale homebase for your explorations of the valley, Camel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey Peninsula, Santa Cruz, Big Sur and beyond. Set on 500 private acres, it’s the perfect place to escape and to explore. Learn about bees, wander through gardens, play on the Pete Dye-designed golf course, play tennis, spoil yourself at the spa and dine decadently on handcrafted, homegrown food. The prestigious Bernardus Lodge, right among the vineyards of the Bernardus Winery, is another indulgent choice.
Hit the Beach: Monterey County offers countless beach options for the sun lover. Not all are safe for swimming, but there are spots for whale watching, scuba diving, picnicking, tide pooling and more. Try McAbee Beach in Monterey for diving the kelp forests, go birding at Carmel River State Beach, look for rocks at Jade Cove at Big Sur, surf at Asilomar State Beach, Marina State Beach or Moss Landing State Beach. Go whale watching right from shore at Lovers Point Beach or Marina State Beach. Have your dog along? Head to pet-friendly Carmel Beach.
Slip Away to the Spa: Wine tasting, shopping, decadent dining – and spa treatments. These are the makings of the quintessential Carmel Valley area vacation. Check out Refuge in Carmel Valley, with its hot and cold plunge pools, the vinotherapy treatments at the Spa at Bernardus Lodge and the botanically based therapies at Aiyana Spa.
In Monterey, hide away in the seaside sanctuary that is the Vista Blue Spa in the Monterey Plaza Hotel, get a couple’s massage at the Spa on the Plaza in historic Monterey or sink into a Big Sur lavender and sage massage at the Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey. Big Sur itself is home to a number of award-winning upscale spas – treat yourself to a stay at the Spa at Post Ranch Inn for Big Sur Jade Stone Therapy or the Spa at Ventana to try out creativity classes and astrology readings.
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Take a Farm or Ranch Tour: Get to know the Carmel Valley and its agricultural bounty on a farm or ranch tour. Serendipity Farms opens its gates for those who want to pick fresh produce in season or learn about the basics of farming. Shop for organic foods and tour the cut-your-own herb and kids’ garden at Earthbound Farms. And see why Monterey County is considered the “Salad Bowl of the World” as you bop from farmers’ market to farmers’ market – the best are in Pacific Grove, Carmel, Monterey, Marina, Salinas and Soledad.
While you’re in Carmel Valley, spend some time at Garland Ranch Regional Park, with 4,462 acres of hiking trails that take you to the Carmel River, Garzas Creek, a redwood canyon and a striking waterfall. It’s a great place to experience the Carmel Valley from another era.
While you’re in Carmel Valley, spend some time at Garland Ranch Regional Park, with 4,462 acres of hiking trails that take you to the Carmel River, Garzas Creek, a redwood canyon and a striking waterfall. It’s a great place to experience the Carmel Valley from another era.
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Visit the Salinas Valley: If you’re on a farm kick, explore Salinas Valley and see how farming families have lived and thrived throughout the century. Visit the Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, leaving time for the many Salinas Valley vineyards and wine tasting rooms along the River Road Wine Trail (the pinot noirs are out of this world!). Favorite area attractions include hiking and watching condors in flight at Pinnacles National Park and soaking up central California history at the Soledad Mission. The mission once contained a vast vineyard, which was likely the precursor to Soledad wine country. Learn about Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Steinbeck and his Salinas connections at the National Steinbeck Center.
Eat: Bring an appetite for both food and wine when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Monterey Country. Known as one of the best foodie destinations in the United States, this area offers health-conscious delicacies straight from the farm. Infuse some international flavor into your California cuisine diet with French eateries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a variety of ethnic restaurants in Marina and countless seafood options. Expand your palate and try something new – the locally procured ingredients give chefs here an unlimited amount of creativity and the results rarely disappoint.
If You Brought the Kids: Monterey County and the Carmel Valley have all the makings of a romantic adults-only getaway, but if you did bring the little ones, don’t fret – there’s much for all of you to do. Paddle a kayak or go whale watching on Monterey Bay, ride Segways along Cannery Row, watch a car race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, even take a ghost tour in Oldtown Monterey. We promise there will still be time later to visit the tasting rooms.
Eat: Bring an appetite for both food and wine when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Monterey Country. Known as one of the best foodie destinations in the United States, this area offers health-conscious delicacies straight from the farm. Infuse some international flavor into your California cuisine diet with French eateries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a variety of ethnic restaurants in Marina and countless seafood options. Expand your palate and try something new – the locally procured ingredients give chefs here an unlimited amount of creativity and the results rarely disappoint.
If You Brought the Kids: Monterey County and the Carmel Valley have all the makings of a romantic adults-only getaway, but if you did bring the little ones, don’t fret – there’s much for all of you to do. Paddle a kayak or go whale watching on Monterey Bay, ride Segways along Cannery Row, watch a car race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, even take a ghost tour in Oldtown Monterey. We promise there will still be time later to visit the tasting rooms.
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Add in San Francisco: For the ultimate California coastal long weekend, consider the drive from Carmel to San Francisco, or vice versa. Along the way, you’ll hit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero State Beach, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and other Highway 1 highlights.