Carmel Highlands Travel Guide
Carmel
Visit Carmel Highlands
Popular places to visit
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Carmel at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Carmel Plaza
You can enjoy retail therapy at Carmel Plaza during your trip to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the golf courses.
Garrapata State Park
Enjoy a trip to Garrapata State Park and popular activities such as golfing in Carmel. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants.
Bixby Bridge
This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.
Carmel Mission Basilica
This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Explore Big Sur: Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey or Morro Bay
Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
We chose this hotel for its location and were not disappointed. It is very close to point lobos, downtown Carmel, and 17 mile drive. The views were really spectacular. We wanted a pool--so staying in a cute little inn in downtown Carmel or something wasn't really for us. So this hotel checked those ...
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Delays in check in. Didn’t clean your fireplace
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The location is just a short stroll from the iconic clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto & surrounded by many great dining options. The cinnamon toast at Jack’s Monterey was delish. There’s also a Carmel bakery downstairs, which was a convenient treat to have just steps away. The hotel lobby itself ...
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Everything was amazing, I booked this stay for my parents as a nice getaway. They loved everything, the views, the service, the hotel food, and they loved the spa. I look forward to booking this stay in the future for me and my husband.
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Great all around
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
We had a room next to stair way. Kept slamming, with a baby was not ideal. And there was huge spider nesting in the corner. Lot of windy noise. The aesthetic was great, just needed a little bit of deep clean
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Carmel Highlands
Carmel Riviera
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Carmel Riviera and surrounding area, you can visit Gibson Beach and China Cove.
Carmel Meadows
Carmel Meadows might not have many top sights, but Carmel Mission Basilica and Monastery Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Mission Fields
While visiting Mission Fields, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Preserve and Hatton Canyon.
Carmel Point
If you're spending some time in Carmel Point, Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Hatton Fields
While Hatton Fields isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel Plaza are some notable places to visit nearby.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.
