Rancho Rio Vista Travel Guide
Carmel
Visit Rancho Rio Vista
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.

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.

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.

Point Sur Lighthouse
Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.
Things to do

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

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 Rancho Rio Vista

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great staff and a beautiful well priced gem
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

The Monterey Hotel
Staff is very friendly and the building is historic. Bathrooms are very good
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Absolutely fantastic views. Room was incredible and the staff were outstanding making our stay perfect. Looking forward to a return trip.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Staff courteous Facility clean
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
I can not say enough about how nice the staff and hotel is. It is worth it to enjoy all the amenities here and the food is wonderful!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay by IHG
My husband and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay by IHG over the Christmas holidays, and we had a wonderful experience. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. Everyone was lovely, and a special mention goes to the sweetest daughter of one of the receptionists, who truly added ...
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Rancho Rio Vista

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.

Southeast Carmel
While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Northeast Carmel
While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

High Meadows
While High Meadows may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Mission Fields
While visiting Mission Fields, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Preserve and Hatton Canyon.

Downtown Carmel
If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.
