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.
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
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
The room was clean, the staff was all quite friendly and helpful, and the views from the room were spectacular. Only problem was that at night the room became quite cold even with extra blankets our first two nights in spite of adjustments made by one of the employees. The third night, our last night, ...
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Great location and view but the rooms need an upgrade. For the price per night I would expect better decor.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Clean rooms, great location, friendly staff!
Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026
Carmel Bay View Inn
Room was beautiful, fireplace added a lot to the ambience. Breakfast was hot and delicious. Staff was very friendly and the grounds were clean and well kept. Planning to return soon!
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Nicely decorated warm and welcoming
Reviewed on 5 Feb 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.
