Overview
Carmel Valley is a small town located inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, in Monterey County, California, United States.
1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Carmel Valley
Garland Ranch Regional Park
This 4,000 acre park was the original unit of the Monterey Peninsual Regional Park District (MPRPD) when it was purchased in 1975. Parkland includes both the Carmel river and the Santa Lucia mountains, with elevations ra…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 81°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey — 9 mi away. Directions
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
Take Carmel Valley Road east from Highway 1 across from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Climate
Get in
By car
Take Carmel Valley Road east from Highway 1 across from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
By bus
Monterey Salinas Transit runs the Carmel Valley Grapevine Express (route 24) approximately every hour from Monterey via Carmel to Carmel Valley Village and back.
Get around
Most everything in Carmel Valley Village is within easy walking distance. If you want to visit the wineries themselves you will have to drive by car, some of them are remote but a few are close to Carmel Valley Village.
See
There are restaurants, wine tasting rooms, a small grocery store, churches, video stores, gas stations, convenience stores, hardware store, art galleries, gift shops, a spa, and entertainment.
Also: wild turkeys, quail, deer, rabbit, coyote, mountain lion.
Do
Sample wines from local wineries and dine at local restaurants.
Attend a performance at either or both of the performing arts centers.
Do Garland Ranch Regional Park
This 4,000 acre park was the original unit of the Monterey Peninsual Regional Park District (MPRPD) when it was purchased in 1975. Parkland includes both the Carmel river and the Santa Lucia mountains, with elevations ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities, with extensive trails that climb to the top of the hills where there are fantastic views of the hills, valley and ocean. There is a small visitor center with interpretive exhibits, fishing opportunities along the river (permit required), and historic sites ranging from pioneer homes to Rumsen Indian habitation sites.
Sleep
Stay safe
Carmel Valley is pretty safe. Take care in the outdoors with infrequent sightings of rattlesnakes.
Go next
- Carmel - Located 13 miles to the west, Carmel is a beautiful oceanside town that is home to the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, several large beaches, excellent restaurants and an abundance of upscale lodging. It borders the iconic Pebble Beach golf course and is the entry point to the 17-mile drive and its dramatic ocean views.
Nearby
Seaside
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
Carmel Point
City / town · 37 listings · 11 mi away
Carmel
City / town · 48 listings · 11 mi away
Monterey
City / town · 66 listings · 12 mi away
Pacific Grove
City / town · 18 listings · 14 mi away
Salinas
City / town · 36 listings · 14 mi away
Marina
City / town · 9 listings · 15 mi away
Moss Landing
City / town · 11 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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