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
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Top hotels in Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
The staff was extra kind. The room was very clean and comfortable. The premises was absolutely gorgeous. The food and drinks in the restaurant were superb.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Great views, clean and quiet place to unwind. Friendly staff.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great place to stay
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Staff was all great
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Amazing views, great people.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
very clean room, friendly staff, wasn’t happy about paid parking and the parking lot was confusing. also having a microwave would have been nice.
Reviewed on 30 Jan 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 China Cove and Hidden Beach.
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.
