Northwest Carmel Travel Guide
Carmel
Visit Northwest Carmel
Popular places to visit
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 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 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
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour
Explore Big Sur: Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey or Morro Bay
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Top hotels in Northwest Carmel
Carmel Bay View Inn
We had a great stay. Only suggestion would be better breakfast options. Does anyone really eat that highly processed, artificial Yoplait stuff they claim is yoghurt?
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Hotel Carmel
This place was perfect. It was nicer than I expected. People were super nice, the place was clean, and right in town.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Stilwell Hotel
Alll was great but the water pressure and water temp in shower. Water pressure was very low and the water in shower didn’t get hot. Other than that all was great!
Reviewed on 2 May 2026
Hofsas House Hotel
Adorable aesthetic on an older style hotel that they’ve done a decent job keeping up. The rooms are simple but cozy and feel pretty clean. The staff are very friendly and pet friendly. The breakfast is fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee. Very walkable to downtown too.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Tradewinds Carmel
We loved our stay here! We didn’t want to leave and wish we booked longer. It was very reasonably priced too. Our room was very comfortable and clean. It was also beautifully decorated. The people were very friendly. There isn’t a lot of parking but we found spaces near the hotel easy enough if there ...
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Carmel Wayfarer Inn
The parking is not guaranteed. It is first come first served and they only have 7 spots. Rest is on street which is only from 7 pm to 8 am. I was very annoyed about no guaranteed parking (contra to what Hotels.com said). Room was shabby and not an impressive renovation of an older property. Very ...
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Northwest Carmel
Downtown Carmel
If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.
Northeast Carmel
While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Beach 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 Beach and Carmel Plaza.
Carmel Woods
While there might not be top attractions in Carmel Woods, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza.
Southeast Carmel
While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
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 Beach and Carmel Plaza.
