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 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 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 Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
"Staff were really friendly and helpful. Our room with ocean view was surreal. Kids enjoyed the living room and balcony. Hotel restaurant is the best but super busy or pre booked so plan accordingly."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
"My spouse got a toe fracture recent to the trip itinerary . We requested for a room at the ground floor which was ignored sighting unavailability. Not happy with the hospitality by the checkin staff."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Self parking for 20$"
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"The $30 parking fee was not disclosed on expedia and is not in line with local parking fees at a hotel of this price point ($200/night). That left me feeling scammed that i was charged an additional 15% for parking. The property was close to restaurants and shopping centers but it is not walkable ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Absolute best place to stay in Monterey. Great rooms, attentive and dedicated staff, restaurant and food options exceptional and the lobby/ Schooner bar terrific"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
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Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Check Carmel Highlands hotel availability
Where to stay in Carmel Highlands
Downtown Carmel
If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza.
Northeast Carmel
While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Beach 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.
Northwest Carmel
If you're spending some time in Northwest Carmel, Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza are top sights worth seeing.
