Just 12 miles inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley is the sunny, unhurried counterpart to the foggy coast. Sun-drenched vineyards, lavender farms, boutique tasting rooms, and world-class tennis make this one of the most relaxed destinations on the peninsula — locals know it gets 300 days of sunshine a year.
Restaurants & Bars
Corkscrew Café
Californian · Carmel Valley Village
The heart of Carmel Valley Village dining. Seasonal farm-to-table menu, outstanding local wine list, and a shaded patio perfect on a sunny afternoon.
Bernardus Lodge Restaurant
Fine Dining · Bernardus Lodge
Elegant wine country dining at Bernardus Lodge. The tasting menu showcases estate wines alongside produce from their own garden. One of the best meals on the peninsula.
Running Iron Restaurant & Saloon
American · Carmel Valley Village
The classic Carmel Valley roadhouse. Cold beers, burgers, live country music on weekends, and a friendly crowd of locals and visitors mixed together.
Folktale Winery
Winery · Carmel Valley Road
Lively estate winery with live music, lawn games, wood-fired pizza, and excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The most fun tasting experience in the valley.
Café Rustica
European · Carmel Valley Village
Cozy European bistro with a wood-burning oven, rotating chalkboard menu, and a warm neighborhood feel. A local favorite for lunch and early dinner.
Things to Do
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Trail
Wine · Carmel Valley Road
Over a dozen tasting rooms line the road from the highway to the village. Bernardus, Holman Ranch, Parsonage, and Cowgirl Winery are all within easy walking distance of each other.
Carmel Valley Ranch
Resort · Carmel Valley
Luxury resort with a Pete Dye-designed golf course, bee sanctuary tours, cooking classes, and miles of hiking trails through oak-studded hillsides.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Hiking · Carmel Valley Road
4,500 acres of open parkland with trails ranging from flat river walks to ridge hikes with sweeping valley views. Great birding and wildflowers in spring.
Holman Ranch
Winery & Events · Carmel Valley
Historic 1920s ranch estate with equestrian facilities, a cave tasting room, and some of the most beautiful event grounds in Monterey County.
Carmel Valley Village Shops
Shopping · Village
A compact, walkable village center with independent boutiques, art galleries, and a relaxed energy that feels miles away from the tourist crowds on the coast.