| 1 of 11 | View from the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Carmel Highlands, Monterey County | View All 11 Photos |
Carmel Highlands Summary
Pros
- Stunning ocean views from dramatic coastline cliffs
- A very relaxed, laid-bacik, small-town California vibe
- Popular for outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking and scuba diving
- Near Point Lobos State Reserve
- Home to the Gravity Garden, a sculpture garden filled with gravity-defying balanced rock piles
- Numerous celebrity vacation homes
Cons
- Very little to see that's not nature related: no museums or shops
- Almost no dining or shopping options: everything is an 10-minute drive to the north in Carmel proper
What It's Like
Carmel Highlands is an unincorporated community located south of Carmel proper and north of Big Sur. To say there's nothing to see here would be incorrect: The area is home to some of the most epic ocean views on the west coast. Eco-tourists flock to the Point Lobos State Nature Reserve and the Gravity Garden, a sculpture garden filled with balanced rock piles that use no adhesives or building materials. It's no surprise that celebrities flock to build homes right on the dramatic coastal cliffs. But there isn't much to do in in Carmel Highlands aside from kayaking through kelp beds and hiking. Getting to restaurants, shopping or golfing requires driving 10 minutes north to Carmel proper.
Where To Stay
Simply put, if you come to Carmel Highlands and don't stay on the oceanfront cliffs, you're missing the whole point. On the other hand, there are very few lodging options in the area, so there will be little (if any) debate as to which hotel to stay in.
View all Carmel Highlands Hotels
Facts
| Languages: | English |
| Airports: | |
| Peak: | May-Aug. |
| Vaccines: | No |
| Currency: | U.S. Dollar |
| Electricity: | 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Tipping: | 15-20% at restaurants |
Oyster Travel Guides
Monterey County Travel Guide
Monterey County encompasses some of the west coasts's most beautiful coastline, and charming seaside spots… Read More
Big Sur Travel Guide
Big Sur is one of the most stunning places in the world, defined by its… Read More
Carmel Travel Guide
Carmel, offically called Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a charming little town along the California coast just off… Read More
Carmel Valley Travel Guide
The sleepier inland town of Carmel Valley Village has a warmer, sunnier climate than its… Read More
Monterey Travel Guide
Many know of Monterey from the writer John Steinbeck, who shared a genuine passion for… Read More
Pacific Grove Travel Guide
Located right at the end of Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove is known for its undeveloped… Read More
