Carmel Valley Travel Guide

1 of 26

Vineyard at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley

View All 26 Photos

Carmel Valley Summary

What It's Like

The sleepier inland town of Carmel Valley Village has a warmer, sunnier climate than its coastal sister city to the north. You can tell that the unincorporated area enjoys its privacy, shying away from the touristy shops and restaurants of other areas in favor of horse ranches and wineries (not in the town itself, but in the broader region of Carmel Valley). Vineyard and tasting tours make up the bulk of things to do in the area, and the Monterey Wine Trolley and a public bus called the Grapevine Express can take visitors to many of the area's winery tasting rooms.

Where To Stay

Unless you're camping, it's hard to find a place to stay that isn't directly on or near the town's main thoroughfare, Carmel Valley Road. It goes without saying that you'll need a car to get here, but visitors can make use of the Grapevine Express and Monterey Wine Trolley when they are touring the area's tasting rooms.