Carmel Highlands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the shore, a prominent rock formation in the foreground, and a steep cliff on the right.
A coastal landscape with a bridge, cliffs, and ocean.
A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the rocks.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and a clear view of the ocean.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a sandy beach, and a calm sea.

Stay near popular Carmel Highlands attractions

Gravity Garden

Explore the lovely green spaces of Gravity Garden and enjoy the golf courses in Carmel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its seafood restaurants.
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Activities

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

NZ$131
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

NZ$108
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

NZ$122
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

NZ$166
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

NZ$40
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

NZ$35
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
See all activities in Carmel

Our pick of the best Carmel Highlands Hotel Deals

Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn

Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn

4 out of 5
120 Highlands Dr, Suite B Carmel CA
The price is NZ$730 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
NZ$730
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Carmel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Carmel Beach ...
Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn
Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr Carmel CA
The price is NZ$948 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
NZ$948
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Carmel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautiful view of the pacific from our ocean view room. Had to go through the pool to get to the room. Luckily there were very few swimmers Staff very helpful. Parking can be a challenge. Also our bed had a nightstand only on the right and lighting was not the best Small waterfalls and bright flowers ..."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2026

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza Monterey CA
The price is NZ$531 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$531
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn

3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd Carmel CA
The price is NZ$393 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
NZ$393
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
Carmel Mission Inn
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd Monterey CA
The price is NZ$521 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$521
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Monarch Resort

Monarch Resort

2.5 out of 5
1111 Lighthouse Ave Pacific Grove CA
The price is NZ$236 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
NZ$236
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Pacific Grove. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at the monarch hotel . Rooms were comfortable and clean and the Breakfast was very good especially the cappuccino coffee ♥️♥️"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2026

Monarch Resort
See all 1,277 properties in Carmel Highlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Carmel Highlands

Find the best Carmel Highlands areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Carmel Highlands
Learn more about Carmel Highlands
A quaint building with a turret, a window with a white frame, and a sign that reads "Hush House."
Photo by Aimee Bollinger
Open Photo by Aimee Bollinger

Downtown Carmel

If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with waves, a clear sky, and a tree on the right.
Photo by Bryce Karr
Open Photo by Bryce Karr

Golden Rectangle

While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, dense green vegetation, and a solitary tree on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Photo by Terry Fletcher
Open Photo by Terry Fletcher

Northeast Carmel

While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

A wooden amphitheater with bleachers, a stage, and a stone wall.

Southeast Carmel

While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

A sandy beach with waves crashing onto the shore, a rocky outcrop, and a person walking.

Northwest Carmel

If you're spending some time in Northwest Carmel, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Carmel Highlands Travel Guide

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