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.
See properties

Activities

Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

NZ$107
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$121
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

NZ$130
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
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
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

NZ$112
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
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
See all activities in Carmel

Our pick of the best Carmel Highlands Hotel Deals

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr Carmel CA
The price is NZ$807 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$807
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (997 reviews)
"Beautiful views!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2026

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
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$893 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$893
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Carmel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (329 reviews)
"Beautiful property with amazing views. Only complaint is that we could not stay longer! The gentleman who checked us in (can’t remember his name!) told us we needed to check out Pfeifer Beach and we’re so thankful he did. It was one of the highlights of our trip. We would definitely stay here ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2026

Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn
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$508 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$508
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,554 reviews)
"Water pressure for a shower is bit weak."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
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$534 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$534
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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
Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn

3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd Carmel CA
The price is NZ$340 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$340
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,860 reviews)
"Very pet friendly, room was clean and balcony was spacious! Our family had a wonderful stay. We also enjoyed how the cute little shopping center was walkable and right behind the hotel."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

Carmel Mission Inn
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row Monterey CA
The price is NZ$719 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$719
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
See all 1,271 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 Beach and Carmel Plaza.

A coastal beach with clear blue waters, sandy shore, and red flowers in the foreground.

Northwest Carmel

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

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 Beach and Carmel Plaza 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.

Carmel Highlands Travel Guide

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