The 10 Best Things to Do in Carmel Valley, United States

December 4, 2017 Lashaunda Abraham

Carmel Valley Village (also known as Carmel Valley for short) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County, California, United States. At the time of the 2010 census the population was 4,407, down from 4,700 at the 2000 census. In November 2009, a majority of residents voted against incorporation.
Restaurants in Carmel Valley

1. Garland Ranch Regional Park

700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA +1 831-372-3196
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 153 reviews

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Garland Ranch Regional Park is the “granddaddy”' of the MPRPD properties, representing the District's first parkland acquisition. The park was purchased in 1975 from William Garland II, who generously gifted a portion of the cost by reducing the purchase price to below fair market value. An eminent southern California community leader, Mr. Garland spent many summers with his family on the "ranch". This park is home to a variety of landscapes that occur at elevations from 200 to 2,000 feet. From the willow covered banks of the Carmel River through the cottonwood-sycamore stands of the old floodplain, the trails ascend steeply. Atop the northern crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the trails encounter open oak savannas and spectacular vistas. Along the way, you will travel through maple-filled canyons, dense oak woodlands, and thick stands of chaparral. Garzas Creek gently bisects the park and provides a peaceful, shaded trail that reaches a secluded side canyon of redwoods. The park is also home to a wide variety of insects, birds, plants and animals, descendants of the first residents. Species lists of common birds, mammals, and plants are available at the Visitor Center or the District Museum, both located in the park. Throughout the park there are reminders of Carmel Valley's past: Rumsen Indian habitation sites; homestead, hunting and logging remains; livestock trails, ponds and springs; and Rancho Don Juan.There is a ranger/volunteer staff to help you enjoy your visit. The District provides both in-class environmental education programs and outdoor interpretive hikes and other events for all ages.Day use activities include hiking, photography, horseback riding, jogging, walking, bird watching, painting and simple solitude, and limited mountain bike riding in the Cooper Ranch area. A small visitor center is located at Garland and staffed by volunteers.

Reviewed By Beth B - Carmel Valley, California

I run and hike in Garland on a regular basis. The trails are well kept and range from easy to challenging. It's one of my favorite places, especially when the river is running strong, as it is now. It's a great place to take a picnic and/or have a grand adventure.

2. Folktale Winery & Vineyard

8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93923-9577 +1 831-293-7500
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Folktale Winery & Vineyard

Reviewed By need4sand - Fresno

This place is more about hanging out instead of wine tasting. There are lots of people sitting around a large outside patio and the staff comes by and pours your taste. They serve food, so this would be a good place for groups to hang out and have lunch. For me it was kind of confusing.

3. Joullian Vineyards & Winery

2 Village Dr, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9766 +1 831-659-8100
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 47 reviews

Joullian Vineyards & Winery

Joullian Vineyards and Winery is committed to growing superb grapes that create memorable wines. We are dedicated to producing the finest wines from the area. Our tasting room in the village offers three different tasting flight menus. It also has a new barrel room which is perfect for rehearsal dinners, private tastings, and charity events. Joullian also offers tours of the Vineyard and Winery.

Reviewed By mooki x - Irvine, California

Giving it 4 stars for the service. This was a bit out of our way. The server was extremely nice and informative. The wine was pretty decent. It was a nice sized room so you didn't feel cramped in. Would go back.Hi Mooki, I am so glad you liked our staff. They are truly what makes Joullian so special. We would love for you to come back for another visit. Best, Jane Lerum

4. Holman Ranch

19 E Carmel Valley Rd, Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 +1 831-659-2640
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 57 reviews

Holman Ranch

This stunning 400 acre property includes a fully restored historic stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards and wine caves, olive grove, and horse stables. Holman Ranch is available for private events and weddings, and is accessible by appointment only. Please call to arrange a tour of the property.

Reviewed By Mike B - San Jose, California

We attended a wedding here on a Saturday afternoon. The location was fantastic and the staff was professional and attentive. The sit down dinner was in a nice outdoor courtyard. They have on-site accommodations that can be used by the bridal party to keep everything pretty self-contained.

5. Bernardus Winery and Vineyard

5 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9564 +1 800-223-2533
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Bernardus Winery and Vineyard

Reviewed By packcal

▪️Location: Winery neighborhood.
▪️Tasting Facility: Room felt crowded for the number of people there on a Saturday afternoon.
▪️Wines tasted: We tasted about 4-5 wines and did not love any of them.
▪️Cost: Tasting fees were fair. Left a $10 tip because we did not buy any wine.
▪️Service: Friendly, but mechanical service. Goes with the territory.
▪️Recommend? Lukewarm yes for a try.

6. Cowgirl Winery

25 Pilot Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9514 +1 831-298-7030
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Cowgirl Winery

Reviewed By Ron P - Carmel Valley, California

Our local food and wine group held a bocce ball event this summer at Cowgirl. We arranged for pizzas and wine courtside and we were well taken care of the entire afternoon- both the food and wines were appreciated by our wino/foodie gang. Bocce ball brings the fun side out of everyone. When the event is done walk up to the upper patio and enjoy live music on the weekends.

7. Parsonage Winery Tasting Room

19 E Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9703 +1 831-659-7322
Excellent
70%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Parsonage Winery Tasting Room

A family-run vineyard and winery located in Carmel Valley, CA. We're known for our big, opulent reds.

Reviewed By DocBoss302 - Saint Louis, Missouri

We came here on the recommendation of another local winery. Most wineries in this area only have tasting rooms. Usually they are just retail outlets with standard clerks, but this one was the exception. Summer is a "hoot" and was helpful in assisting us with our purchases. The wines are reasonably priced.

8. Boekenoogen Winery Tasting Room

24 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9519 +1 831-659-4215
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Boekenoogen Winery Tasting Room

Reviewed By whocareswhoiam - Southern California

Absolutely enjoyable wine tasting visit. The staff here is uber friendly. Especially enjoyed the Stainless Steel Chardonnay, and the 2015 3-Clone Pinot Noir. Lovely patio to sit and have a glass of wine. Wish they offered a cheese or charcuterie plate to accompany the wines. Definitely one of the best wine makers in Carmel Valley.

9. Talbott Vineyards

25 Pilot Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9514 +1 831-659-3500
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Talbott Vineyards

Reviewed By packcal

▪️Location: Winery neighborhood. ▪️Tasting Room: Large, modern room. ▪️Wines tasted: We liked and bought four bottles of Chardonnay. ▪️Cost: High for the medium to good quality. ▪️Service: Friendly, but somewhat mechanical service. Goes with the territory I realize ▪️Recommend? Lukewarm yes.

10. Georis

4 Pilot Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-9515 +1 831-659-1050
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Georis

Reviewed By worktotravel14 - Arlington, VA

Carmel Valley is definitely a must-do destination in wine country. It is much more my speed, often with casual atmospheres and amazing wines, avoiding the pretention of other regions. Georis was quite fun. The Belgian owners have spent a lot of time investing in their wines which stack up quite nicely. On a very nice afternoon, we preferred the whites and a devine rose, though their pinot noir and bordeaux blend were also highlights of the trip. Instead of a regular tasting, they offer flights that are served with a bit of bread and cheese to cleanse the palate. The owners and staff are all very welcoming.

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