Exploring the Charm of Carmel Valley, California

Carmel Valley is about 120 miles south of San Francisco on the Monterey Peninsula. This area of California is ranked as a top wine destination and is far less crowded than Napa Valley. Carmel Valley Village is in the heart of the valley, surrounded by the spectacular Santa Lucia mountains.

The valley is not without its history. Back in the 1960s, this is where singer Joan Baez first started the protests and concerts that led to a cultural revolution. Her former home is off Miramonte Road, a few miles from Highway 1. Rumor has it that it was here that a romance blossomed between Baez and Bob Dylan.

To get there, take Carmel Valley Road off Highway One in Carmel-by-the-Sea and head east. Take time traveling down this scenic route, eventually leading to the Carmel Valley Village. The village has many excellent dining, wine-tasting rooms, and shopping opportunities. The biggest problem facing you could well be where to begin exploring!

Carmel Valley Ranch

Given the area’s natural beauty (and excellent wine), it’s easy to imagine warm and fuzzy feelings between you and your partner. Carmel Valley Ranch is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. They offer romantic bed and breakfast, golf, and wine-tasting packages. 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel, California.

Garland Ranch Regional Park Carmel Valley

Follow the banks of the Carmel River in the Garland Ranch Regional Park. There are more than 4,000 acres to explore on bike or foot. Garland Park features miles of hiking trails, with one that leads to a beautiful hidden waterfall. This park has it all: hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and dog walking.

Carmel Valley Village

Carmel Valley Village is the heart of the valley and features numerous wine-tasting rooms and fine restaurants that delight locals and tourists. The Carmel Valley area is home to Heller Estate, Bernardus, Chateau Julien, and Talbot. Some wineries have tasting rooms in the Valley Village.

Corkscrew Cafe

Located just off Carmel Valley, the Corkscrew Cafe serves farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic setting. One of the most popular dishes is pizza. Corkscrew Cafe’s wood-fired pizza oven turns out some of the best pizza in California. Lunch Thursday through Monday,
11:30 am to 5:00 pm. Dinner from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Corkscrew Cafe 55 West Carmel Valley Road, California.

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden is a local favorite, serving the best breakfast and lunch in the valley. Trailside has a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy a cold draft from the extensive beer menu. Live entertainment on weekends. Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden 3 Del Fino Place  93924.

Cowgirl Winery

What do chickens and roosters have to do with wine tasting? Stop at the Cowgirl Winery, and you will find out. You can even bring along the kids. The tasting room is a redwood barn, where tastings run from $15-$30, depending on the season. The Corkscrew Cafe provides gourmet pizzas. Dogs are welcome on a leash, so they don’t chase the chickens. Cowgirl Winery 25 Pilot Road.

Joullian Vineyards Carmel Valley

Joullian Vineyard’s tasting room is on a residential street in the village. The Vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Santa Lucia mountains that form the Carmel Valley. The glass serves wines, and the tasting room staff is friendly and informative. The village tasting room is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tours of the vineyard are by reservation only. Joullian Vineyards

Family-friendly adventures and activities are never in short supply. There are tennis camps and golf instruction geared towards kids and opportunities for them to try their hand at beekeeping. The Valley is very pet-friendly. Feel free to bring the fur-kids to bring when you visit.

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