This pastoral resort and residential area is a veritable Shangri-La tucked into the Santa Lucia range of coastal mountains southeast of Carmel. Carmel Valley Road leads through the valley, which boasts three championship golf courses, numerous world-class spa hotels and plenty of sightseeing attractions. Carmel Valley Village has antiques shops and gourmet restaurants. Hiking, biking and horseback riding can be enjoyed in Garland Ranch Regional Park. And there are about 20 wineries to explore—protected from the ocean fogs, the valley basks in a true Mediterranean climate.
