Carmel vs Carmel Highlands vs Carmel Valley
Mar 5th, 2008, 06:54 AM
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Carmel vs Carmel Highlands vs Carmel Valley
Through some research I now realize "Carmel" CA can refer to three different areas: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Highlands and Carmel Valley. Can anyone describe the differences between them and specifically, what are they like in terms of tourist things to do, shopping, hiking,etc.?
Mar 5th, 2008, 08:53 AM
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Carmel-by-the-Sea is the main village. Probably the best place to stay is in the heart of the village, where you can walk to all the restaurants, shops, galleries, town beach. Carmel Highlands is just past Point Lobos to the south, on the way to Big Sur. Good for day-tripping for ocean views, hiking, etc. Carmel valley begins at the southern end of town and stretches inland to the east. Mostly upscale homes, some wineries. Can be sunny when the coast is socked in. Also daytrip.
Mar 5th, 2008, 08:54 AM
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Carmel is the same as Carmel by the Sea. I believe Carmel Highlands is just a neighborhood in the town....but someone will confirm.
Carmel Valley is another town nearby. Highway 1 leads to both towns - one is by the sea - the Carmel Valley one is on the other side of the highway and it goes into the mountains and is altogether lovely but more rural.
The touristy things are in Carmel by the Sea. CV has a few hotels and resorts that are quite lovely...Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge and Quail Lodge, among them.
Shopping is by the sea. Hiking is nearby, as both these towns are near each other. It's all right there.
Carmel Valley is another town nearby. Highway 1 leads to both towns - one is by the sea - the Carmel Valley one is on the other side of the highway and it goes into the mountains and is altogether lovely but more rural.
The touristy things are in Carmel by the Sea. CV has a few hotels and resorts that are quite lovely...Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge and Quail Lodge, among them.
Shopping is by the sea. Hiking is nearby, as both these towns are near each other. It's all right there.
Mar 8th, 2008, 10:19 AM
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Some of the better shopping in the Carmel area is at the BARNYARD SHOPPING CENTER located on Highway 1 and RIO ROAD. The CROSSROADS SHOPPING CENTER across the street. The locals shop here. Check it out.
Mar 12th, 2008, 10:53 AM
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xkenx gave a very accurate description, so did Cabovacation.
There are more areas than you listed but they're all basically neighborhood/regional descriptions. Carmel extends all the way to Laureles Grade. From the Grade on...is the zip code change - Carmel Valley. From the north we have, The Woods, then the village. There is also Hatton Fields, The Views, mid-valley, the Highlands...it goes on and on. Most tourists stay in the village.
There are more areas than you listed but they're all basically neighborhood/regional descriptions. Carmel extends all the way to Laureles Grade. From the Grade on...is the zip code change - Carmel Valley. From the north we have, The Woods, then the village. There is also Hatton Fields, The Views, mid-valley, the Highlands...it goes on and on. Most tourists stay in the village.
Mar 12th, 2008, 11:52 AM
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As other posters mentioned, "Carmel" normally infers the town of Carmel. The heart of Carmel can be reached by taking Ocean Avenue west off of Hwy 1 down the hill into the village. Great area to stay, eat, shop, see galleries, etc.
Carmel Highlands is the community below Carmel to the south accessed on Hwy 1 mostly comprised of homes and a few hotels. Pfeifer State Beach and beautiful hotels such as the Highlands Inn and Tickle Pink can be found there. We stayed in the Highlands Inn last October and loved it.
Carmel Valley is a small community about 15 miles east of Carmel and Hwy 1. It has a small little village with a few stores, restaurants,etc. It is more rural than Carmel (horses,etc) and is normally 5-10 degrees warmer. Also, if the coast is fogged in, there is normally a good chance that CV will be sunny. Though we have stayed other places on the peninsula, we normally stay in CV because of the weather --there are a few inns or hotels to choose from. We don't mind the 10 min drive to reach the "mouth of the valley" at Hwy 1, but some might. If so, then staying in Carmel or the Highlands would be best. Monterey has some great spots as well.
Carmel Highlands is the community below Carmel to the south accessed on Hwy 1 mostly comprised of homes and a few hotels. Pfeifer State Beach and beautiful hotels such as the Highlands Inn and Tickle Pink can be found there. We stayed in the Highlands Inn last October and loved it.
Carmel Valley is a small community about 15 miles east of Carmel and Hwy 1. It has a small little village with a few stores, restaurants,etc. It is more rural than Carmel (horses,etc) and is normally 5-10 degrees warmer. Also, if the coast is fogged in, there is normally a good chance that CV will be sunny. Though we have stayed other places on the peninsula, we normally stay in CV because of the weather --there are a few inns or hotels to choose from. We don't mind the 10 min drive to reach the "mouth of the valley" at Hwy 1, but some might. If so, then staying in Carmel or the Highlands would be best. Monterey has some great spots as well.
