Carmel Valley Ranch: An Activity-Packed Hillside Resort Minutes From the California Coast

After just five minutes at California’s Carmel Valley Ranch, you’re likely to find yourself scouring local listings, hoping to find a vacation home in the area. This is one of the country’s priciest real estate markets though, so for most of us, a few days at a stunning, nature-focused resort will have to do the trick.

Set on 500 acres, Carmel Valley Ranch is activity central—a real-life version of the “things to do in California” brochure a real estate agent would give you. On some days, the schedule begins with workout classes before dawn and ends with an evening hike. In between, there are donkey picnics, archery classes, animal meet-and-greets and 18 holes of golf spanning much of the resort (along with nine holes of disc golf for teens), plus complimentary wine, cheese and honey tastings—all produced with ingredients from the ranch.

Carmel Valley Ranch is also a hiker’s paradise, with options ranging from walks through the gardens, vineyards and lavender fields, to the nearly three-mile Ridge View trail that connects directly to Garland Regional Park. Or, venture up the Huff ‘n’ Puff trail, a short but steep dirt path leading from the main resort area to the Corral, home to resident horses, alpacas, donkeys and miniature goats. You can also visit the animals by shuttle bus, ATV and, on busy weekends, a family-friendly hayride.

Secluded, yet accessible, the resort is an ideal base for high-end dinners in Carmel-on-the-Sea, golfing in Pebble Beach, scenic ocean drives and marine adventures in Monterey, where you’ll find whale-watching tours, sunset cruises and a world-famous aquarium.

But even the most ambitious adventure seekers need to work in downtime. When you’re ready to unwind, you can choose from three saltwater pools, including one just for adults at the main lodge, where you can have snacks, meals and drinks delivered to your seat. You could also grab a quick bite at The Market & Creamery, stop by The Clubhouse Grill for lunch overlooking the par-70 golf course or book a table at the all-day Valley Kitchen.

Carmel Valley Ranch may not be your forever home, but it’s the perfect setting for a family vacation you’ll always remember—and return to throughout the years.

The Room

Select Vineyard Oak Studios include an outdoor tub.

Spread across four hilltop areas, Carmel Valley Ranch has 179 rooms and suites, all of which include gas fireplaces and private terraces with vineyard, valley or forest views. 

Accommodations have a residential feel, with neutral colors, recessed lighting and comfortable furniture you won’t be afraid to actually use. The base category, a Santa Lucia Studio, is plenty big, but for even more space, book a Vineyard Oak Studio with a king-size bed and outdoor tub. It has a large bedroom area, a roomy bathroom and a terrace with a bathtub overlooking the vineyards and valley, perfect for a sunset soak with a glass of wine.

The resort’s suites are ideal for families. The base Ranch Suite category offers either one king bed or two doubles, plus a sleeper sofa in the airy living room. There’s also an expansive terrace, an ordinary, yet oversized bathroom and a gas fireplace in the bedroom.

You can also book a two-bedroom suite, or combine suites for up to four interconnected bedrooms, if you’re planning an extended family trip. All rooms and suites have nearby parking, and are connected to the lodge and activity areas by paved or dirt paths, or a complimentary on-demand shuttle bus.

The Features

Sunsets are pure magic on a clear day.

Don’t miss: Sunset from the hilltop just above the Corral. Head up about 30 minutes before sunset on a clear evening and watch as the sun slides below the hills.

Standout features: The resort’s stunning grounds, which are covered in grape vines, olive trees and organic gardens that, in the summer, fill the property with the fragrance of fresh lavender.

Can’t stop thinking about: The adorable miniature goats at the Corral. They’re always full of energy and excited to greet anyone who comes by to visit.

The Lowdown

Guests can explore the grounds by ATV.

The highly specific reason you’d come here: Your kids are out of school for the summer and you need a place for them to unleash their pent-up energy.

The first thing you should do when you arrive: Book the 90-minute ATV excursion on one of the ranch’s all-terrain vehicles, which can accommodate up to four guests. You’ll get to explore the 500-acre grounds with a professional driver, and it’s a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the property so you can plot out your activities and hikes for the next few days.

What are you packing? Summer temperatures can climb a bit higher than they do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, but mornings and evenings are typically chilly year-round, so pack a sweater even if you’re visiting in July or August. The swimming pools are heated, but unless you’re taking an afternoon dip, you’ll want to dress in layers, and plan to get a bit dusty or muddy if you’re hitting the trails.

What are people drinking? Carmel Valley Ranch leans into local ingredients at the main pool and restaurant. There’s the refreshing Lavender Bliss, made with vodka, lime juice and house-made lavender syrup. Or, try the boozier Ranch Bee’s Knees, with gin, lemon juice and honey produced on site.

The family-friendly amenity that’s really for the parents: The half-day Kids’ Camp, which offers supervised activities around the resort for guests ages 2 to 12—and gives parents plenty of time to venture out on their own or book a treatment at Spa Aiyana.

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 179
• Number of pools: 3
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? No
• Number of bars/restaurants: 4  
• 24-hour room service? No
• Childcare and kids club? Yes

Booking With Chase Travel

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