Carmel Valley

Just 12 miles due east of Carmel-by-the-Sea, surrounded by the Santa Lucia mountains, Carmel Valley is the sunbelt of the Monterey Peninsula. Dating back to 1602 when it was named for Our Lady of Mount Carmel by the Spanish explorer Sebastian Viscaino, its history precedes that of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Today, with its rolling hills, ranches, horse country and near-perfect climate, Carmel Valley is the best-kept secret on the Monterey Peninsula! Boasting a glorious record of well over 300 sunny days per year, Carmel Valley is just far enough inland to escape the coastal fog while still only a few minutes' drive from Carmel Village. A friendly, unhurried country lifestyle prevails here - a refreshing change from the urban sprawl afflicting so many other areas.

A little off the beaten path, this area remains unspoiled by development or tourism and offers unparalleled vistas of brilliant blue sky, meadows softly carpeted with wildflowers and the gently undulating backdrop of mountains and hills. For the nature enthusiast, a trip to Garland Ranch Regional Park affords endless opportunities to enjoy scenic back roads, trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding along the Carmel River, the majestic beauty of ancient redwoods and more.

Unspoiled, yet not unsophisticated, Carmel Valley provides some of the finest living to be found anywhere at resort communities such as Carmel Valley Ranch and the exclusive Quail Lodge, with their gated communities of luxurious homes, world-class championship golf courses, year-round tennis, fine dining, superior accommodations, and very civilized array of resort services. Regarded among connoisseurs as synonymous with fine California Chardonnay, Carmel Valley is also emerging as one of the preeminent regions of California wine country and affords excellent touring and wine-tasting opportunities. Hidden Valley Music Seminars of the upper valley is the most active center of the performing arts in Central California, offering the best of theater and music year-round.

Quaint Carmel Valley Village will charm you with its laid back country atmosphere and variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, inns and rustic B&B's that are a source of supply, entertainment and enjoyment to residents and visitors alike. A quiet stroll through this lovely little village inevitably yields some unique item its new owner will treasure as a reminder of time well-spent getting to know Carmel Valley.