Carmel Valley: Things To Do

Festivals

• Carmel Art Festival: Held annually the week after Mother’s Day, this free festival strives to educate and inspire about the visual arts with a Plein Air Juried painting competition, a silent auction, and an art sale.

Golf and Horseback Riding

• Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course: This championship-level course is the only Pete Dye design in Northern California, and is rated by Travel and Leisure as one of the “Best U.S. Golf Resorts.”
• Quail Lodge Golf Club: Fully restored in 2015, this course is known for its impeccable conditions and pet-friendly atmosphere.
• Rancho Canada Golf Club: Located at the entrance to Carmel Valley, this course offers complete tournament services and clubhouse amenities.
• Tehama Golf Club: This invitation-only course designed by Jay Morrish offers rugged beauty and exceptional food and amenities.
• Stonepine Equestrian Center: Established in the 1930s and known as “the oldest thoroughbred farm west of the Mississippi,” this center offers a jumping and dressage arena, a four furlong warm-up track, and alternative jumping arenas.

Art Attractions

• Carmel Valley Art Association Gallery: A juried art association featuring local oil, watercolor, acrylic, media, sculpture, glass, photography, and jewelry artists who rotate into the gallery for three to six month periods.
• LyonsHead Gallery: Showcases a hand-selected collection of antiques and other decorative items created by local artists.
• Patricia Qualls Studio: A gallery of contemporary art also serving as the owner’s studio space.
• Kelp Kreations: A unique gallery of baskets, rattles, bracelets, ornaments, and other art crafted from kelp, pine needles, and sand dollars.

Natural Attractions

• Garland Ranch Regional Park: Purchased in 1975 from William Garland II, this park encompasses landscapes from 200 to 2,000 feet elevation, and includes hiking trails, horseback riding trails, Rumsen Indian habitation sites, ponds and springs, and Rancho Don Juan.

More Fun

• The Farm Stand at Earthbound Farm: Started as a 2.5 acre raspberry farm in 1984, this organic farm has now grown to nearly 50,000 acres and offers beautiful grounds and educational gardens.
• Holman Ranch: Rich in historical significance, this rustic estate offers native gardens, orchards, stunning vineyards, a winery, stables, and event space.
• Carmel Valley Village: Located 13 miles up Carmel Valley from Highway One, this quaint country village offers fine dining, wine tasting, shopping, and art galleries.
• Wine Tasting: Famous for red varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and white varietals such as Sauvign Blanc, the Carmel Valley offers wine tasting rooms all along the drive from Highway One to Carmel Valley Village. The Village itself offers an abundance of wine tasting rooms and bars all within walking distance.