Location: Carmel Valley is approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco and, at Mid-Valley, about 20 minutes from Monterey Peninsula Airport and 1-1/2 hours from the San Jose Airport.
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Carmel Valley in California is a sublime pastoral river valley nestled into the towering Santa Lucia range, and is one of the finest regions in California. The main artery is Carmel Valley Road, which starts at Scenic Highway 1 and meanders eastward, winding along Carmel River past endless opportunities for recreation, entertainment and sumptuous food.
"Sunny" Carmel Valley enjoys moderately warm temperatures year round, with an average high of 71 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, 61 in the winter, and 78 in September and October (Indian Summer--the best weather of the year).
Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Monterey are known for dense fog when the weather warms up.
Carmel Valley is home to Garland Ranch Regional Park's 4,000+ acres, open for day-use activities, known for excellent mountain trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the willow-lined banks of the Carmel River.
Bicycle riding along Carmel Valley Road's bicycle lane or on any of the smaller side roads into the mountains can be very challenging. For shorter rides, Carmel Valley Village is a wonderful place for pleasure rides.
In Carmel Valley one sees working horse ranches, many offering clinic English and Western riding, Hunter/Jumper and Dressage, Sulky and Carriage Driving. Horseback riding is also suggested along Carmel River in Garland Ranch Park if you have your own horse. If you don't, suggest you contact The Holman Ranch's equestrian center for a very scenic ride.
Until WWII, many millionaire sportsmen built mansions in the Carmel Valley and invited their Hollywood friends to hunt boar in the hills, play polo and golf, and attend horse shows and fiestas. To this day several luminaries have made their homes here including actress Doris Day and entertainer Merv Griffin. Celebrity weddings and receptions are also the norm in the Valley.
Golfers have four championship golf courses to choose from in Carmel Valley in a climate that is a pleasure for the player. Green fees are relatively modest, and the courses are beautifully maintained throughout the year.
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Hiking is a favorite pastime in Carmel Valley especially in Garland Ranch Park, nestled in a lovely meadow alongside the Carmel River. Hiking trails wend their way up to the face of the Santa Lucia Mountains to a point where one can view the entire length of the Valley.
Carmel Valley is one of seven appellations, which comprise Monterey County's diverse wine country; and of these, Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct. Nestled into the towering Santa Lucia Range, Carmel Valley geographically defies daytime zephyrs and fogs, yielding the sizzling summer afternoons that are especially favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals.
The 11.5 miles from Highway 1 to Carmel Valley Village are dotted with wine tasting rooms. At the 5-mile mark are the Chateau Julien Winery and tasting room housed in an elegant French-style Chateau built in 1982.
Staying at Wyndham Hotel was complete different experience, on the first day I was told from corporate that they made a hotel booking and directions were conveyed to me over cell phone, that I would be staying in the Valley until the project is not over. Delighted to hear, as I might chance to explore more but all excitement vanished when I drove in a single lane dark one way road around 9pm. Address of Wyndham hotel was so tricky, mistakenly I drove an hour or so in the Jungle.
I will never forget those moments with weird sounds, animals running and passing ahead of my Van.
With a very less fuel bank left, The whole moment was a touchy seen of some scene reminded from well known Horror movie. Any way I enjoyed!
Wyndham Carmel Valley Ranch, a 400-acre countryside estate surrounded by the lush forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, is the perfect luxury resort and spa destination in California.
Wyndham Carmel Valley Ranch offers something for everyone! Play your choice of hard or clay tennis courts. Challenge yourself on our 18-hole "must play" golf course designed by Pete Dye.
Explore the beautiful mountains on horseback. Relax in a spacious suite full of delightful touches such as fireplaces, panoramic mountain views and Jacuzzis (in front suites).
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Well that’s it! I tried to shoot the best of nature, scenic landscapes and wildlife scenes so you all can enjoy. Hope you will like it.
