Carmel Valley is a beautiful town 25 minutes inland from the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Both towns offer unmatched natural beauty, historic architecture, and delicious dining opportunities. Here are the 13 most Instagram-worthy spots near Carmel Valley, CA!
1. Folktale Winery
Live out your fairytale dreams at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley, CA. Its vineyards, gardens, and French Château-style architecture make it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots near Carmel Valley, CA. Share a pic of their scrumptious-looking brunch or wine garden dinner.
2. Café Rustica
Café Rustica is a restaurant in downtown Carmel Valley with beautiful food and a rusticly chic ambiance. Perfect for photos of food, architecture, and outfits on the outdoor patio!
3. Historic Holman Ranch
This Spanish-style hacienda in Carmel Valley offers desert-inspired photo opportunities with its gorgeous bungalows, stables, gardens, pools, olive groves, vineyards, and winery.
4. Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum
Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum features over 170 iconic motorcycles from 17 countries. This is an awesome place for epic action-fueled photo opportunities.
5. Earthbound Farm
Tour the Demo Gardens at Earthbound Farm to capture stunning photos of their farm stand, café, and organic fields of herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Garland Ranch Regional Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park is a 4,000-acre park in Carmel Valley with hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking galore. The Garland Ranch Waterfall offers spectacular nature photo opportunities.
7. Scenic Carmel Valley Highway
The 53-mile-long Carmel Valley Highway offers unlimited Instagram-worthy spots near Carmel Valley, CA, as it passes through gorgeous pastoral views of farmland, meadows, horse and cattle ranches, and wildflowers.
8. The Gingerbread Houses
The fairy-tale-inspired Gingerbread Houses are certainly iconic photo-op spots in the area. The Tuck Box, the Cottage of Sweets, and the Carmel Bakery are famous photo-worthy examples.
9. The Secret Pathways of Downtown Carmel
Almost every block of downtown Carmel has a secret alleyway that runs through it. They’re all unique, with plentiful photo opportunities. Take a seat on rustic brick steps with a coffee in hand.
10. Carmel Mission Basilica
Built in 1797, this restored Roman Catholic mission church’s rustic Spanish exterior, covered in bursting flower bushes, is a magical spot for photos. Get there in the morning for the best light!
11. Devendorf Park
Devendorf Park is a charming little place lined with rose bushes, perfect for picnics, making it one of the best Instagram-worthy spots near Carmel Valley, CA.
12. Carmel Plaza at Mission Street & 7th Avenue
The tucked-away Plaza at Mission Street & 7th Avenue is filled with old European charm. Discover the lovely architecture, old-school pools, and restaurants galore with endless photo opportunities.
13. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The spectacular Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is three miles south of downtown Carmel. Bring your camera to capture up-close shots of Bird Rock and Seal Cove.
Book Your Stay At Carmel Valley Lodge!
Carmel Valley Lodge is your central hub for all the Instagram-worthy spots near Carmel Valley, CA! Our 3-acre dog-friendly lodge (with pool, spa, yoga and hiking excursions, and delicious breakfasts) is the perfect place to relax between all your adventures. Our lovely gardens provide yet another Instagrammable photo-op!
Book your stay at Carmel Valley Lodge! We can’t wait to host you.
