From the mouth of Carmel Valley at Highway 1 to the rolling hills surrounding Carmel Valley Village - there is a winding and scenic 13-mile drive through countryside dotted with oaks, poppies, and lupines.

Carmel Valley features shopping at the mouth of the Valley.  Proceeding East, you will pass Rancho Canada Golf Course, Del Mesa Carmel and Hacienda Carmel (adult housing developments), the entrance of The Santa Lucia Preserve, and Quail Lodge.  Additional shopping can be found at Mid-Valley.  Contuing East, you will see Carmel Valley Ranch - an area of condominiums, golf, tennis, hotel and exquisite dining. Garland Park is a long time favorite for hiking and horse back riding, backing up to the Los Padres National Forest.

Along the route, side roads take you into areas of homes - some modest and some more significant.  Private vineyards and horse facilities are common.

The prominent Bernardus Lodge and Spa is at the intersection of Los Laureles Grade. Further east, the Los Laureles Lodge. 

Carmel Valley Village continues to become more significant with wineries, artisan shops, fine and casual dining, home of the Hidden Valley Music Center and Gardiner's Tennis Ranch.  The "Village" has an interesting mix of sophistication and country rustic.  Just past the Village is the world famous Stonepine Estate.

The locals of the Monterey Peninsula often visit the Valley to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather than what is found along the coast.