A Family Getaway in Carmel Valley's The Quail

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, travelers are spoiled for choice. From beachy home rentals to luxury hotel stays, the options are aplenty. For my family, I was in search of a stay that would provide onsite amenities to enjoy with ease, rooms that offered enough space while fitting our budget, and true rest and relaxation. The Quail in Carmel Valley checked all of these boxes. A top-rated golf course for my husband, a pool for my son, and a spa for me.

Tucked into the valley just 10-minutes outside of downtown Carmel, The Quail gives guests quick access to wineries and golf. Around the property you can discover fire pits to roast s’mores, a putting course, duck pond, and bike rentals. The pool and fitness area have recently been renovated, offering a great place to lounge or workout. Unwind in spacious rooms with outdoor patio to take in calm of the valley. The onsite restaurant, The Covey Grill, offers a delicious spot to enjoy dinner before heading off to the nearby Folktale Winery for live music or catching the sunset at Carmel’s Sunset Beach.

Spend your time adventuring in Big Sur or shopping in downtown Carmel. This location offers a range of trips, all with the stunning backdrop of the cliffside coastline, redwood trees, and storybook village of Carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect getaway for a range of guests. Girls’ weekends to romantic getaways. Multi-gen family trips to golf experiences. With plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, you are sure to enjoy this beautiful area of California.

A few highlights:

• Point Lobos: Take in sweeping coastal views on a morning hike at Point Lobos. Just 20 minutes from downtown Carmel, this stunning nature reserve offers easy to moderate trails through some of the most dramatic scenery on the California coast.

• Drive to Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach: One of the most iconic drives in the world, Highway 1 south of Carmel does not disappoint. Pass over the historic Bixby Bridge, pull over for the views, and make your way to Pfeiffer Beach—a wide, wild stretch of sand with a signature streak of purple that you have to see to believe.

• Explore Downtown Carmel: Wander the charming streets of downtown Carmel on foot—there’s no better way to take it all in. Browse the independent galleries and boutiques, stop for a coffee, and soak up the unhurried village atmosphere that makes this town so easy to fall for.

• Folktale Winery: Head into Carmel Valley for an afternoon at Folktale Winery. Wine tastings, wood-fired pizza, and live music make for the kind of afternoon that stretches longer than planned—and you won’t mind one bit.

• Carmel Sunset Beach: End your day the right way. A short walk from downtown, Carmel Beach is the perfect place to pause, breathe, and watch the sun dip below the Pacific. Simple, unhurried, and completely unforgettable.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Carmel-by-the-Sea page.