Rancho Rio Vista Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wide view of Santa Monica Mountains at Rancho Sierra Vista, Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area, next to Point Mugu State Park, on overcast day
Wide view of Santa Monica Mountains at Rancho Sierra Vista, Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area, next to Point Mugu State Park, on overcast day

Popular places to visit

Carmel Beach which includes landscape views and a beach as well as an individual female

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Carmel Beach
These are golfers approaching the green at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye, in Carmel, California.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Carmel at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
GFB72N Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Plaza

You can enjoy retail therapy at Carmel Plaza during your trip to Carmel. Discover the seafood restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the golf courses.

Carmel Plaza
Bixby Bridge showing landscape views, general coastal views and a bridge

Bixby Bridge

4.5/5(12 reviews)

This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.

Bixby Bridge
Carmel Mission Basilica featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Carmel Mission Basilica

5/5(1 review)

This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.

Carmel Mission Basilica
While driving South between Monterrey and Big Sur along the rugged coastal highway 1, Lynn and I saw a picturesque trail winding down to the ocean cliffs. This is one of the 100s of pictures we took along this short hike. Perched on this bluff was a nesting seagull and the flowers were blooming along the entire coast. #Nature #Trovember

Garrapata State Park

Enjoy a trip to Garrapata State Park and popular activities such as golfing in Carmel. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants.

Garrapata State Park

Activities

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

AU$106
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

AU$33
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

AU$99
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

AU$78
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

AU$135
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
RadWagon tandem

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

AU$112
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
See all activities in Carmel

Our pick of the best Rancho Rio Vista Hotel Deals

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza Monterey CA
The price is AU$355 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$355
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,987 reviews)
I have stayed here a few times...the last 10 years ago. Property is just as lovely with updated rooms and a very kind staff.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal Monterey CA
Stay at this hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,548 reviews)
Was a Beautiful room. Perfect location. Staff was nice. Vintage.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Get rates
The Monterey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd Monterey CA
The price is AU$379 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$379
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,550 reviews)
Good hotel

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave Monterey CA
The price is AU$253 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$253
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,739 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row Monterey CA
The price is AU$545 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$545
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,448 reviews)
Staff was friendly and efficient. Very pleasant stay!

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Beach Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Monterey Beach Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
2600 Sand Dunes Dr Monterey CA
The price is AU$401 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$401
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Monterey. Enjoy 3 restaurants, a beach locale and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (488 reviews)
Good place and friendly people

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Monterey Beach Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
See all 1,361 properties in Rancho Rio Vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Other neighbourhoods around Rancho Rio Vista

Carmel Valley overlook in panoramic format, Carmel Valley Road in Northern California East of Carmel

Hatton Fields

While Hatton Fields isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Mission Basilica and Carmel Plaza are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hatton Fields
Forest Theater Guild which includes art and theatre scenes

Southeast Carmel

While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

Southeast Carmel
Winter beach day in Carmel. #lifeatexpedia

Northeast Carmel

4/5(3 area reviews)

While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Northeast Carmel
Panoramic drone aerial view of length of Carmel Valley at sunset. Green rolling hills with golden glow.

High Meadows

While High Meadows may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

High Meadows
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel, California

Mission Fields

While visiting Mission Fields, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Preserve and Hatton Canyon.

Mission Fields
Houses in Pacific Grove, California

Downtown Carmel

If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Carmel

Rancho Rio Vista Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: