Rancho Rio Vista Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Rancho Rio Vista
Popular places to visit
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
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 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.
Bixby Bridge
This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.
Carmel Mission Basilica
This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.
Activities
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Our pick of the best Rancho Rio Vista Hotel Deals
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"I give this hotel 5 stars. It met all my expectations and exceeded them. I would stay at the Portola Hotel again!"
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Nicest hotel either of us has ever stayed in. First time I ever used valet parking or room service. Both were worth it ! Only complaint I have is that we were told that there was no shuttle from the hotel to the aquarium. It's not a shuttle but a city bus that looks like a trolley car. We found it ..."
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"The quality of the room was poor, the bed was uncomfortable, the gym is the saddest I’ve ever seen, the hallways smelled, you have to ask for towels for the pool, the bar is closed Sunday-Monday. I will not be coming back. Shame that I had to waste my birthday on this place."
Reviewed on 19 June 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The breakfast was excellent, and the grounds were beautiful and well maintained. Our room was very nice, clean, and comfortable. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Highly recommended!"
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"There's not really any parking as far as we know. And the basic historic suite does come with a coffee maker but no water provided unless you find a machine in the hallway. Aside from that it's a beautiful hotel."
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey
"No shampoo in the bathroom or body wash."
Reviewed on 20 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Rancho Rio Vista
Downtown Carmel
If you're spending some time in Downtown Carmel, Carmel Plaza and The Doud Arcade are top sights worth seeing.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza.
Northeast Carmel
While Northeast Carmel isn't home to many top sights, Carmel Beach and Carmel Plaza are some notable places to visit nearby.
Southeast Carmel
While visiting Southeast Carmel, you might make a stop by sights like Forest Theater Guild and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
Carmel Highlands
Carmel Highlands is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Point Lobos Ranch and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
