CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST

Pristine coastal paradise with breathtaking views and luxurious retreats

Welcome to Carmel Highlands/Big Sur Coast

This stunning stretch of the Central Coast is nestled between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Big Sur and Carmel Highlands are home to some of the most unmatched scenery in the country, with isolated coves, tide pools, and rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific. With the longest underdeveloped stretch of coastline in the U.S., this community is a haven of spectacular natural beauty. 

Rich in ethereal coastal outlooks and elegant luxuries, the Carmel Highlands and Big Sur are chic coastal havens. Tranquil resorts and retreats that are nestled into the cliffs above the seaside boast high-end eateries and relaxing spa experiences. Community festivals and events provide endless opportunities to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of this region. With fabulous seaside vistas from the rugged cliffs along the coast, soaring Redwood trees, and towering Santa Lucia Mountains, this community is full of sweeping landscapes. 
 

What to Love

  • Unbeatable views in all directions
  • Tranquil cliffside retreats and restaurants
  • Local, seasonal ingredients drive the foodie scene
  • Gorgeous nature preserves and parks

Local Lifestyle

This spectacular stretch of California’s Central Coast is an idyllic enclave for those looking for a home with a tranquil atmosphere. This highly-desirable community offers the perfect serene escape. Private golf clubs and high-end spas provide great spots for recreation and relaxation in this coastal paradise. 

Award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and famed retreats populate this stretch of coastline. With boundless panoramas and luxury amenities, Big Sur and the Carmel Highlands are a treasure of the Monterey Peninsula. 
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Several resort retreats sit along the coast of Carmel Highlands and Big Sur, offering plentiful spots for relaxation, dining, and recreation. Nestled in the hillsides of Carmel Highlands, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a luxurious retreat with stunning coastline views. This reimagined historic inn was once a haven for artists and poets. 

Sitting on 160 acres of wilderness, Alia Ventana Big Sur is a glamorous retreat with a holistic spa and glamping tents that are perfect for a staycation. The historic Post Ranch Inn sits high above the Pacific on the gorgeous bluffs along the coast. This award-winning luxurious resort is home to the famed Sierra Mar, a cliffside dining experience. Sierra Mar offers sweeping sights of the Pacific from the floor-to-ceiling windows and has a menu featuring California cuisines like Monterey abalone and handmade cavatelli. 

Nepenthe is another Big Sur eatery with amazing food and views that are just as outstanding. This restaurant, which sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, serves local favorites like the famous ambrosia burger and California beet salad. Big Sur Bakery is a Central Coast favorite for its delectable pastries, fresh bread, and hearty mains. Chef Michelle Rizzolo has curated a menu featuring everything from grilled octopus to fresh sourdough. 
 

Things to Do

Each Spring, the Big Sur Marathon brings runners from all over the world to the Central Coast for this Boston-qualifying event. The course curves along the coastal highway from Big Sur to Carmel. Part of this course includes the Bixby Creek Bridge, a marvel of elegant architectural design and fabulous Pacific outlooks. The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival is an annual community event perfect for food and wine enthusiasts. Local restaurants and wineries team up to bring food events and wine tastings to the Carmel Highlands and Big Sur region.

Thanks to its idyllic location between the coastline and the Santa Lucia highlands, this region is rich in natural beauty. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is ideal for hiking, jogging, scuba diving, and nature study. This is also a great spot for artists and photographers to find inspiration for their works with its rugged cliffs and crystal blue waters. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park spans from the coast and into the nearby highlands. This park has stunning sights of the cliffside coast and the soaring Redwoods. It’s also a great spot for hiking, with the McWay Falls cascading into the Pacific below.
 

Schools

The Carmel Unified School District and Big Sur Unified School District serve the communities of Carmel Highlands and Big Sur. Excellent schools of note in the area include:

Overview for CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST, CA

2,249 people live in CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST, where the median age is 57.4 and the average individual income is $71,763.32. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,249

Total Population

57.4 years

Median Age

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$71,763.32

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST, CA

Population Households Employment

CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST has 952 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,249 people call CARMEL HIGHLANDS / BIG SUR COAST home. The population density is 60.94 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,249

Total Population

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

57.4

Median Age

47.13 / 52.87%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
952

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$71,763.32

Average individual Income

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Browse Properties in the Area

For Sale
MLS® ML81912615

$4,995,000

201 Spindrift RD, CARMEL, CA 93923
4 Beds 3.5 Baths 3,127 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81919235

$3,300,000

9 Sonoma LN, CARMEL, CA 93923
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,800 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81916387

$2,998,000

2700 Red Wolf DR, CARMEL, CA 93923
For Sale
MLS® ML81909502

$2,800,000

0000 Spindrift RD, CARMEL HIGHLANDS, CA 93923
Under Contract
MLS® ML81763516

$2,300,000

3400 Red Wolf DR, CARMEL, CA 93923
For Sale
MLS® ML81907363

$2,000,000

219A Peter Pan RD, CARMEL, CA 93923
Under Contract
MLS® ML81825494

$1,800,000

161 Spindrift Road #B, CARMEL, CA 93923
Under Contract
MLS® ML81917631

$1,600,000

Sycamore Canyon RD, BIG SUR, CA 93920
1 Bed 1.5 Baths 990 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML81898990

$1,550,000

0 Pfeiffer Ridge Road, BIG SUR, CA 93920

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MONIKA CAMPBELL | CA DRE# 01370848

Phone

(831) 917-8208

Email

monika.campbell@compass.com

Address

6th Ave., 2 SW of San Carlos Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921

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