Smart Meetings

The storybook homes built in a jumble of sometimes whimsical styles have names rather than numbers, such as This Is It, and next door, This Isn’t It. The cypress-lined streets of the village are also quaint (or cute-sy, depending on your perspective): they’re jam-packed with art galleries, chic boutiques and sidewalk cafes. You haven’t experienced Carmel unless you’ve plopped yourself down and ordered up a cappuccino under a canvas umbrella, or a heat lamp, depending on the season. But be sure to take your stroll a step further and check out the town’s white-sand beach, hidden from the bustle by sand dunes. It’s a pleasant respite, as well as a surprise.

Lesser known than its sultry cousin by the water, Carmel Valley is a 14-mile-long, narrow pocket of restrained luxury carved into the Santa Lucia Mountains. Turn inland from Highway 1 just past Carmel onto Carmel Valley Road, and the geography changes, along with the weather. The valley is rambling horse country, full of hidden canyons, luxurious resorts, wineries and some of the area’s best golf courses. Follow the mostly two-lane road and, within minutes, you’ll feel the temperature rise at least 10 or more degrees. When the coast is foggy, this valley is sun-drenched, a fact not lost on planners and attendees with golf on their minds.

Carmel Valley and Quail Lodge (quaillodge.com) Ideal for small meetings (50 to 55 rooms) the property is very large and also has golf.

Getting There

Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)  offers nonstop flights from Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. More than 80 flights daily connect it with major cities and flight hubs across the country.

Monterey/Salinas Airbus runs shuttles every 90 minutes from San Francisco International Airport and Norman Y. Minetta San Jose International Airport to Monterey Peninsula hotels.

Not To Be Missed

Don’t miss the famous and very popular 17-Mile Drive through the Del Monte Forest, where you’ll ogle Pebble Beach’s exclusive residential community and soak up unparalleled ocean views, including the iconic Lone Cypress tree. pebblebeach.com

Big Sur - Drive Highway 1 south of Carmel over Bixby Bridge for some of the unspoiled, awe-inspiring natural beauty. You’ll recognize that graceful, narrow white bridge: it’s the stuff of car commercials and Hollywood films.