Carmel-By-The-Sea

Fun busy town. Lot of shopping and restaurants. See all the cute dogs walking around.

As a Monterey Bay Peninsula resident, I really enjoy visiting Carmel during the week to avoid crowds. The cultural activities and events are fabulous, and many are complementary. We are grateful, for the wonderful tourists that support the economy. Thankful for the historic magnificent Sunset Cultural Center and the world class performances. The July Bach Festival had magnificent opening night presentations and will continue until the 27th. Treat yourself, family and friends to amazing events!

Quaint beach town, with laid back vibes. This past weekend, we had an enchanting dinner at Mission Ranch, enjoyed a captivating musical performance at the Bach Festival, soaked up the sun at Carmel Beach, filled our appetites at Carmel Belle cafe, picked up some chocolatey confections at All About the Chocolate, and explored the charming Fairytale Cottages, while appreciating the art and history surrounding us. Carmel-by-the-Sea is definitely unique. A permit is required to wear high heels (over 2 inches), though you probably won't want heels on while exploring the secret passageways hidden among the shops and galleries. Also, there are no chain restaurants in the city, and no street numbers or addresses for buildings, businesses, or homes. And if it's not already obvious, this place is one of California's most romantic destinations. A perfect getaway for me and my bf these past few days, and we already have plans to return for the musical tour of Tor House and Hawk Tower in August!

Love the Carmel by the sea downtown, lots of small shop, art gallery and restaurants. You can find parking in the neighborhood, definitely stop by the Carmel beach to watch sunset.

We went here on a weekend which had a little traffic going into. We first passed by the little village full of shops. A lot of people were walking and just strolling around. There's an assortment of high end shops and quaint memorabilia shops that everyone was going in and out of. They also have a lot of restaurants and snack places that I'm hungry to try. But of course we had to go to the BEACH!!... the beach was clean and no stones or shells by the beach that it feels good to just take off your shoes and walk. We had our own golden doodle that was so excited to run around. There were a lot of dogs there too but it was clean. The weather was a little cold at this time of the year which is October. Water was cold so we did not go into the water. There were a lot of people but not crowded that you don't get any privacy. The sunset at the end of the day was beautiful. Looking at the fading sunset, cool breeze, seeing the moon too was just MAGICAL

This isn't the place to mention that my reviews have been disappearing but here it is: my reviews have been disappearing. Guess what...I'm okay with it. Carmel is a nice place to visit. Not sure I could handle living here full time but I will tolerate the occasional visit. XD Plenty of restaurants and an excellent fish store to make it at home. In Carmel. You can see the view from the backyard on a few of my pics. Enjoy.

Best little hidden gem in Carmel! Had a great time! They have clean bathrooms and limited parking so get there early! The kids had a great time. Definitely recommend

Can't believe I can leave a review on my hometown! Shrieks of seagulls, creaky floorboards of rundown restaurants, and the nippy gloom that never seems to fully go away. The summer "heat" is a little less fog than usual, and sand always finds its way into my home, even when I don't go out! Nevertheless, there is nowhere I'd rather live. The brisk chill is the perfect pick-me-up in the morning, the scent of local fauna perfumes the air, and the familiarity and comfort this city brings me in unparalleled. Most importantly, where the warmth is lacking in the sun, you can always find it with the people.

Danger... Uneven side walks. My wife and I both twisted our ankles. Looking at the wonderful shops you may not think to look down for the sidewalk to end... Be advised, there are uneven surfaces throughout the town.

This is a gorgeous town with a lot of vintage and stylish buildings. The side walks are uneven and hard to walk. Very hard to find a parking spot.

Gorgeous place,I have always wanted to visit and it was like a dream! Breathtaking views along the walking path by the ocean,and kept so clean and beautiful by those living there,we saw people picking up in the area to keep it looking so beautiful and tidy

I don't do too many city reviews, but our City of Carmel-by-the-Sea experience earlier this year has compelled me to do one. Because Carmel is an experience. The lifestyle, the galleries, the food, the décor, the scenery, the beach, the sunsets, the weather - must be experienced. It's a microcosm of California living. Please allow me to share a few pictures from our experience. Hope you get to visit someday.

Love how the beach is all about dog friendly. Hate how restaurants are all against dog friendly. Nonetheless, it gets some positivity with a 3 star rating for the wonderful dog access at the beach and the extraordinary walking paths. The beach is nice, properly undisturbed by pollution, and lots of jellyfish and By-the-Wind Sailor fish having washed ashore. Sad, but as nature intended. I couldn't help it, but my boys insisted that they rescue the jellyfish by holding them by their tops and placing them gently back into the ocean. A passerby told our kids not to do it because it wasn't safe. She didn't address whether it wasn't safe for them or the jellyfish. We were in love with all of the dogs that were roaming free on the beach, exploring their surroundings, each other, and other people. Our Husky had to say had to everyone of them vocally. We also enjoy visiting Aaron Chang and Simon Bull's gallery and highly recommend it!

It's a beautiful place but to find parking is almost impossible and the few spots available are only for 2 hours only. 2 hrs is not enough to visit or go to the beach and the parking violations $250 overprice on everything.

Over the weekend my friend and I took a drive and stay at Carmel. This place is amazingly beautiful and would totally recommend people to take the drive to come up here. It's a small little town with shops, the ocean and pretty roads to drive on. I have to say I can see why a lot of people have made the trip here. If you have never been you must go! The ocean breeze is super nice and the water is a bit chilly but that is given. We stayed overnight and the place we did stay at was also very accommodating and super friendly. Met a few other people along the way and they also loved this small town. If your are driving from Los Angeles and going up north to SF this is a pretty great spot to stop at. Had a super fun time and wouldn't mind coming back and taking a breather. People are also practicing social distancing on the beach and while walking everyone has their mask on!

Awesome place to travel too. If I need a break from world. I love coming this location. You can either go shopping or sit next to the beach and just chill out overall great place to be.

If you haven't been to Carmel, I don't know what to tell you. This city is just oh so charming. The dog friendliest place. Just a little piece of charm away from home. The town alone is just full of charms. Main strip, ocean ave is just filled with shops and restaurants all along the way. Just a perfect place for strolling the blvd and window shopping. The restaurant are amazing. Just off from the main streets are beautiful homes that are nestled in Carmel by the sea. You could get lost wandering the streets and finding beautiful spots and amazing galleries. There's a farmers market that we happened to stumble upon on a Thursday. It wasn't that big as covid was a factor. From the top of the hill you could walk down all the way to the beach at the end of the strip. That's the gem of the city in my opinion. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beautiful and magical city from the hustle and bustle of the city. Perfect little weekend getaway or a a much needed holiday. If you looking for some R&R, you hit the jackpot. Not far from Monterrey. Also, the famous 17 miles drive is a must when your here.

Clean, cute, and so dog-friendly! Lots of great shops and restaurants in a walkable downtown area and all along one main street. Free street parking on Ocean Ave all the way down to the beach. You don't have to go very far to find gorgeous gardens and planters filled with flowers, or cute alleyways that make you forget you're in California. Lots of cobblestone and brick give Carmel tons of character (and lots of opportunities for photo ops)!

One of my best childhood friends earned a reaching job right out of college on the Monterey Peninsula. With in a year of moving to the area she bought a townhouse near The Barnyard in Carmel. Through the years I've been fortunate to visit her and gain an insider's perspective. She's introduced me to restaurants and other venues that locals enjoy, not necessarily all the touristy places. I've also explored at other times when in town and not able to meet my resident guru. I even got married the first time at the Highlands Inn, utilizing vendors from the Peninsula, and spending a lot of time on the planning. On a recent visit; just an afternoon's drive-through with Dear Hubby, we made sure to see the beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue, marveling at glorious "Carmel Blue" sparkling water. I then drove Scenic Road at a leisurely pace so that DH could enjoy the views. We stopped at Carmel River State Beach and marched across the sand to the water's edge, breathing in the brisk, clean air. We only wished we had more time to spend. Inspirational vistas, both natural, manmade, and cultivated (stunning gardens) abound here, which explains so much beautiful artwork in multiple galleries. I try to capture the vibe in photography, since a painter I likely will never be. All in all, a couple of hours in Carmel proved a welcome reminder that not everything changes radically. Most of the town's charm remains as it was decades ago, shaped by the Pacific on one side, Del Monte forest on another. Can't wait to return and spend more time in the slower paced environment there - to literally stop and smell the roses.

Yuppie, crowded, overly rated, overpriced, and all the things that we don't understand why there are so many people here. This little City by the Sea is over run by flocks of tourists which turn into a chaotic situation, totally unacceptable and unmanageable. There are so many smokers everywhere. Old cars that have smoke out of the tailpipe.

Beautiful! One of my favorites . Love the white sand beaches. Even though the beaches were closed due to COVID-19, I was still able to get close enough to get a few pictures! This place is magical to me. I love how the homes are literally at the doorstep to the beach, Plenty of street parking also!

"I was in here yesterday, you wouldn't wait on me. You people work on commission right? Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping." - Vivien, Pretty Woman (1990) I felt like Julia Roberts every time I entered a shop or art gallery... $40+ T Shirts $98+ Jeans $40-50+ dinners $500-50,000+ pieces of art 4.5 Stars? After Iceland and Norway, Carmel is the 3rd most expensive country I've visited. Even as a six figure earner, I'm still an amazing window shopper. Carmel's main streets and side streets are full of enticing and expensive boutique shops, good and terrible snobby art galleries, and lots of expensive restaurants that will scare away the blue collar worker and his family of four. The quaint, medieval-like and charming "cottage" architecture of some of the buildings made me feeling like I was through a modern fairytale. The vast white sand beach with perfect blue water is simply gorgeous but too cold to swim in during early May. Great little town for a 2 night romantic getaway...NOT for a family vacation.

One of the best beach place as ever. And I sandy areas and of course the relaxing environment and the sound of the waves is the best. It's also good places to eat and do some quick shopping while you're down here as well.

This is the quintessential town. I could very easily reside here. Quaint alleyways, classic cottage landscaping and eclectic stores. Since I am an architectural connoisseur I must you h on the seaside vibe created with impeccable cottages and their perfectly landscaped property. I'll admit, I did accomplish a little bit of holiday shopping for family and friends. Very unique and hand made items to choose from. I absolutely fell in love with the people in this town. So friendly. So authentic and so endearing. I also met a few canine friens along the way as well, but who doesn't love a cute puppy face. I'm still trying to figure out how I never knew about this town and all it's cuteness. A memorable town on a memorable trip. Thank you NorCal, see you next time

Beautiful small town about 1 mile in circumference. The main drag is Ocean street. Where you can shop till your little heart is content. They also have tons of great little restaurants and great coffee shops.Today they had a 100th anniversary parade with lots of cool cars, live bands and people all dressed up. The town is supper low key and dog friendly. Police officers riding on bike with friendly smiles, one even gave us a suggestion on where to get a good breakfast. At the end of Ocean street is the famous Carmel beach and just a mile or so away the 17 mile drive starts.

Thanks go out to the wonderful volunteers who keep the sugary sanded beach clear of debris.

Quaint, bougie town that is definitely worth a stop when you are in the Monterey area! It's such a nice escape with delicious food/drinks, boutiques, and art galleries galore! Highly recommend checking out the beach if it is your first time here. Sunset would be ideal for pictures on the beach. My only complaint would be the parking situation, as free parking is in two-hour increments. These are quite scarce considering the amount of visitors. Still, I think this is totally worth a visit with your family and friends when in the area!

Quaint and charming Carmel is all pleasure seeking -- eating, shopping, wine, naps, beach, and golf -- what could be finer? Better if it was caramel and sea salt ice cream, but still -- the name sounds good. Things to do: 4/5 Safety: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 OCEAN AVENUE -- this is "downtown Carmel". It has everything you can handle from dining to shopping to cheese & wine tasting to art. I dare you not to create romance with someone special. I just can't NOT happen. DINING -- all along Ocean Ave has lots of options (ie. Mediterranean, Dametra), but don't forget about nearby San Carlos St (ie. Tree House Café), Juniper Street & 5th (ie. Forge In The Forest), 7th Ave & Dolores (ie. Seventh & Dolores, duh!). Also, the Hyatt Carmel has the outstanding views along with delicious grub (ie. California Market at Pacific's Edge). Matter of fact, on both sides of Ocean Ave along the side streets have dining surprises. I encourage you to explore. HOTELS/RESORTS -- There's lots to choose from, but I can personally recommend 3 places, and they are all different. Carmel Valley Ranch (amazing golf and tennis property, HUGE, lots of space, spa -- totally wonderful rooms); Hyatt Carmel Highlands (best views on the planet, each room has one, wonderful well-manicured property), and Monte Verde Inn (not Casa De Carmel, same ownership across the street, but lovely and charming accommodations, small, just a few steps from Ocean Ave). 17 MILE ROAD/PEBBLE BEACH -- technically not Carmel, but this is the starting place for one of the most incredible places on Earth, Pebble Beach. Unreal homes along the award-winning golf course on a breathtakingly beautiful beach, truly a wow. I think it's $10 to enter, and go ahead and valet your car...1000x worthy. ONE HOUR DRIVE (25 miles) -- worthy is the picturesque/selfies/Kodak Moments all along highway 1 on the way to Big Sur. Again, can you say ROMANCE? NEARBY MONTEREY -- a close 10 min drive NE will bring you to another town, smaller and much less to do, it does have outstanding restaurants (ie. The Sardine Factory), and one of the only child-friendly places, the MONTEREY AQUARIUM. SKEWS OLDER -- with that said, not many kid-friendly things to do (there is the beach). But, of the older folks (20's on up), there's plenty.

Small beach town on the Monterey Peninsula. Bougie and bustling. Ocean Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, art galleries and restaurants. Walking is the ideal way to explore this Pacific Coast enclave. Take your time and stroll through town to enjoy your visit.

Hello all vacationers! Carmel by the Sea is a must! The air is so fresh, clean and cool. Restaurants on the pier is good too. Come for a weekend and feel refreshed. Lots of stores around and they love pets seeing how mini pet water fountains are place outside near the shops incase they are thirsty in this heat.

I could not not visit Carmel by the Sea in our trip to Northern California even with the 2 hours drive during our short stay!!! That was the best decision ever to witness the second most beautiful coastal village in the states!! The little cottages along the street, as well as the little boutiques and restaurants with flowers blossom are so romantic and European!!

This is a charming town. You can just eat at any restaurant and walk to the beach. It's just walking distance. Beware of the parking! They're pretty strict from what the store workers tell us. Make sure not to pass it by the minute it expires. Anyways, we were lucky to find public parking at a church close by the restaurant were we ate at. There's also parking by the beach, and other public parking areas. There's a great selection of restaurants and places to shop.

Not my favorite stop, streets were lined with shops that were not open or that had items too expensive or overpriced. We enjoyed walking around and people watching. We did buy some things and had stopped in one of the bakeries...okay, but not for me.

We went, we saw and enjoyed. Carmel is beautiful, I would highly recommend not driving a larger vehicle, since the roads are oftentimes narrow and difficult to maneuver around and parking can also be difficult.

My late uncle loved this town. He was from France and wanted to see it because he heard Clint Eastwood was the mayor here. I recall coming as a kid with him and getting complimented by a local sausage shop lady for looking "exotic". The weather here is beautiful. The sand is clear and bright. The roads are a little hilly so you can see the ocean as you approach it from up the hill. The shops are quaint and charming. The foliage and natural fauna here is quintessentially Northern Californian (I would know, I took a class on this in college). There are some really nice restaurants here as well. Some folks may complain that the boutiques are expensive, that there aren't a lot of shops, etc. but you cannot deny how quaint and beautiful everything is. It's nice to just take a stroll and look at the flowers and beach. I plan to take my husband here someday.

Someone pinch me because I think I'm dreaming. There's NO WAY California has such a low-key kind of town that's both RELAXING and GORGEOUS! But that's exactly what you'll experience with Carmel By the Sea. I recently spent a day exploring Carmel with my girlfriend, and it was one of the most memorable adventures we've had together. If beauty had a name, it would be Carmel because this wonderful coastal town is sheer bliss. Don't worry about mistaking it for Caramel like I did since your time here is going to be SWEETER than sugar. Carmel By the Sea is a tiny town located along the southern part of the Monterey Peninsula. I used to think that this place was some remote destination in the middle of California, but it's not far away from the Bay Area at all - especially since you can just take Highway 1 down! Coming from San Jose, we only drove ~1.5 hours to get here. Because it's so close, I HIGHLY suggest checking out this town. From the beautiful shores of its beaches to the awe-inspiring history of its churches, Carmel offers one of the most scenic and tranquil escapes for people living in the Bay Area. If you had just one day to visit Carmel, what would you do? What would you see? What would you eat? Here's your guide to nirvana: -FOR SHOPPERS: Despite the fact that I dislike shopping during my travels, I really encourage visiting the Carmel Plaza Shopping Center (https://www.yelp.com/biz/carmel-plaza-shopping-center-carmel-by-the-sea) because it truly embodies the spirit of the town: It's quaint, cute, and aesthetically pleasing. Every floor of the shopping center is absolutely gorgeous and the architecture really gives off that old-town vibe. The best time to go is during winter afternoons when Christmas decorations and lights illuminate the entire plaza. -FOR ADVENTURERS: Rated as one of the top activities in the Monterey Peninsula, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (https://www.yelp.com/review_share/3gyIIP7GrH91wwdgzNmYWw/review/BkJwBX5yj9cAmP4aB6dYAQ) offers BREATHTAKING views of Carmel Bay. Here, you'll be able to spot sea lions and swim near them too! The amazing thing about Point Lobos is that even though there's an infinite amount of sights and sounds, the entire park is small and easily conquerable in a day. Parking is free on the street (otherwise $10 in the lot), and it's only 10 minutes south of Carmel. -FOR TOURISTS: Out of all the activities to consider when visiting the Monterey Peninsula, the 17-Mile Drive (https://www.yelp.com/biz/17-mile-drive-scenic-tour-pebble-beach) MUST BE on your list. This tourist attraction provides a whirlwind tour of 21 of the most scenic and gorgeous locations along the Monterey Peninsula. The $10.25 for admission pales in comparison to the experience you'll get. -FOR HISTORY BUFFS: Want to visit where Junípero Serra was laid to rest? Carmel Mission (https://www.yelp.com/biz/carmel-mission-basilica-carmel) is the place to be. I promise that this historical gem will give you an educational and transformative experience. It's only $10 to enter, and maybe you'll be fortunate enough to catch a wedding! -FOR FOODIES: There are many great restaurants in Carmel, but most charge through the roof ($$$). If you're like me and want to stay frugal, I have two suggestions. To fuel up for the day, check out Carmel Coffee and Cocoa Bar (https://www.yelp.com/biz/carmel-coffee-and-cocoa-bar-carmel). Belgian Waffles SO GOOD! For an intimate and delicious experience, visit Carmel Belle (https://www.yelp.com/biz/carmel-belle-carmel-by-the-sea). Their sandwiches are amazing and the atmosphere is cozy. PLUS, THEY HAVE A FIREPLACE! -FOR THE "OUT OF GAS" FOLKS: If you find yourself needing to pump, visit the Mobil on Del Monte Avenue in Monterey (https://www.yelp.com/biz/mobil-monterey). It's right next to Highway 1, only 5-10 minutes from Carmel, and best of all it's THE CHEAPEST! If I had to recommend the most relaxing outdoor adventure, Carmel would definitely be my first pick. This town (and its surrounding area) is absolutely serene and picturesque - almost as if it's out of a book. Probably my favorite part was that parking was SO EASY, FREE and PLENTIFUL; not once did we have to circle around for a spot. If you plan on coming, make sure to bring a jacket because it can get windy. Also, try going around fall or spring when skies are clear! All in all, I wholeheartedly give Carmel an "omg, I'd travel two, no FOUR HOURS for this." It's a dream that you never want to wake up from, a memory you never want to forget, an experience that I want you to have. Have fun and prosper,

My YELP rating of Carmel by the Seas's City Hall is a solid 5 Stars. Over 18 years as a resident, we have used the services of almost every department and each one has always served us well and fairly. Most recently the last two weeks to review plans of our new neighbors proposed tear down and rebuilding of a new two story home. Sullivan in the building department was most accommodating in answering our many questions. A True Ambassador for the city of Carmel.

Beautiful, breathtaking, quaint little area! Mostly went to the shopping area which was full of little stores selling all types of trinkets, nick nacks and do dads. It really adds character to this adorable town. They have major shops and restaurants too. What really sold me is them being so close to the ocean/sea. The beach is stunning and just a wide open space. You do have to walk downhill which only means one thing--there's a struggle heading back up! Be wary, you will sweat! But the beach is worth it for sure. I can't wait to go back, it's such a magical place even while it was misty and raining out.

It's not a road stop, its a destination. Carmel by the Sea is a quaint little city by the water with beautiful little village type cottages to big estates. On my most recent mini vacation, we stopped into town to have dinner followed by breakfast the next day and say hello to the ocean. I just love putting my feet in the sand. I didn't let the chilly weather stop me from walking along the white sandy beach with bare toes, soaking up the sun and enjoying a beautiful California day. We are sure lucky to live in such a beautiful state. A cute little town with shopping, fine dining and beautiful beaches. So much to enjoy and explore that each time I visit, I check out a couple new spots. Seems like a beautiful plan to me.

By R. M. S. Thornton Alluring and pristine Lay a city by-the-sea A town which has more art galleries Than Courtney Love has STDs Where the sounds of a tranquil ocean Mesmerize, as they are heard A place where the average age of residents Lay above that of Justice Ginsburg A village with stores and restaurants Worthy of a modern aristocrat It's a lot of like ancient Egypt But dogs are worshipped instead of cats Where the biggest threat to your security Is getting scratched by a raccoon With a city counsel more authoritarian Than the domain of Kim Jong-un A borough where noise after 9 pm Will lead to civil strife Where the wellbeing of trees Are valued more than human life Where luxury and ostentation Are symbols of one's vitality Where houses are as small as Kris Kardashian's morality And if you list your property on Air BnB The town will go up in a flair You'll be guillotined faster than If your name was Robespierre Or let us not forget its neighbors Whose sovereignty it does breach Like how it unjustly claims the Lone Cypress Which clearly belongs to Pebble Beach Yet, despite all its absurdities It does possess a special charm Its alleyways contain hidden treasures Like the Coffee House and Sade's Bar And though finding parking can be worse Than sharing a room with Kathy Gifford in hell There's nothing better than an evening beach walk Or getting lunch at Carmel Belle Or purposefully giving tourists wrong directions Which is as hilarious, as it is brazen Or enjoying a glass of wine Whilst eating dinner at Grasing's Or sitting down on a park bench Reading the police reports in the Pine Cone Because you know it's not fake news When a woman reports a lost dog bone And as I traverse its quaint streets Its cobblestone houses strike me with amazement There are many worse places one can live Like New Jersey or Woody Haralson's basement So, as the Sun sets once more On this little city by-the-sea I realize there're few other places Which I would rather be A town which has its issues But is still pleasant on the eyes And is surly not as bad as It's made out on Big Little Lies © Copyright 2019 by R. M. S. Thornton

I love these smaller coastal towns in and around Monterey because the architecture. Small quaint cottages the take you back to the days of old English, cobblestone walkways! Some with the rounded-corners thatched roofs. Lots of foliage to accent. Awesome touch of fairyland charm! Tip, A personal fav (design wise) is an old cottage building - excellent - that's a Chocolate candy store, inside!! Find it. Stop in. Thank me later.

Amazing visit this week! Not crowdy although it was auto week!! Many tourists and had a feeling that I am in Europe somewhere in the south of France or Italy - so many French and Italians everywhere.. The beaches are amazing, the ocean is great , water was warm and really calm..Great selection of nice small restaurants with good food . You really need to look for a place since signs are small or hidden as well as streets names - don't look up ! Names are on the street poles . Cute city, great architecture and interesting vegetation around building !vidig the Secret Gardens- amassing place to relax and enjoy the plants besides books! I am in love !

"Is there anything else to do in Carmel besides eat, shop, and wine taste?" In my experience, the above three activities are usually what makes up my trip to Carmel. There are numerous wonderful restaurants to dine at, and not all in the three-dollar sign price range on Yelp. There is wine tasting around every corner, some more popular than others, and at least one hidden from the beaten path. A store for shoes, culinary supplies, and even a high-end stationary store are some of the fun places to drop in at; but, unless you have a lot of spare change, I wouldn't lay down cash on something unless: A) you really have money to blow, or B) you absolutely NEED to buy that $60.00 leather bound notebook, accompanied of course by the $30.00 ink pen. Carmel is also full of some wonderful art galleries, including one that is dedicated to art of Dr. Seuss. A lot of the art galleries feature local artists, some of which actually own said gallery, and they are usually happy to talk about their craft in the midst of also trying to sell you their pieces. On the subject of art, Carmel is home to a wide variety of whimsical homes, cottages that look like they were plucked straight out of a fairytale, so I would recommend bringing a sketchbook and pencil, in case the sights give way to energetic creative flow. While you're sketching the cottages, check out the Carmel Mission. I could easily spend hours there sketching, and it's a very cheap price to enter and walk the grounds. A little further south of town is Point Lobos, which for nature freaks is a great place to spend your day. Lot's of different hikes, and only $10.00 per car to enter. Carmel is a small town and I can't imagine spending more than a day here, because after a day, you're just looking at the same things over and over again. I would recommend Carmel for those who are looking for a quick get-away. Like I mentioned, it's perfect for day trips, especially if you live in the Bay Area and are tired of visiting Santa Cruz.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!!! Did Scenic Rd on a whim because I saw it listed on my google maps and it was a great find. I took the best photos of my trip while there! We only left back to San Fran because the fog was coming in. Us Floridians were afraid of that fog! Scary stuff. Other than that, it was just quaint, picturesque, romantic and just absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's all at once: picturesque, beautiful, luxurious, quaint, laid back, a little bit snobby, a little bit too expensive, very unique, very friendly, unbelievably comfortable, somewhat touristy, and so pretty! It's a different feel here, away from the high-tech world of the Sil Valley, yet only 1.5 hrs drive down south to the Monterey peninsula. The weather is mild, the flora is luscious, and the surroundings are unique: white sand beaches and small shops all over town. The city is filled with cottages, boutique inns and hotels, expensive shops and art galleries, fine restaurants and little cafes. There are almost guaranteed celebrity appearances! Everyone comes to town for numerous world famous events. Pebble Beach Pro-Am event attracts star names like Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake and Clint Eastwood, who was once a mayor, back in mid-80s, and resides here. You can bump into Jay Leno for sure during the Concours d'Elegance every August, when the world's best collector cars meet for competition at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Most amazing fine cars are paraded up and down the Ocean Ave., and rotate in exhibition on the red carpet here. Carmel-by-the-Sea visitors are transported back to the past watching classic cars drive by, coming from Pebble Beach, follow the 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1 during the Tour d'Elegance - to Ocean Ave. Come here for a day, a weekend, or a whole relaxing week, and you'll fall in love with Carmel.

The place to stay on the California Central Coast. Clean, safe, upscale, beautiful beach, great restaurants and places to stay. A destination for experienced travelers who are looking for quality. Be sure to check out Sades! A great place right downtown for pre or post dining libations with a nice balance of locals and visitors and a great crew of mixologists!

The city of Carmel is pretty :3 You have a beach and the coast on the West Side of the city. (hence their name). On the downtown/SE side lies Hwy 1. Carmel by the Sea, in their downtown area, is a decent size place, with many places to shop and eat at. At least when we went there were a lot of people walking around. Yelp will tell you a few places to go to, but they were full :P Even though it's a small city, a lot of people, surprisingly. One of the weird things, and why I give it three stars, is their side streets are terrible. Like insanely terrible. They say it's "two way" but they barely fit one way. It was scary af and you seriously do NOT want to be driving this place at night. Plus people can park on the side of the road as well, so please try not to drive here, especially at night. The beach has tons of people :P and welps, if you got the time, enjoy it there as well :3 We parked on a major street (and got lucky parking) and walked around trying to be Caramel. Just kiddingggg. :P Nice place to stop by, but if you're in a rush, you can skip and head along to Monterey or Santa Cruz.

We passed through after a leisure drive on 17 Mile scenic drive. Carmel was packed with people on the weekend. Cars coming into town in droves. Beautiful city.

When I was little I hated this place. When I was going through my super leftist social justice phase in college I extremely hated this place with a passion. Now that I have evened out... it a beautiful little town. It is expensive, but has its own charm. I love being able to walk into small shops and the hundreds of art galleries. Some of my favorite restaurants are within walking distance of Dad's house. Neighbors pretty much keep to themselves but are polite..... although parking is crazy you can always find "your spot." Learn to parallel park. My family moved down there about six years ago and did much better. The sibling was doing better in school, the parents were much happier not dealing with the pressures and snobbery of the Silicon Valley and it seemed like things were on the up. Mom found a writing group and was able to do what she loved-- gossip, people watch and write short stories. Mom's spirit and happiness will always echo here.. I can't believe its almost been a year since she died.