Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint little town in Monterey County, full of kitsch buildings like something straight out of a fairytale.

Where is Carmel?

You will reach Carmel-by-the-Sea as you drive along Highway 1. Located just 15 minutes away from Monterey, or two hours south of San Francisco. Celebrity favourites in the town include Doris Day and Clint Eastwood who each have properties here.

What to do in Carmel?

Whether you’re passing through or staying to relax for a few nights, Carmel will reward you with some of the most beautiful, whimsical scenery, historic sights, galleries, shops, and gorgeous restaurants.

The Carmel Mission is a cultural gem. Originally built in 1770 by Spanish settlers, the mission was brought back to life in the 1940s.

Carmels’ streets are lined with heavenly bakeries and popular restaurants next to fancy home stores selling flashy furnishings. There is a mix of shops for every traveller in the area, each with a unique and personal feel to them.

Carmel is a walkable little town, with each road winding into the next and all leading down to the pristine beach.

10 minutes driving along the coast will bring you to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. For just $10 you can enter and park up before walking along the rocky shore and admiring the turquoise waters crashing against your feet. Remember to take appropriate footwear as there are gorgeous hiking trails to be explored here!

Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With so many beautiful little inns and charming properties, you will struggle to choose where to stay. One of our particular favourites is The Lamp Lighter Inn. There’s a beautiful, cosy courtyard in the centre of the comfy rooms with fire pits and decorative birdhouses. Here you are sure to meet lovely, likeminded travellers whilst you enjoy some local wine.

Where to next…

As you drive south along Highway 1 you will reach Bixby Bridge. This marks the beginning of The Big Sur, which, as you head south, will lead you to San Simeon and Cambria then onwards to Santa Barbara. If you are heading north you will drive through Pebble Beach, near the 17-Mile drive and onto Monterey. From here you can carry on north to San Francisco or to Yosemite National Park.

A little known fact about Carmel…

Generally, there are no street addresses here. The residents made this decision in the early days as they wanted to encourage people to know their neighbours, which residents still encourage to date as they collect post from the post office. Additionally, there are also no street lights since residents wanted to keep light pollution to a minimum. Great for a night under the stars, of course!