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Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is impossibly charming. Only one-square mile in size, the quaint “village in a forest” enjoys a cozy nook along the coast, with craggy cliffs, spectacular sunset views, and the whitest sand you’ll find on a California beach. One-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and galleries lend a lively feel and artistic flair to the postcard-perfect downtown area. Just the right amount of lively, mind you; this is still a tranquil town where people come to relax and escape the real world. This is a town rife with the kinds of quirks usually reserved for black-and-white television shows or fairytales. There are no street lights in Carmel; no parking meters; no sidewalks outside of the main commercial area. There are no street addresses – most homes have been christened with appropriately eccentric names like “Hansel” or “Sea Urchin”, and it is believed to be extremely bad luck to change the name of a Carmel cottage. It is against the law to wear heels taller than two inches without a permit. (Local police don’t enforce that particular line in the municipal code and free permits can be easily obtained at City Hall.) Chain restaurants are prohibited, but dogs are permitted almost everywhere. Clint Eastwood was once mayor. Check other good communities here.
View ListingsWho Lives Here
The seaside retreat is both creative haven and home to around 4000 Carmelites - an eclectic mix of artists, intellectuals, athletes, and retirees. But to millions more, it’s a destination. Tourists greatly outnumber residents most days. Carmel’s idyllic setting, top-rated schools, abundance of outdoor activities, and close proximity to metropolitan areas make it a popular choice for families, many of whom who have lived in the village and surrounding areas for generations.
Residential Style
Carmel’s diverse artistic heritage is evident in its architecture. Craftsman-style homes sit in close quarters with Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, and Art Deco designs, connected by cobbled walks and alleyways. A number of these are historic homes, beautifully restored and maintained. Frank Lloyd Wright’s oceanfront Walker Residence utilizes Carmel stone to make the home “as durable as the rocks and as transparent as the waves”, a flawless example of his organic design principles. However, the true architectural trademark of Carmel might be its 1920s storybook cottages, whimsical creations plucked from the pages of fairytales and crafted in meticulous detail. 21 of the original homes remain today, selling for upwards of $4 million. The beloved architect did build one commercial property – that fanciful space now houses a restaurant called Tuck Box where you can tuck in for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
Activities and Entertainment
There is always something to do in Carmel. Runners, hikers, and cyclists have their choice of pristine trails with breathtaking views, or you can catch some waves or a game of beach volleyball down on the beach. Local artists and an active cultural center produce a world-class calendar of renowned theater performances, gallery showings, films series, lectures, and other events. Find more cultural offerings at the Carmel Mission, the only Spanish Mission in California with its original bell and bell tower. Wine aficionados will be well taken care of in the village, with numerous tasting rooms, wine bars, and bottle shops, and, though this is an early to bed, early to rise kind of place, happy hours tend to be pretty happening, and Vesuvio’s rooftop bar and Barmel are fun late-night options on the weekend.
Annual Events
Carmel Surfabout
4th of July Celebration
Bach Festival
Concours on the Avenue
Sandcastle Contest
Meet the Makers
Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week