Carmel

Located on California's Pacific Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the charming areas surrounding Carmel offer a world-class mix of white sand beaches, fine dining, spas, boutique shops, historic sites, art galleries, romantic ocean views and much, much more. 

In charming Carmel, strollers can find history mixed in with first-class dining, shopping, and stunning scenery. On an oceanside walk, visit poet Robinson Jeffers’ hand-hewn stone tower, Tor House, overlooking Carmel Bay, and step into the past when the area was home to only a handful of residents.

Just a few blocks in the opposite direction is actor and director Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch, a popular hotel, bar and restaurant with sea views. Visitors sipping classic martinis often spot the owner, one of the most famous celebrities in the world, who casually stops to chat with patrons. Eastwood, though no longer mayor of Carmel, still retains an active role in the area, especially in land preservation.

Around the corner, past grazing sheep, is the San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo Mission, founded in 1771 as the second mission in California. The famous church is the site of a popular museum and also one of the venues for the annual Carmel Bach Festival.

On the beaches nearby, where Bohemian revelers once danced by moonlight on the soft white sands, tourists and locals toss tennis balls for happy pups in California’s most dog-friendly town. Carmel Beach holds an annual sandcastle-building contest as well as various surfing competitions.

Carmel, California, is a heart-stoppingly gorgeous coastal area between Big Sur and Santa Cruz. Filled with world-class dining, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, designer clothing and jewelry stores, the tiny town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its unique and beautiful homes, friendly residents, low-key celebrities, and natural beauty, all within steps from two gorgeous beaches. This quaint seaside town continues to be rated a top 10 U.S. destination year after year.

At the Sunset Center, world-class actors, singers, and dancers perform, and each fall, the venue becomes the hub for the annual Carmel Art & Film Festival. Films and performances are also offered at the Outdoor Forest Theater, where guests are entertained under the stars.

Just east of town is sunny Carmel Valley, filled with hiking trails, creative cuisine, wineries, tasting rooms, artists, and the occasional cowboy. The rural yet upscale region has horse properties, homes with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, golf courses, tennis clubs, and unique shops. Eastwood’s Tehama Golf Club and residential community is also accessed from Carmel Valley Road. 

Drive south of Carmel on scenic Highway 1 and stop at Point Lobos State Reserve in the Carmel Highlands, where whalers once settled in small villages and the Esselen Indians gathered abalone. Now a marine sanctuary, hikers can spot seals, whales and dolphins, and picnic against a stunning backdrop of waves crashing against the rocks below.

The nearby Highlands Inn allows guests to dine high above the stunning Wildcat Cove, and features delectable cuisine. Some of Carmel Highlands’ exclusive homes offer access to private beaches and provide unobstructed views of the Pacific.

Continuing down the coast on Highway 1 is the world-famous drive to Big Sur, captured by countless photographers, poets, artists, and writers, including in Jack Kerouac’s eponymous novel. Flanked by mountains on the east and the ocean to the west, the region has been described as “the most beautiful meeting of land and sea.”

State parks abound for hikers and campers, while hungry visitors can dine at restaurants such as the River Inn, where guests put their feet in the water while kids play on the lawn, and Nepenthe Restaurant, meaning “isle of no care” in Greek. Situated high above the ocean, Nepenthe features local wines along with the mouth-watering Ambrosia burger and huge baskets of crispy fries.

Along the way, various art galleries, shops, bakeries, and the Henry Miller Memorial Library (a tiny venue with surprise performances by famous musicians) provide countless diversions.

For an indulgent yet natural experience, the world-famous Ventana Inn and Post Ranch hotels, located across the highway from each other, feature spas, ocean views, farm-to-table meals, and exquisite lodging. Each year, runners from around the world compete in the Big Sur International Marathon, a challenging yet gorgeous race along coastside Highway 1.

How Many People Live in Carmel?

Population: 3,722

What Languages Are Spoken in Carmel?

Language: English,

What is the Currency in Carmel?

Currency: USD

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