California
A Fairy-Tale Village by the Sea
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Carmel-by-the-Sea is a storybook village where enchanting cottages line streets without addresses, towering Monterey pines frame ocean views, and a pristine white-sand beach stretches along the Pacific. This one-square-mile town has been a haven for artists, writers, and romantics since its founding in 1902.
The town's strict design guidelines have preserved its fairy-tale character—no neon signs, no street lights, no high heels on sidewalks without a permit. Over 100 art galleries dot the village, continuing a legacy established by early residents who included photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, and writers Jack London and Sinclair Lewis.
Carmel's beach, consistently rated among California's finest, offers dramatic sunsets framed by cypress trees and sea stacks. The nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, called "the crown jewel of the state park system," provides some of the world's most spectacular coastal hiking.
A charming main street lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in cottage settings
Pristine white sand beach with dramatic cypress trees and stunning sunsets
Over 100 galleries showcasing everything from California plein air to contemporary sculpture
The "Crown Jewel" of California state parks, just minutes from downtown
Carmel is located 120 miles south of San Francisco via scenic Highway 1. The town is busiest in summer and during festivals like the Carmel Art Festival in May. For a quieter experience, visit in fall or winter when mild weather and smaller crowds make exploring a pleasure.