How would you like to visit a town that once had Dirty Harry as its mayor? If a town needed taming by Harry, it must be rough and tough, right? Wrong!! It is true that Clint Eastwood was the mayor of this small burg in the late ‘80s, but not because Carmel needed an adjustment in attitude. Truthfully, there are few places on earth as quaint and charming as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although the village is nestled in a pine forest, it overlooks a panoramic view of the beach. Because of its central location Carmel-by-the-Sea offers many vacation and cultural opportunities which makes it the perfect base for activities and adventures.
Tourists flock to this quaint village because it’s rated one of the top 10 destinations in the U.S. year after year to vacation. It’s nestled above a beautiful white sandy beach where everything is within walking distance. From performing arts and cultural activities to hundreds of Carmel shops, restaurants, art galleries and more, there are activities and events for all to enjoy.
As mentioned above, the city is small which makes sightseeing super easy. However, if you happen to wear heels, remember to stop by city hall and get a permit! Believe it or not, there's a law on the books banning heels more than 2 inches because of the uneven sidewalks (It’s not enforced though). Carmel-by-the-Sea is not hindered with the use of street numbers since the artists that founded the town knew where they lived (lol) and named their houses to boot. Today residents pick up their mail at the post office.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has many such examples of its uniqueness. For example, there are no parking meters or streetlights. Many of the roads go around buildings and trees because the zoning codes are very Eco-conscious which prevents needless tree removal if alternatives are available. Vacationers enjoy the laid back attitude that permeates the air of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Another example of the “live and let live” approach is that the city is very pet friendly and most of the businesses and restaurants allow visitors and residents to bring leashed dogs in their establishments. Some of the restaurants even have special dog menus, and many of the businesses have water bowls and dog treats. That’s a first, isn’t it?
When a town as small and quaint as Carmel-by-the-Sea is mentioned in many top 10 lists nationally and internationally, as Jeff Foxworthy might say, “here’s your sign” that a vacation is in order. National Geographic lists it as “One of America’s Best Beach Towns” in July, 2014. Travel and Leisure declared Carmel-by-the-Sea as the “Third best City for Romance in the World” in February, 2014 and Conde Nast Traveler labeled the town the “Second Best Small City in the U.S”. The accolades bestowed on Carmel-by-the-Sea are amazing. These awards are garnered through input from vacationers and tourists as they visit.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one unique place to visit. It’s a throwback to a time fondly remembered. If you’re headed our way, stop in and say hello. You’ll be glad you did.