Idyllic Carmel California

While visiting Monterey Bay, you ought to take a side trip to Carmel California, gem of the central coast. It is located 26 miles north of Big Sur, and 120 miles south of San Francisco.

It's small and charming to the extreme. If you want some peace of mind, just meander up and down the small streets through this forested, picturesque village. The cottages are surrounded by lovely gardens.

The village of Carmel is filled with little hidden courtyards and passageways between the shops, art galleries, boutiques and a wide variety of wonderful, unique restaurants.

In summer, it is not uncommon to hear lots of different international accents and languages amongst the tourists who come here from around the world.

At the end of Ocean Street, which runs through town on its way downhill, is Carmel Beach, also known as Del Mar Beach. On a sunny day, the combination of the intensely blue sea and the glistening white sand is stunning. You can see Pebble Beach's green hill off to the right. This beach is a popular spot to watch the sunset. Towards the south end of town is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, otherwise known as the Carmel Mission. Also nearby is Carmel River Beach, at Carmelo and Scenic Drive. From the small parking lot, when you walk out onto the beach, placid Carmel Bay is to your left, while the rougher ocean is to your right.

In 1771, Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. It was at the Monterey Presidio for a year, then moved to Carmel. It was the second of 9 missions which he founded up and down California.

Carmel-by-the-Sea had a large influx of artists in the early 1900's. Today, the town has little art galleries everywhere you look. Artists, writers and photographer's are drawn to the incredible natural beauty of the area and its exquisite lighting and colors.

Just a couple of miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 is the Point Lobos State Reserve. It has 350 acres of trails and beach coves. It is really a must-see for nature lovers.

Dressing in layers is advised, because the area is often blanketed in fog. Temperatures are usually in the 50's and 60's year round. In the summer, a short drive up to Carmel Valley can take you into much warmer sunshine, where you can also indulge in a little wine tasting for a bit.

Fortunately, there aren't any skyscraper hotels here. But you can find a cozy, romantic Carmel bed and breakfast here.

To find out about the historic La Playa Hotel Carmel, click here.

See also the Cypress Inn Carmel or the Carmel Country Inn, both very nice places that also allow pets.

For other hotels or resorts, go to the Carmel accommodation page.

Back from the Carmel California page to the Monterey Getaway home page.