Carmel-by-the-Sea

Located on the Central California coast just south of Monterey Bay, this charming turn-of-the-century Bohemian village has been and remains a Mecca for intellectual and cultural exchange, as well as one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States! Featuring spectacular beaches, forests of cypress and pine and the rugged coastline which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, Carmel boasts a unique mix of natural, cultural, historical, and commercial assets. The unforgettable atmosphere is at once cosmopolitan and quaint; world-renowned, yet intimate; sophisticated, yet casual, with its own inimitable style. Once drawn in, you'll never want to leave!

Incomparable natural beauty in many forms satisfies the hungry eye, from the sparkling waters and sandy beaches of Carmel Bay to the stately grace of the Del Monte forest; from the scenic parks, hills and trails to the coastal bluffs and cliffs of the rocky shoreline. Some of the world's most breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife habitats have been preserved here and in the surrounding area, including Point Lobos State Park, Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur, Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, and more.

A cultural treasure trove, Carmel boasts a thriving community of those dedicated to the preservation of the arts and culture. Music, theater and art are celebrated in a wide variety of annual festivals that refresh and uplift the spirit while also providing education and entertainment to residents and visitors alike. Numerous studios, galleries and antique shops invite exploration and offer the opportunity to bring a taste of Carmel mystique into your own home.

The best of everything is available within this one-square-mile village, including shopping and dining opportunities that run the gamut from the quaint and casual to the finest and most elegant. There is literally something for everyone to be found in the hundreds of boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Whether one prefers the cheerful bustle of the main streets or the more relaxing pace of browsing in the out-of-the-way courtyards and arcades, the Carmel shopping experience is not to be forgotten!

A quiet, unspoiled, small-town community with personality, where the houses are named rather than numbered in many cases, and no two homes are exactly the same. Architectural styles ranging from the original Carmel board and batten cottage to the luxurious mansion coexist harmoniously and testify to the individuality of their owners. The residential district remains unspoiled and uncluttered by sidewalks, street lights or mail boxes, with residents strolling to the post office to pick up the mail.

Unlimited recreational and athletic opportunities abound in Carmel and the surrounding area, with activities and facilities to support almost any interest, including golf, tennis, running, cycling, horseback riding, kayaking, scuba, sailing, whale watching and more.