We’re in Carmel again! I love everything about Carmel – the fairy tale homes, food, the beach and just the overall vibe of this charming town. It’s definitely one of the best and prettiest towns in California.
I just visited Carmel’s official website and found this list of awards (Best Small Towns in the World) and recognitions won by Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Dotted with European-style cottages that house art galleries and specialty boutiques, Carmel-by-the-Sea serves as the perfect starting point to explore greater Monterey County. You probably already know about the town’s famous California beach and drives on Highway 1, but there’s a lot more to Carmel than coastlines—like excellent local cuisine, boutique hotels, and a burgeoning wine scene.
-“50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World,” Condé Nast Traveler
Surprisingly, Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming European-style hamlet and town on the Central Coast, is just one square mile (2.5 km²) in size, yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. There are more than 60 different culinary alternatives available here, more restaurants per capita than in any other U.S. city. – “This Is The Most Beautiful Place To Visit In The US,” The Travel
Voted one of the best cities in the U.S. by our readers, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect starting point to explore greater Monterey County. The beaches here have major laidback California vibes—think sweeping white sand and very surfable waves—which you can easily soak up via a leisurely drive along Highway 1. Back in town, take a break from the sun and explore the European-style cottages that house art galleries, specialty boutiques, and excellent local cuisine. – “The 10 Best Beach Towns on the West Coast,” Condé Nast Traveler
Carmel-by-the-Sea might be one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., apparent in its lapis waters and rocky shoreline. This spectacular white-sand beach, located at the foot of Ocean Avenue, is a popular surfing spot. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the cool, crystal-clear waters with views of Pebble Beach to the north and Point Lobos to the south. Dogs are allowed to roam off-leash with conscientious owners. Pack a picnic and a bottle of local wine (also permitted) and savor a magnificent California sunset in this seaside paradise. -“25 Best Beaches in the USA,” Travel & Leisure
Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its scenic outdoor beauty and vibrant arts and culture scene. The small town lives up to its name, one of the most beautiful towns you will see in California, from the picturesque sandy beaches and turquoise waters to European-style cottages. This charming California town opens our list for its stunning nature. Carmel is synonymous with quality food and wine, offering some of the region’s best high-quality premium wine packed with tasting rooms—all within walking distance. With a vibrant downtown, Carmel features numerous classic and contemporary art galleries. Some of the most notable destinations for an artistic experience include Jones & Terwilliger Galleries, Nancy Dodds Gallery, and Weston Gallery. – “11 Most Charming Towns In California,” World Atlas
The one-square-mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea also offers a vibrant food and wine scene amid fairytale architecture and stunning ocean views. Boasting the highest number of restaurants per capita than any other small city in the United States, visitors can explore over 60 restaurants (with no chains!) all within walking distance that showcase the region’s gastronomic richness. Carmel’s restaurants highlight the Central California Coast’s finest ingredients, from Big Sur-foraged mushrooms and fresh Monterey seafood to vibrant produce from the Salinas Valley. Additionally, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its array of locally owned tasting rooms that highlight the best of Monterey County’s wines. -“Top Small Towns” in the U.S., Sunset Magazine Travel Awards
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