Interesting sights to see in Carmel, California

Carmel, California, also know as Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a picturesque Pacific coastal town full of culture, elegance, and history. This beautiful town is situated about 300 miles north of Los Angeles and 120 miles south of San Francisco, and located in the Monterey Peninsula on the California coastline.

This one square mile-wide village is full of art and theater history, as well as known for some of its famous inhabitants, such as: Clint Eastwood (who was the Mayor there for one term in the 1980’s and still resides there), Brad Pitt, Ansel Adams, Doris Day, etc.. Needless to say, many other celebrities have visited like George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson, and the list goes on. You will meet people from all over the world and all walks of life in Carmel. It is not uncommon to be walking down Ocean Ave and hear 4 different languages all it once. Internationally known for it's scenery, many foreign tourists make it a priority to visit Carmel and its shoppes.

Carmel has cobblestone walkways where high heels are prohibited by-the-way (unless you have a permit…seriously), which lead you to beautiful Hansel and Gretal cottage inns on Ocean Ave that look like you stepped right into a fairytale. Furthermore, one of the gorgeous views you will never forget is when you take a stroll down Carmel's white beach. The beautiful surf and the white sand is a sight to behold. If you have a pet you need to check out the “Fountain of Woof” located in Carmel Plaza on Ocean Ave. Beings Carmel was named “Dogtown USA, America’s Most Dog-Friendly Small City” by Dog Fancy magazine, this fountain runs continuous fresh water year-round for man's best friend.

Okay now onto the shopping…Ocean Ave is the place to spend money either in Pierre Deux, Whittaker's, Tiffany & Co, Sur La Table, Candlesticks of Carmel, etc., just to name a few. Carmel Plaza, located also on Ocean Ave, is the shopping center of it all. Full of unique stores filled with beautiful items that would satisfy anyone's craving for shopping. Plus you must not forget all the charming side streets full of more hidden gems such as the gardening store, Aslan's Garden, on Lincoln Street, and Coach on San Carlos Street. Another shopping hot-spot is further inland called The Barnyard. It is a shopping center as well, full of a variety of stores that can't be missed. Also if you love Swiss/German cuisine, you must check out the restaurant, Lugano Swiss Bistro. With its great food and atmosphere, it is one of the highlights of the The Barnyard.

If you are a wine lover, Carmel is full of local wineries and gourmet restaurants that I'm sure will please you pallet. Art is also historic throughout Carmel as it is displayed throughout the town with its featured galleries. One of its famous artists is the late Thomas Kinkade, "The Painter of Light", whom opened his first gallery here. As for history itself, there is nothing like the beautiful Carmel Mission, also known as, the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. It was founded in 1771, and plays a huge part in Carmel's history. It stills serves today as a parish, a school, and as a museum.

For those that don’t have tons of money to spend, which is the majority of us, you can still have a wonderful time. The beautiful scenery filled with lush gardens and courtyards, the white sandy beach, a two hour walking tour you can take which guides you into secret courtyards, hidden passageways, etc., makes it all worth it. For those that love the theater, Carmel has its own outside theater called The Forest Theater, where you can either catch a play or watch a movie in the forest. As for eating, one doesn't have to dine ritzy in order to enjoy the atmosphere. There are plenty of affordable romantic cafes and bakeries up and down Ocean Ave, that you can either dine in or grab-it-to-go and take it with you down to the beach.

Listed on the official Carmel website (which is posted down below) is a three day itinerary, with each day full of suggested sights you can see. Plus don’t forget the beautiful weather with a little fog in the mornings and heating up throughout the day with the highest topping off in the 70’s F during the summer.This town is a jewel on the California coastline that will not disappoint with its plenty of activities for the whole family. Go visit today!