Carmel-by-the-Sea is a step into another
world, unlike any city along the California coast. The cobbled sidewalks,
quaint cottages, breath-taking seascapes, tucked away shops and incredible
art galleries are a few of the attractions that draw travelers from around
the globe to experience a part of California unique unto itself.
Romantic,
inspiring and usually bustling with activity, Carmel should not be missed on
your next California coastal visit. Monterey Airport offers connector
flights with Los Angeles International Airport, but the drive to Carmel
along Big Sur Highway 1 is incredible, if not a bit challenging with its
hairpin turns.
With nearly 2,000 hotel rooms, several
luxury golf resorts and more than 30 Bed and
Breakfast Inns, Carmel-by-the-Sea's close knit community of over 4,500
shares its home with the world daily. The familiarity of a
European village in which necessities are within walking distance combined with
scenic beauty and unique weather of the California Coast makes this well
known destination a much desired and admired vacation. It is also considered one
of the world's most romantic places, as well. Many couples come to Carmel to get
married. The air, the scenery and sense of time and history is evident in little
things such as cobblestone walkways, homes known by names rather than addresses
and beaches framed so perfectly by nature's props that you can't escape the
feeling you are in Paradise.
Father Junipero Serra, father of
California missions, was one of Carmel's earliest European settlers to
establish a presence by building a mission in 1771. He chose
the location near the ocean as his favorite spot to live and was even buried
at the Carmel mission. This man traveled up and down the coast and knew its
landscape well. He could have chosen hundreds of locations with beautiful
beaches and fantastic climate to call home. With a mission to build settlements
along the coast, Father Serra chose Carmel as his home. Some consider
Carmel-by-the Sea the closest point to heaven.
More than 100 years later,
San Jose land developer Frank Devendorf purchased a huge parcel in the
early 1900's and subdivided it with dreams of creating a family village
at one with nature. He virtually gave lots away in Carmel Bay to attract
his target audience of academic, scientific and artistic people from
the San Francisco bay area. His timing couldn't have been better. San Francisco
experienced a massive earthquake which destroyed much of the city in 1906.
Eager to relocate, many creative types answered Devendorf's call with the
likes of famous writers, poets and painters such as Mary Austin, Sinclair
Lewis, Xavier Martinez, David Starr Jordan and Jack London on the newcomers
list.
Word quickly spread and Carmel became
one of the "in" spots. Tree house offices, theater in the woods, and beach
parties until dawn are some of the memories that live on and are shared
amongst locals. Artists were outplaced when they no longer were able to
support the dream with their meager paychecks and commissions from sales.
Still, they helped set the tone for the influx of wealthier investors with
money to burn on artists' goods. It is a cruel paradox that the people
who made Carmel such a livable place could no longer live there, author
John Steinbeck wrote.
The number of galleries per capita
currently averages more than one for every 100 residents. That's almost
unheard of but is sustainable, due to patrons which include celebrity residents
and upscale tourists shopping for works not seen elsewhere.
Carmel is a unique and special place
as evidenced by its residence who recently voted overwhelmingly to not
receive home delivery of mail. Such an action would require putting numbers
on houses which are known by names and descriptions. When visiting, walk
down the street to see why people like things just the way they are.
Special places to stay in Carmel and
nearby: We have tried many hotels in and around Carmel and can't help but
stray to nearby resorts such as
Carmel Valley Ranch Resort, our first pick with its large
condo-sized suites, deer, wild turkey and beautiful flora and fauna, plus a
stunning golf course. We usually choose something in the $150 to $2505
price range so must shop for specific times that resort hotels offer
affordable pricing. In Carmel's village overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay,
demand is high for lodgings so we shop for prices there first but seldom
stay right downtown. Other local finds include a charming hotel with a
resident spirit, Fred—The Monterey Hotel.
Soul-searching Californians with their penchant for a thrill are making
spirit (ghost) hotels the rage.
See
California ghost hotels.
On the beach in Monterey and in nearby
are two coastal gems,
Best Western Monterey Beach Hotel and
Marina Dunes Resort.
Both hotels provide modest-sized rooms with awesome views. Some of the rooms
at Maria Dunes Resort include a golf cart you are issued to drive from your
car to the room, situated near an ecologically-sensitive dunes.
If your prefer top-of-the-line luxury, don't
hesitate to book rooms or suites in Pebble Beach.
With the look and feel of continental resorts, the prices are upwards of
$400/night.
Resources:
Four Diamond
Hotels /
Golf Hotels Resorts /
Population
