Why You Should Visit Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-By-The-Sea | Photo by Daniela Araya

Known for its scenic sandy beaches and enchanting village ambiance, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a peaceful town with vibrant culinary offerings, stylish boutique hotels, and a burgeoning wine scene.

In a setting that feels like a fairytale, the streets of Carmel are filled with storybook cottages and quirky art galleries. An essential stop on your visit, La Bicyclette, is a quintessential European bistro that earned a spot on the 2019 Michelin guide, for a fine-dining experience visit Michelin-starred Aubergine, which boasts a 25,000-bottle wine cellar and elevated New American fare, or Cultura Comida y Bebida, which explores the ancestral cuisine of Mexico’s Oaxaca region. One thing is for sure, no matter where you eat, you’ll find that your meals will be crafted with the utmost care - from the use of old-world techniques to menus that change weekly - Carmel is a town dedicated to sustainability with its locally-sourced ingredients and regional wines.

While Napa and Sonoma are typically thought of as the stars of the California wine scene, the Santa Lucia Mountain range produces exceptional varietals, with over two-dozen tasting rooms within the Carmel Valley. A stand-out amongst many is De Tierra for its affordable wine flights, generous pours, friendly staff, and casual vibes. *Pro-tip, the tasting fee is waived if you purchase a bottle. Opening soon is a tasting room by the renowned Talbott Vineyards, which sources grapes from four vineyards in Monterey County. They’ll be offering a variety of flight experiences and food pairings of their estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Be sure to keep an eye on their website for the grand opening!

If adventure is calling, you will love the myriad of breathtaking hiking spots and scenic drives where you can take in the region’s beauty. Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, for instance, has some of the steepest trails in the area, resulting in some seriously epic views. For a lazy Sunday drive, cruise down the PCH and visit some of Big Sur's most iconic landmarks or take the 17-Mile Drive from Carmel-By-The-Sea to Lover’s Point Park. This stretch is best known for the Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress tree overlooking Pebble Beach from atop a granite hill. The tree, which is over 200 years old, is one of the most photographed trees in North America. If time permits, visit Point Lobos Natural Reserve for its dramatic coastal scenery and diverse wildlife.

There is no shortage of Instagrammable locations in the one-square-mile town, with its cobblestone streets and picturesque cottages it’s basically a fairytale come to life. Did you know that Carmel doesn’t even have street addresses? Not only does this encourage wandering the town’s many passageways and secret gardens, but it also ensures the area doesn't become too urban, a trait that the towns founding fathers wanted to preserve. To add to its cool factor, Clint Eastwood was the mayor some 30 years ago. While Carmel-by-the-Sea is overflowing with fine wine, upscale hotels, and world-class food, it’s its charming architecture, laid-back vibes, and coastal backdrop that make it a storied destination.

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