Carmel-by-the-sea

Introducing Carmel-by-the-sea

Carmel began as a planned seaside resort in the 1880s and quickly established a reputation as a bohemian retreat. The artistic flavor survives in the more than 100 galleries that line the town’s immaculate streets, but these days ‘wealthy’ and ‘bourgeois’ are just as descriptive. Carmel, with its picturesque homes, impressive coastal frontage and upscale shopping, positively glows with smugness. (Some of the sheen however is obscured by the nearly perpetual fog.)

The town’s manicured appearance is ensured by strict local bylaws, which forbid neon signs, billboards and hot dog stands. Residents pick up their mail from the post office and houses have no street numbers, so addresses always specify the block and side of street. Even public phones, garbage cans and newspaper vending boxes are quaintly shingled.

If you are into galleries and shopping, you’ll love Carmel as much as shade-loving flowers such as impatiens and hydrangeas; otherwise you may wish to check out its idiosyncratic charms (such as little alleys that lead to gardens) and keep moving.

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008