| Carmel-by-the-Sea | ||
 | ||
| State | United States of America | |
|---|---|---|
| Federated state | California | |
| Altitude | 68 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 2.8 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 3.722 (2010 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 1 831 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 93921 | |
| Time zone | UTC-8 | |
Position
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| Tourism site | ||
| Institutional website | ||
Carmel-by-the-Sea (sometimes only Carmel) it's a city coastal of the California, a few kilometers south of the city of Monterey.
To know
Carmel is a beautiful oceanfront town along California's Highway 1, offering beautiful scenery, white beaches, friendly locals, and great food. It is above all a place of luxury: the city is small and can be crossed on foot, but it is full of art galleries, bars, restaurants and accommodation. In the evening we meet along the beach to admire the sunset over the ocean.
Geographical notes
Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the Pacific coast, approximately 530 km north of Los Angeles and 190 km (120 miles) south of San Francisco.
There Carmel Valley it is formed by the Carmel River, which flows for about 30 km from the mountains of Santa Lucia to the Pacific Ocean. The town of Carmel Valley is approximately 9 miles inland from Highway 1 on Carmel Valley Road. Often when Carmel-by-the-Sea is foggy, the weather is warm and sunny in Carmel Valley.
When to go
Temperatures in September are perfect: 21-27 ° C during the day and 10-16 ° C at night. Just bring a sweatshirt and dress in layers throughout the day.
Background
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with a rich artistic history located on the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County California.
In 1906 the "San Francisco Call" devoted a whole page to "Carmel-by-the-Sea artists, poets and writers" and in 1910 it reported that 60 percent of Carmel's homes were built by citizens who " they had dedicated their lives to work connected with the aesthetic arts ".
From the beginning the City Councils were dominated by artists and the city had several mayors who were poets or film actors, including Herbert Heron, founder of the "Forest Theater" and the actor-director. Clint Eastwood, that he was mayor from 1986 to 1988.
How to orient yourself
Carmel-by-the-Sea: full screen map.- Ocean Avenue it is the main street, it goes down from the highway to the beach, with shops, cafes and galleries.
- Scenic Drive winds along the curve of the beach. The path on the side is frequented by joggers and dog walkers: the city is particularly dog-friendly, with many accommodations and restaurants that welcome animals.
How to get
By plane
The neighbour Monterey Airport it is connected to other centers thanks to various companies.
By car
Take Highway 1 south from Monterey or north through Big Sur.
On the train
The Coast Starlight Amtrak stops nearby Salinas. Amtrak offers a bus service from the station to Carmel with stops at Monterey. The train is slow and often late.
By bus
Take the buses Monterey-Salinas Transit from Monterey.
How to get around
The city and the beach can be explored on foot. Cycling can be an option but be warned as many roads are steep and winding and have little space.
By public transport
There are some bus[1], but routes are typically between Carmel and Monterey, not around Carmel.
By car
To explore the coast you need a car. Street parking is free for about a couple of hours. There is a garage at Carmel Plaza (Ocean and Junipero). Many hotels offer parking for guests. Scenic Drive sometimes has great free parking spaces.
What see
- 1 Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, 3080 Rio Rd, ☎ 1 831 624-1271, fax: 1 831 624-8050.
Adults: $ 6.50 Seniors: $ 4; Children (under 17): $ 2. 
Mon-Sat 9: 30-17: 00, Sun 10: 30-17: 00. One of the 21 missions founded by Father Junipero Serra along the California coast. Founded in 1771, it is considered one of the most beautiful. The mission is a still functioning Catholic church, so attire and behavior are expected to match. - 2 Tor House, 26304 Ocean View Ave (Carmel Point, south of Carmel Village). Fri-Sat 10: 00-15: 00. The stone house of the poet Robinson Jeffers.
- 3 Point Lobos (South of Carmel on Highway 1). California State Park. The park is a rocky outcrop on the Pacific Ocean that has seaweed beds, beautiful paths and coves ideal for swimming (if you can tolerate the sea temperature).
- 4 Gravity Garden, 97 Corona Rd (Junction of Highway 1 and Fern Canyon Road, Carmel Highlands). Free entry. Mon-Sun. Artist Jim Needham has created a garden of rock sculptures that stand upright without the help of adhesives or supports. Some are about 3 meters high.
Adults: $ 6.50 Seniors: $ 4; Children (under 17): $ 2. 
Mon-Sat 9: 30-17: 00, Sun 10: 30-17: 00. One of the 21 missions founded by Father Junipero Serra along the California coast. Founded in 1771, it is considered one of the most beautiful. The mission is a still functioning Catholic church, so attire and behavior are expected to match.Events and parties
- Sand Castle Contest (On the beach at the end of Ocean Avenue). September. If you come in September check out the local papers for the Sand Castle Contest.
What to do
- Architecture. Stroll around the city to admire its architecture. For example, the Carmel cottage abounds in contrasts.
- 1 Forest Theater (Santa Rita St & Mountain View Ave). The historic open-air theater presents performances in a sort of natural amphitheater in the middle of a pine forest. Films in the Forest are also screened. Bring blankets and hot drinks.
- 2 Carmel Beach (At the end of Ocean Avenue). Bring your dog, a Frisbee and a camera to stroll along the beach. Get your feet wet too, but beware of the water temperature and the ocean breeze which can be quite cool. Bonfire on the beach at the end of 13th street (the fires must be extinguished by 10pm). Bring blankets and hot drinks. At the end of 8th street you can surf, but it is an area recommended only for more experienced surfers. About 2 km of white beach to walk from one side (with a view of Point Lobos) to the other (where the Pebble Beach Golf Links is).
- 3 Carmel River State Beach. The quieter Carmel River State Beach is close to a great bird-surfing area. On the hill there is a cross that indicates the old port where the ships that supplied the missions docked. It is possible to ford the river but the steep banks create a current and swimming in the sea is not recommended here.
- 4 Monastery Beach. If you are brave enough to wade the river, paths start behind the cross leading to Monastery Beach, very popular with scuba divers.
- 5 Refuge, 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd, ☎ 1-831-620-7360. Admission $ 39. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. Enjoy a spa with sauna and turkish bath, Nordic and thermal waterfalls, pools with hot and cold water.
- 6 17-Mile Drive. Famous scenic drive in one of the most popular areas of Northern California. If you are a non-resident you have to pay $ 10 to go through the gates.
- 7 Pebble Beach. Play golf at Pebble Beach (considered one of the most spectacular courses in the United States).
Shopping
Carmel village is famous for its art galleries.
- 1 Girl Boy Girl, 100 Dolores St. High quality local production. The sister shop is nearby Paloosh.
- 2 Carmel Plaza, Ocean Ave. Mon-Sat 10 am-6pm, Sun 11 am-5pm. Shopping center with luxury shops in the center. Take a look at the The Cheese Shop.
- 3 The Barnyard, 26364 Carmel Rancho Ln (In the suburbs of Carmel, inland from highway 1). A "shopping village" just outside Carmel. There are art galleries, clothing and antiques shops amidst beautiful gardens. Worth it even if you are not interested in shopping.
How to have fun
Night clubs
Many restaurants also have bars, but don't expect a pub scene like in larger cities. California wines are mostly drunk here, found in all restaurants.
Where to eat
Moderate prices
- 1 Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria, 3770 The Barnyard. The best place if you are looking for something Italian.
- 2 Bruno's Market & Deli, Junipero St. A must see place. Huge selection of sandwiches and other products, great if you're planning a beach picnic.
- 3 Carmel Bakery, Ocean Ave.
- 4 R.G. Burgers, 201 Crossroads Blvd.. Burgers, smoothies and sandwiche. Frequented by families.
- 5 Tommy's Wok (Carmel Plaza). Chinese food in humble and secluded accommodation.
Average prices
- 6 Cafe Stravaganza, 241 Crossroads Blvd. (The Crossroads). Mediterranean cuisine.
- 7 Em Le's Old Carmel Restaurant (Em Le's), Dolores between 5th & 6th, ☎ 1 831-625-6780. $10-15. 7 AM-8PM. An institution in the center of Carmel.
- 8 The Hog's Breath Inn, San Carlos St. One of Carmel's historic restaurants.
- 9 Rio Grill, 101 Crossroads Blvd. (The Crossroads). Another institution. American cuisine.
High prices
- 10 The Forge in the Forest (SW Corner of 5th Avenue & Junipero), ☎ 1-831 624-2233, @[email protected]. It has been attracting tourists and residents for decades.
- 11 Mission Ranch, 26270 Dolores St (at the Mission Ranch Hotel, around the corner from the Carmel Mission). Great food and stunning ocean views.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- 1 Best Western (San Carlos Street Corner Fifth Avenue). 100$.
- 2 Carmel Wayfarer Inn, 4th & Mission St. 75/125$. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
Average prices
- 3 Carmel Lodge (San Carlos Street & 5th Avenue), ☎ 1 831 624-1255. 100/150$.
- 4 Carmel Mission Inn, 3665 Rio Rd, ☎ 1-831-624-1841, ☎ 1-800-348-9090. $100-$200. Combine a private garden with the warmth of a country inn. It offers free access to wifi.
- 5 Coachmans Inn (San Carlos Street & 7th Avenue), ☎ 1-831-624-6421, ☎ 1-800-366-6421, @[email protected]. 150/200$. All the services of a hotel set in an inn in the center of Carmel.
- 6 Country Garden Inns, 102 West Carmel Valley Rd, ☎ 1-831-659-5361, ☎ 1-800-641-4646. 150/200$.
- 7 Green Lantern Inn, 7th Ave, ☎ 1 831-624-4392. 100/150$. Collection of cottages and duplex amongst pine and oak trees. Quiet, quaint, rustic yet romantic and comfortable.
- 8 Pine Inn, Monte Verde St, ☎ 1 831-624-3851. 150/200$. Historic boutique style hotel in the city center a stone's throw from the ocean. Elegant rooms with charm and character.
- 9 Svendsgaard's Inn (San Carlos Street & 4th Ave), ☎ 1 831-624-1511. 125/175$. Freshly baked cookies and coffee offered daily, which together with their court, give this inn a sense of home.
High prices
- 10 Carmel Country Inn, Dolores Street at Third Avenue, ☎ 1 831 625-3263, ☎ 1-800-215-6343, @[email protected]. 195/425$. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Pet-friendly bed & breakfast offering suites with fireplaces, beautiful gardens and hearty breakfasts.
- 11 Forest Lodge, Ocean Ave and Junipero St (Hwy 1, West- Ocean Ave), ☎ 1-888-375-0770. 200/400$. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Central cottage near shops and restaurants. Large suites with fireplace and parking. Historic building with new furnishings.
- 12 Lamp Lighter Inn, Ocean Ave & Camino Real, ☎ 1-888-375-0770. 200/350$. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Cottages and Suites in the center of Carmel, is the closest inn to the beach. Rooms with fireplace and large double beds. Free parking, breakfast included. They accept pets.
- 13 La Playa Hotel and Cottages-by-the-Sea, 8th & Camino Real, ☎ 1 831-624-6476. 200/400$. Historic hotel with picturesque gardens.
- 14 Tradewinds Carmel, Mission Street at Third Ave, ☎ 1 831-624-2776. 200/400$. Asian-themed boutique hotel.
- 15 Wayside Inn, Mission St (7th and Mission corner), ☎ 1 831-624-5336. 150/300$.
- 16 Carmel Hotel, Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street, ☎ 1 855-622-7635. 200/350$. Boutique Hotel.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
- Go inside towards Carmel Valley on the Grapevine Express bus (route 24), stops at a dozen vineyards and wineries. Day pass costs 4.5 $ (adults, half price seniors, disabled and children).
- Go north towards Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf for the clam chowder (clam chowder) and an ocean tour.
- Head south on Highway 1 to take in the beauty of the coast.
- Point Lobos State Reserve and the parks it encompasses Big Sur they are ideal for hiking.
- Cross scenic Highway 68 to the city of Pacific Grove to admire the coastline along Ocean View Blvd and see the old city center.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Carmel-by-the-Sea
Commons contains images or other files on Carmel-by-the-Sea
