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Carmel-by-the-Sea & Big Sur, California, USA (6/8-11/2021)
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Beautiful Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea |
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the loveliest seaside towns in America with its storybook cottage-style homes, quaint Bed and Breakfasts, unique boutique stores and good restaurants with warm decor, Victorian buildings and tree-shaded streets, and stunning gardens everywhere. Joy for the soul!
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Charming Fairytale Architecture |
Located about 150 miles south of San Francisco along California’s Central Coast, picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea radiates charm and sophistication with causal elegance. Beautiful architecture with flowers and gardens everywhere makes Carmel one of the most romantic towns we have visited (see photos). One thing Carmel is not is a party town – come here to relax in causal romantic elegance.
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42 Beautiful Courtyards - Camel-by-the-Sea |
Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Beach are all very walkable. Ocean Avenue is Carmel’s main street and any visit should also include wandering around the streets that radiate out from it – from East to West the streets are: Junipero, Mission, San Carlos, Dolores, Lincoln, Monte Verde, Casanova, and then down to Carmel Beach. Along the way, do not miss the joyful experience of exploring Carmel’s 42 courtyards – one more beautiful after another (see photo). Causal attire is appropriate everywhere in Carmel. Parking in Carmel-by-the-Sea can become difficult during peak times so check out the nearby public parking at San Carlos and 8th Avenue.
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Stunning Carmel Beach |
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Highly Recommended Casanova Restaurant |
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Tuck Box |
Do check out the unique Tuck Box (Dolores) and maybe try breakfast or lunch (see photo). Don’t miss Anton and Michel in the Court of the Fountains (Mission) for the great food in a beautiful setting – nice for lunch.
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Delightful Garden Homes |
Fairytale houses and home gardens also make Carmel-by-the-Sea a uniquely delightful city. To view some beautiful examples you can drive south on Lincoln from Ocean Avenue (see photo). Plenty more are located on other streets for those who want to see more. Carmel-by-the-Sea has 18 wine tasting rooms open for indoor and outside wine tastings as well as for retail purchases. For wine lovers, experiencing different wines of the region can be highlight of your time in Carmel!
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Beautiful Carmel Beach |
To be able to appreciate Carmel-by-the-Sea even more, we recommend taking a walking tour. Carmel Walks offers a fun and interesting 2-hour nicely paced walking tour showcasing special charms of Carmel through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, beautiful gardens, and enchanting storybook cottages.
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Anton and Michel Courtyard of the Fountains |
Big Sur
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Pat at Big Sur River Inn |
Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur is one of the most dramatically beautiful drives in the United States! Exceptionally beautiful rugged ocean coastline, amazing ancient redwood forests, and interesting attractions make for an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you should pull over at the parking areas and enjoy the incredible views.
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Map of Carmel, Big Sur, & Monterey |
We highly recommend the approximately hour drive south of Carmel-by-the-Sea along Highway 1 to McWay Falls. Of course, you should plan to spend more time to enjoy the views, hikes, and interesting attractions. First stop driving south in Big Sur for lovers of ocean hikes should be Point Lobos State Natural Reserve along the Pacific Ocean coastline. You can see California sea lions at Sea Lion Point and maybe some sea otters. Continue to drive past the first parking lot to enjoy the beautiful coastline along the South Shore Trail (several parking lots along the way). There is a flat 6.7-mile loop with shorter hikes available.
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Famous Bixby Bridge - Big Sur |
Famous Bixby Bridge is great stop to enjoy Big Sur’s incredible beauty - park on north side in the parking area to witness this beautiful site (see photo).
We enjoyed the Big Sur Coast Gallery & Café (see photo) – an elegant gallery and gift shop with a nice café with a sitting area looking out to the Pacific Ocean – well worth a stop.
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McWay Falls |
Monterey
Monterey is a fun jewel just 15 minutes north of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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17-Mile Drive |
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Monterey Bay Aquarium |
Old Fisherman's Wharf |
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun medley of cafes and crab shacks (see photo). Try the clam chowder best served in a sourdough bread bowl. Nearby Lovers Point State Marine Reserve is a small charming cove to explore.
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