Inside Carmel-by-the-Sea, the California beach town that celebrities love right now

Barbeque, surf and sunbathe on the white sands of Carmel Beach (Getty Images)

Hit Carmel Beach 

The Pacific laps the dog-friendly white sands of Carmel Beach, and this pale swathe is a dream for a seaside Cali weekend – whether watching sunsets of orange and purple, warming up by a beach fire or surfing. Visit Point Lobos National Reserve to the south and Pebble Beach to the north to find the best waves.

Take a walk 

The town was officially founded in 1902, 132 years after the historic 1770 Spanish Carmel Mission was established by Father Junípero Serra in Monterey Bay. A 3.5-mile Scenic Bluff Path wraps the coast from the north of Carmel Beach and is a great way to take in the area’s natural beauty and midcentury architectural highlights.

Browse the shops 

Boutique shops, art galleries and outdoor malls bless Carmel with everything from florists to delis and antique stores – ideal for spending the day wandering the town’s hidden passageways.

Rent a classic car 

To cruise downtown Carmel in style, rent a classic car with Monterey Touring Vehicles and drive Highway 1 along the coastline for vineyards, beaches and the heritage sites of Monterey.

Where to eat and drink

Embrace the grapes at one of Carmel’s 18 wine-tasting rooms (Getty Images)

In the town’s main block, Ocean Avenue, there are plenty of wine-tasting rooms alongside a vibrant food scene, with a dedicated culinary week kicking off on 31 May.

Hog’s Breath Inn 

Serving up organic Californian classics for over 40 years, Eastwood himself used to own the central Hog’s Breath Inn. Sustainable seafood, homemade desserts and speciality margaritas dot the menu of the rustic spot complete with wood-burning fires.

Katy’s Place 

Famed for its – over 20 – varieties of eggs benedict, signature omelettes and French toast, Katy’s Place has been a breakfast tradition for Carmel locals since 1982.

L’Auberge

If eight-course Michelin tasting menus are more your thing, try L’Auberge on Monte Verde Street for tantalising abalone shellfish and wine pairings by chef Justin Cogley.

Barmel 

Inspired by western saloons and old Carmel Bohemians, Barmel shakes up cocktail classics, music and dancing nightly – it’s also part of the ‘Pub Crawl by the Sea’ experience during Culinary Week.

Where to stay

Thatched boutique hotels and inns laden with fairy lights line the coast among the Monterey Cypress trees.

Tuck into the Candle Light Inn in downtown Carmel for spacious bedrooms, modern interiors and fireside tipples within walking distance to a host of restaurants, galleries and the beach.

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At the Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio, suites with mahogany accents, muscle-melting massages and claw-foot bathtubs await. There are even complimentary cheese and wine platters in the afternoon and Pacific views to enjoy over breakfast.

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For all things cosy, Carmel Country Inn near the Carmel Plaza has Juliet balconies, hearty continental breakfasts and floral decor to boot. Better still, the inn is pet-friendly and can prepare baskets bursting with blankets and sandwiches for picnics on the beach.

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Source link : https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/north-america/usa/california/carmel-by-the-sea-california-beach-town-b2535479.html

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Publish date : 2024-05-01 03:00:00

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