Carmel-by-the-Sea

The town of Carmel, still hushed and lovely, was quiet. Sprinkler trucks slowly washed the town, while cleaning staff greeted guests while diligently cleaning. The already-open cafes smiled and welcomed every early riser.

Carmel, a small town of just over 4,000 residents, eschews all modern conveniences. Its vibrant colors, unique architecture, and numerous art galleries make it a popular destination for renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian. Its beautiful natural environment and elegant artistic atmosphere make it a true gem on California's Highway 1.



It's so beautiful~ Life here~

Carmel's impression can be summed up in a few words: small, sophisticated, crowded, and a great place for retirement. The so-called downtown area is roughly 500 meters long and wide, lined with the aforementioned galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. I remember most of the tourists being older than us, including quite a few elderly people.

It was almost evening when we arrived in Carmel. Under the setting sun, the town's artistic and refined atmosphere was even more captivating. The shops were numerous, each with a consistent style, imbued with a Bohemian feel. Walking west along Ocean Avenue, the town's main street, to its end, we reached the beach. Many people were strolling and walking their dogs, and the pace of life suddenly slowed down.

Perhaps we loved Carmel so much, we returned the next morning. Carmel in the morning was even more tranquil and charming. The town was deserted, with only residents walking their dogs. In the bright sunshine, the architecture of the town became even more beautiful and unique. Perhaps every family here has a pet, and walking a dog in Carmel in the morning is a truly blissful and satisfying experience. Unfortunately, the shops were closed that morning, so we could only take photos of the street scene.

Residents here fiercely resist modernization. Even now, the city prohibits advertising, neon signs, parking meters, and fast-food restaurants to preserve the original character of the area. This pristine atmosphere offers a sense of simplicity, peace, and warmth. Walking west along Ocean Avenue, the town's main street, leads to the end of the "Seventeen Mile" coastline, home to Carmel Beach, a unique stretch of sand.

Tips: As a holiday resort, the consumption level here is still very high. Although there are many shops in the town, the prices are generally expensive. Friends who want to shop can take a detour.

Nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, the town's unique architecture and scenery make it resemble a fairytale town. It's said online that residents resist modernization, and even now, the town prohibits advertising, neon signs, and fast-food restaurants, in order to preserve its pristine, "paradise" atmosphere.

Indeed, this place is very charming and I don't want it to be destroyed.

It’s the month of Halloween, and shop windows, cake shops, and small stores are decorated with strange yet beautiful decorations, making the place filled with a festive atmosphere.

On Highway 1, the small town of Carmel is renowned for its uniquely romantic artistic sensibility and vibrant, fairytale-like atmosphere. In this wild and untamed part of the American West, this small town truly feels like a paradise; however, anyone who has visited any small town in Europe will find this one quite worth visiting.

The town itself isn't particularly impressive, so first-time visitors might be a bit lost and unsure where to begin. I did some research and found the gridded area in the picture below is where the most specialty shops are concentrated, making it the most worthwhile area to visit in the heart of town.

As a reminder, all parking spaces in town are on the street, with signs indicating 30-minute free parking and 2-hour free parking. Parking near the Tianzige area was particularly tight, so we finally found a 2-hour free parking space in front of the Best Western Hotel a block north.

Besides this grid-like area, another worthwhile spot is Carmel Beach. Its long, sweeping coastline is lined with luxurious mansions. However, due to time constraints and my fascination with the natural scenery, I passed on this spot.

After a tour, I suggest that if you have enough time, you can stay in Carmel for half a day to kill time; if you only have 2-3 days on Highway 1, it is not worth spending too much time here.

This town is really my favorite! I strongly recommend staying for two days to experience the cozy life in this fairytale town.

Carmel is a fairytale town on Highway 1. It's said that its earliest residents were artists, which I find quite plausible. After all, every house looks like something out of a fairytale, with flowers and beautiful, unique houses. The town is full of unique shops, but unfortunately, it was late and many were closed, so I could only admire these beautiful trinkets through the windows.

Various galleries can be seen everywhere in the small town of Carmel. The Chinese painter Zhang Daqian lived in this town for many years. So it is said that the economic base determines the superstructure. The people in this town are all rich, and their lives are no longer vulgar and daily necessities. Only art can enrich the spirit.

Carmel's beach reminded me of Big Little Lies. Walking back to town from the beach, I saw many uniquely decorated hotels and small shops along the way.

Carmel is a seaside town brimming with artistic flair, a vibrant bohemian atmosphere, and a vibrant gathering place for artists. It's said that 90% of Carmel's early residents were professional artists. No wonder the houses and gardens are so beautiful!

Carmel is right by the sea, so after parking the car, you can just walk towards the beach. It's just too cold to take off your shoes...

Dry tree trunks, fine sandy beaches, snuggling old people...

Carmel, a small town known as an art town, is filled with unique craft shops, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and small hotels. Each shop is decorated in a sophisticated and bourgeois style, selling mostly artistic and novel items, which are naturally expensive. A casual stroll through the town won't take long.

Many travelers use Carmel as a rest stop along Highway 1, and the hipsters are captivated by this "paradise." Resembling a large, garden-style mall, it exudes a bohemian charm that's truly alluring, especially to women, who love the small shops and international brands they love, as well as the wallets men can't afford.

It seems to be a must-see attraction on the West Coast of the United States. It's quite crowded, and if you don't have a reservation for lunch, you'll have to wait a long time for a table. The public restrooms are very dirty. The various unique shops are very eye-catching, not only along the main street, but also in the alleys where you can find many interesting small shops.

It's a very unique town with many unique shops where you can take your time to stroll around. There are many free parking spaces for 2 hours around the town. There is a COACH store in the town, and the prices are similar to those of the outlet stores.

The sunset is beautiful, and the town is very quiet. Food is more expensive.

Unfortunately, we arrived a bit late, and the shops were gradually closing. While we couldn't enter the diverse shops and admire the various art pieces up close, the quieter streets, the beautiful facades, and the dazzling window displays were more than enough for us to explore at our leisure. Parking was generally free at any streetside spot. After a brief tour of the town, it was already dark, so we didn't go to the beach. Carmel also has many restaurants and hotels, but they tend to be more affluent areas. If you have more time, it's a pleasant option to relax and shop in Carmel.

Most of the residents of this European-style town are artists, and the whole town is full of artistic atmosphere.

It is very beautiful but also very commercial, with all kinds of shops and restaurants catering to tourists, and accommodation is also very expensive.

Carmel is a truly beautiful place, filled with charming little houses, each with its own courtyard! The weather wasn't great when I visited, so I couldn't capture its beauty.

This is a town steeped in bohemian charm. From the architecture to the storefronts, the artistic atmosphere permeates my heart. The absence of flashing neon lights, fast food restaurants, and garbled advertisements gives the town a distinctly pure and clear feel. If time permits, staying here for a day would be a great option.

This small town, rich in culture and artist talent, is filled with Bohemian charm. It boasts colorful houses, exquisite and unique architecture, and exquisitely crafted artworks. With few tourists, a leisurely stroll here feels like wandering into a fairytale world.

Carmel was a pleasant surprise during our drive along Highway 1. It's a beautiful, artistic town nestled in the ocean. When I visited during Christmas, the displays outside the shop windows were stunning.

Carmel is a town with a vibrant bohemian atmosphere and a white-sand beach. However, it also has a rather commercial atmosphere. If you're just stopping by for lunch, you'll likely be impressed by the numerous restaurants and shops. Perhaps the best way to experience Carmel is to stay in a hotel, explore the charming streets, and soak up the sun on the beach.

I strolled around the quiet town in the evening. From the windows I could see exquisite gadgets, classical art galleries, and American girls singing and dancing to entertain the diners. People were toasting, chatting and laughing, with relaxed and happy smiles on their faces.

Travel guides often describe this place as a town with a vibrant artistic atmosphere, and even the renowned master Zhang Daqian lived here! The streets are lined with small shops, giving it a strong commercial feel. We found an Italian restaurant and dined in its small courtyard, finding a sense of leisure amidst the bustling commercial atmosphere.

The town of Carmel, which exudes an artistic atmosphere, gives people a bright feeling

This is a seaside town right along the famous Highway 1; it is a leisurely and comfortable small city, perfect for a vacation.

There is a white sand beach as soon as we enter the town. We couldn’t hide our excitement even though we didn’t bring swimsuits. We took off our shoes and ran to the beach. A "kid" who didn't grow up by the sea can really play for a long time when he comes to the beach. The beach in early October is still relatively warm under the sunshine.

Leaving the beach, the town has a main street with many shops on both sides, each with its own unique characteristics. There is a store that sells art. The paintings of various celebrities are very good, and there are also various superheroes such as Superman and Batman. If you have time, I recommend stopping to take a look. But remember to respect the store’s rules and not take pictures~

This bohemian town, inspired by the artist, poet, and writer Carmel, is full of artistic flair. We recommend parking in the parking lot on the main road near the beach (Ocean Avenue's open-air parking lot is free for two hours), strolling around town and enjoying lunch. There's also a Coach store, known for its best deals in California, where you can browse.

Carmel borders Monterey, a short drive away. While the town appears brightly lit (businesses here keep a few lights on even after closing), the mere sight of one or two pedestrians on the streets suggests Carmel is fast asleep. Even so, we couldn't bear to head straight to the hotel. We parked on the main road and wandered the deserted town for an hour, dreamlike, even going to the beach in the dark (though it was completely dark and nothing to see). Only then did we reluctantly head to our hotel. Compared to nighttime, Carmel is truly breathtaking during the day. However, despite its greater fame, the overall experience isn't as inviting as Monterey, perhaps due to its overly commercial atmosphere. Many major brands, like Tiffany, Rolex, and Coach, have stores here.

We mainly visited the pet shops in this small town. Walking along the street, we saw many pet shops. There are many people who keep dogs here. We often saw various dogs and their owners walking on the street. We walked here for about an hour.

I like this kind of small town, it is quiet and cozy, there is a Coach, a KS, and a Tiffany

We headed towards the small town of Carmel, which was less crowded and seemed quite quiet. There was a shopping mall in the town, which looked more like a two-story motel.

I spent two days in this beautiful and peaceful town. The shops are filled with diverse architectural styles and artworks, and the flowers and succulents are overflowing. It's like a paradise. Each house is unique, with ancient pines and cypresses, and the flowers are gorgeous. The plant landscape is exquisite and meticulous. The business is low-key and hidden among the plants. There are no huge advertising signs, parking meters, or fast food restaurants that are common in the United States. Instead, the gentle Carmel Beach, blue sea, blue sky, white sand, and seabirds are a dream place.

Carmel Town is really worth visiting, with all kinds of unique shops: watch shops, pet supply shops, racing shops, galleries, etc. It’s just that the accommodation I booked was a bit far from Carmel Town, so I didn’t visit much, which is a pity.

If you are going to Carmel and have enough budget, you should stay in the town.

I've heard that Carmel is the American equivalent of Lijiang. It's indeed beautiful, though not as commercial as Lijiang. It has a strong bourgeoisie feel, yet a romantic tranquility.

It's a very beautiful and artistic town. It feels great to stroll around the town leisurely.

A place worth strolling through. Be sure to stay in Carmel and experience its mornings and evenings.

It is an exquisite seaside literary town on the Monterey Peninsula in the United States, with a unique style.

The fries I had at a restaurant in Carmel were absolutely amazing, probably the best fries I've ever had.

The art town does not have the heavy commercial atmosphere of ancient towns in China, and the drizzle makes the town appear quiet and natural.

Fantastic! The painters' village, the large gardens, and the photo ops were plentiful. This place is truly a large-scale "painters' village" (90% of the residents are artists) rather than a perfunctory commercial attraction. Perfect for a short stay.

Carmel is a quiet town that hides its commercial atmosphere, allowing you to fully experience the exquisite American lifestyle. In fact, this town is a complete tourist town, and tourism is the main business of the town. However, there are no neon advertising lights in the town, and the whole town atmosphere is just like the American countryside life.

Carmel is a town with a strong artistic atmosphere. It is said that many famous painters have lived in seclusion here. There is a Coach store in the town, which is frequented by many tourists. There were not many people when we went there, but what I like more is the various small shops and the layout outside the store.

The whole town is full of literary and artistic atmosphere, which is really pleasant. If I have the chance next time, I will definitely stay for a while. It is perfect for daydreaming.

It’s a pity that we didn’t arrive in Carmel before sunset and didn’t have the chance to take a good stroll in this artist town without any commercial billboards.

We arrived in Carmel around 4 p.m., and there were very few tourists in town. Most groups showed up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The hotel we stayed in was like a fairyland. Every household in the town was meticulously groomed.

An exquisite and tranquil town. A refined, artistic seaside town, its pristine charm offers a sense of simplicity, peace, and warmth. Stroll along the picturesque streets to the beach, where the fine, soft white sand invites you to join in the joy of surfing.

It was already dark when we arrived, and the shops were closed around 6 o'clock. We could only see the cuteness of this town through the windows. The town was so quiet at night that we could hear my boyfriend's breathing.

We arrived at the legendary town of Carmel, which is very exquisite. Various galleries, antique shops, craft shops, and specialty restaurants all exude a strong literary and artistic atmosphere.

After arriving in the town, we parked our car in a parking lot on the main road, close to the beach. This made it very convenient for visiting the beach and the town. Then we grabbed our bags and cameras and headed straight to the beach.

The weather in Carmel was truly unique. It was a clear, sunny morning in Monterey, but by the time we arrived in Carmel, it was partly cloudy, just like our last visit. The unpredictable weather didn't dampen our spirits for shopping. Carmel was truly stunning, with towering trees and charming little houses forming neatly arranged neighborhoods. You'd never find two houses alike. The beach was made of soft, white sand, a delight to walk on. The breeze from the Pacific wasn't even a fishy smell. We were tempted to buy a small house here and live there permanently, but the high housing prices immediately put us off.

The town is less than a century old, but it's packed with artistic flair. It's hard to believe there's such a beautiful place. If you're a girl who loves shopping and taking photos, you can definitely spend half a day or a whole day there.

The small town of Carmel has a very high style. Because it is very famous and is also a well-known tourist attraction, the hotel fees are very expensive and other expenses are also quite expensive.

The early morning in Carmel is still very quiet, much quieter than I remember it being five years ago.

Carmel is known for its rich artistic history and is considered a vibrant place. Several mayors have been poets or writers—literary people with a serious artistic bent. Consequently, most of the shops in town are actually art galleries, offering a wealth of fascinating art. My dad said it was love at first sight for him, and he couldn't stop clamoring to come back.

One interesting thing about Carmel is that it's mostly populated by older people, rarely seeing those born in the 2000s, 1990s, or even the 1980s. My father explains this by saying that young people are heading to the big cities to pursue their dreams, leaving their parents here to enjoy their remaining years. This phenomenon is undoubtedly positive and thriving, and this striving spirit is worth learning from and promoting. Yet, I still feel a lingering sense of aversion: as if young people have been brainwashed by the rigors of work and the fast-paced consumer world. Only as they grow older, day by day, do they realize the true meaning of life itself, but by then, it's too late. Why are we finding it increasingly difficult to find peace? This question deserves our deep reflection.

It's so beautiful here, with an elegant style and a strong Mediterranean feel. Watching the sunset here is the best choice!

The buildings in Carmel are not as cute as the small houses in San Francisco. They have no special features and are all newly built. It feels a bit fake. The 17-mile scenic route is beautiful.

The town of Carmel, not far from Seventeen Mile Bay, is known for its artistic architecture. Many renowned artists have gathered here, and the houses are distinctively designed. In 1969, renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian lived here, calling his residence "Ke Ke Ju." Unfortunately, it's nowhere to be found. A casual stroll through the town is truly beautiful.

From Carmel Gate, you can explore the town of Carmel.



Park your car in the open-air parking lot on Ocean Ave. When you get off the car, you'll see Carmel Beach on one side and Ocean Ave, the main street of Carmel Town, on the other. You can start your stroll from either side.



On Ocean Avenue, every house is decked out in vibrant flowers, making it impossible not to stop and admire them. Each house boasts a unique style, from European to Chinese carved wooden windows, from Bohemian to Mediterranean blue. Dasheng would readily stand over and strike a pose.

A very artistic and characteristic town, it is also a must-see place on Highway 1

The town should be described as exquisite and peaceful. The warm morning sunshine spreads unreservedly to the town. There is not much noise here, and it seems that the locals are unwilling to make loud noises. This atmosphere has also touched groups of tourists. Everyone unconsciously slows down their pace and whispers as if everyone is afraid of breaking the quiet and beauty here.

This is a colorful town, and every shop is very exquisite. If time permits, I hope to stay here for one more day.

The streets are lined with art shops and studios. Wandering around in this environment, we ourselves seem to become more artistic.

Carmel on a cloudy day was less gloomy because of the flowers blooming everywhere. Maybe because we arrived early, the parking spaces on the roadside were relatively empty and parking was free within two hours.

Carmel is a bohemian town with a history of less than a century, but its elegant artistic atmosphere and meticulously manicured streets still attract many tourists. With just over 4,000 residents, they resist modernization, reject advertising, and ban parking meters and fast food restaurants. In Carmel, I even found a sense of European history.

In Carmel, my friend and I joked that we were at a car show. The road was filled with all kinds of luxury cars. Porsche was probably the most common one. There were always a bunch of tourists in front of the luxury cars, and my friend was extremely excited. Of course, in addition to luxury cars, there were also all kinds of classic cars and retro cars that I loved even more. Cars of various styles were competing for attention here.

There are also many art galleries and luxury stores here. The decoration of COACH in Carmel is also full of artistic sense.

Carmel is a beautiful town, once home to many artists, and it's filled with artistic flair. The buildings are typically small and exquisite, each with its own unique character, yet beautifully integrated. Spend some time wandering around.

If I have the conditions one day, I will definitely settle here and watch the sunset. Am I old?

This is a very exquisite "European town" and it is worth staying here for two days. There are many beautiful and comfortable hotels in the town, and there are specialty shops on every street. You can experience the unique small town style of the United States!

The town has a rich variety of wines, and those who like wine tasting will have a great time and can make good choices.

Carme is a particularly exquisite seaside art town with scenery everywhere and a natural environment. It is said that Zhang Daqian lived in Carmel for many years and called it "livable". The town is dotted with galleries and art exhibition rooms, and a rich artistic atmosphere is everywhere. The elegant artistic atmosphere and unique natural beauty accumulated over more than a hundred years are well-known. Once you step in, it feels like you have strayed into a paradise.

Carmel is much bigger and more prosperous than Solvang. It would be beautiful if you could live there permanently, but it is too expensive and always overcrowded.

Carmel's coastal path is perhaps its most iconic feature. Along the way, you'll be greeted by vast expanses of blue water, and by buildings and terraces, creating a captivating juxtaposition of humanity and nature. Each of these beachfront cottages has its own unique charm, and I truly envy the owners who live there.

The southern end was probably an open conservation area or something; I can't quite remember, but the scenery was beautiful: clear water, white sand, and vast waves. There were also small, tranquil lakes with vibrant colors. There were also patches of wildflowers and quiet paths.

It's a nice town with a very European feel, as if I've returned to a small town in the south of France.

Elegant, retro, exquisite, and fairy-tale town-like appearance, great

I like the fairytale town of Carmel very much. If I have the chance, I will go there again~~

Carmel, with its beautiful natural environment and elegant artistic atmosphere, is a major attraction along California's Highway 1 and the 17-Mile Drive. As early as 100 years ago, it was known as "Carmel of Artists, Poets, and Writers." In 1969, renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian lived here, calling his residence "Ke Ke Ju." In this idyllic place, Carmel is home to many unique artists and writers, nestled in the mountains and facing the ocean, with its bohemian charm and unique architecture and scenery, reminiscent of a fairytale. Residents fiercely resist modernization. Even today, the city prohibits advertising, neon signs, and fast-food restaurants to preserve its original character. Walking west along Ocean Avenue, the town's main street, ends at Carmel Beach, boasting a unique stretch of sand along the 17-Mile Drive.

Carmel has a large number of villas for wealthy people and is a very artistic and fresh place.

For a rough guy like me, this place feels like a "pretentious paradise"... The green all over the streets is indeed pleasing to the eye... But the prices of the goods in the cabinets are not friendly at all...

In Carmel, a idyllic place nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, many unique artists and writers live in this bohemian-inspired town. As early as 100 years ago, artists, poets, and writers had already made Carmel famous. In 1969, renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian lived here, calling his residence "Ke Ke Ju." Residents fiercely resist modernization, and even today, the town prohibits advertising, neon signs, and fast-food restaurants to preserve its original appearance. Despite its sparse population of only 4,000, it boasts its own theater, music festivals, and numerous galleries, photography studios, and antique shops.

The locals are incredibly simple and welcoming, and it's a village where people are said to leave their doors unlocked at night. We experienced this profoundly the moment we arrived in Carmel last night. We wanted to ask where a restaurant was, but a few local Americans took us directly there and enthusiastically told us it was a safe place to hang out. We had a wonderful meal.

We walked around the town during the day and were completely captivated by the unique architecture and fairytale-like scenery! We even tried self-service gas stations here for the first time since our trip to the US.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is located at the south gate of Mile 17. Most of the roadside parking spaces in Carmel are two-hour parking lots, and they're incredibly hard to find. My husband and I drove around a few times before we finally found one. Carmel is a typical commercial street, with beautifully decorated shops lining the main road, making it a pleasant stroll. Perhaps I prefer the natural scenery, so I'm not particularly interested in the small town. The only thing I can mention is that the Coach store down the street is significantly cheaper than the outlet malls, and the selection is quite comprehensive, so if you're looking for something, you can simply buy it there.

Carmel is a coastal, artistic town. Metro Line 1 has been so hyped up in recent years, and I've always longed for the towns and beaches along it. While it's certainly beautiful, it doesn't really appeal to me, someone who lives in one of the most beautiful coastal cities. Sorry to say that. San Diego has several similar towns, like Little Italy, Del Mar, and Coronado.

The town center is basically a series of straight streets that you can walk along one by one. On both sides of the road are various buildings and unique shops, full of artistic atmosphere. Although there are more tourists in the town center than other places, it does not feel noisy or chaotic at all.

Carmel is so beautiful, so unreal and breathtaking.

The charming town of Carmel has a completely European feel.

[Location] It is next to 17 miles and comes from Highway 1. There are big road signs to guide you, so it is very easy to find. You can also use navigation.

【Environment】European style, with small villas on the roadside, each with its own characteristics. The European street in the middle is a shopping street, so there are many people, not only tourists, but also many locals, which is not common, haha.

Shopping: Centrally located in the town is a small shopping plaza with a concentration of shops, restaurants, and shopping options, making it quite popular. See the map for details. I bought a bottle of oil for dry skin for $28. The fragrance was subtle and my family loved it. (While shopping, I had to communicate through English words and sign language, which surprisingly worked.)

A very pleasant experience, I will come again if I have the chance...

Carmel is an exquisite seaside literary town, full of literary and artistic atmosphere. We had lunch at a restaurant called Dametra Cafe, which has a five-star YELP rating and is recommended by many tourists. It is a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Greek cuisine and is highly recommended.

There's also a Coach store in town, known for its cheapest prices in California. This was my first time enjoying a discount after discount, so Coach fans definitely shouldn't miss it. It's right across from Dametra Cafe, and the sign is easily visible, making it easy to find. Of course, I jumped at the chance to do some serious shopping.