Carmel by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town on the Monterey Peninsula about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Carmel is known for its soft white sand beaches, beautiful blue water, cypress-covered cliffs and neat rows of quaint shops. The town has a rich artistic history and has had several artists on the city council. Carmel has also had several mayors who were poets or actors including actor-director Clint Eastwood, who was mayor for one term in the 1980’s.
One of the best ways to see Carmel is by foot. There are many hidden courtyards, and beautiful murals to be found around town. The Carmel Chamber of Commerce offers a walking tour.
The area includes many bird and animal species, including gray whales and sea otters. The whales can be seen offshore in January, April and in early May. You can find sea otters in the wild by taking a short 3 mile drive south to Point Lobos along Highway One. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is also close by for a spectacular display of sea otters and marine life from Monterey Bay.
The world-famous 17-Mile Drive is a stretch of highway that hugs the Pacific shoreline and runs between Carmel and Pacific Grove going through Pebble Beach. Their is a minimal cost per automobile to use this private road which is free for bicyclists and pedestrians, but prohibited for motorcycles. The drive passes famous golf courses and mansions along the way. There are numerous turnouts along the road to stop, take pictures, or get out and walk along the ocean. Every visitor receives a small map that points out some of the more scenic spots like the Lone Cypress Tree, the official symbol of Pebble Beach.