Carmel is considered to be one of the most magnificent cities in the world. For such a small land area, this is quite a distinction!
The city of Carmel used to be known as an artist colony (which is why you will find no mailboxes - just PO Boxes in town -- harder for bill collectors to find you). Within the one square mile downtown, you will find over 60 restaurants, over 100 art galleries and a myriad of fine shops.
Our best advice is to get to the city early and either park in the parking garage located at Junipero and Ocean (or you will find yourself chasing the timed parking areas) or better yet spend at least one night and park at your hotel. If you can, start your journey at Devendorf Park at the beginning of downtown (and across from that same parking garage). Then, walk all the way down Ocean Avenue, cross the street, and walk all the way back up Ocean Avenue. Break up the day by enjoying a cup of coffee in one of Carmel's charming cafe's and/or pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some food on Carmel Beach.
The beach overlooks both Pebble Beach and Pt. Lobos State Perserve. The sand is incredibly deep and soft. If you plan on staying in town for a while, one of the rights of passage is watching the sunset for this post. To make it even better, enjoy a bonfire (legal as long as you are south of 10th street) which can be prepared for you by a company called Romantic Room Designs (www.romanticroomdesigns.com).
The shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea is wonderful because there is so much variety. There are high-end stores like Tiffany next to a touristy t-shirt shop next to Sharper Image which is close by a Coach Outlet. If you walk away from Carmel without buying something, then you truly have will power! Some of our favorite shops include: Cottage of Sweets (candies from all over the world), Heaven (European styled childrens clothing), Candlesticks of Carmel (every conceivable type of scented candle), Diggidy Dog (it's all about your pet), and the Coach Outlet (great handbags, wallets).
All of that shopping and walking will make you very hungry. There are plenty of great places for breakfast, lunch and dinner but our favorites would be Katy's Place (breakfast), Il Fornaio (breakfast in the bakery with homemade breads), Bisto Giovanni (new), La Dolce Vita (quaint), The Gem (interesting menu), Tommy's Wok (small but incredibly good food), Anton and Michel (romantic and upscale), the Tuck Box (tea time), and Forge in the Forest (outdoor dining).
Don't forget that this corner of the Peninsula is famous for one more thing: being pet friendly. I cannot think of a place where more pets are allowed inside hotels, shops and restaurants.
Have a great time in Carmel!
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