Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque residential beach community known for its art colony, famous residents, and scenic Seventeen Mile Drive. Visitors can also explore the Carmel Mission and enjoy shopping at unique stores like Vermillion Asian Arts and the Barnyard Shopping Village.
Carmel, California, actually called Carmel-by-the-Sea, offers breathtaking scenery in a quaint, yet upscale residential beach community. Close to Monterey and Pacific Grove, Carmel is known for its early 1900s art colony and resident artists and novelists such as Jack London and Sinclair Lewis. Clint Eastwood owns several establishments in Carmel and served as the city’s mayor from 1986 to 1988. Other famous Carmel residents have included Doris Day, Betty White and Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt. Interesting things to do in Carmel include shopping at the Barnyard and Vermillion Asian Arts, visiting the Carmel Mission, and driving, walking or biking along Seventeen Mile Drive.
Experiencing Seventeen Mile Drive is one of the most popular things to do in Carmel for those looking to take in some amazing California scenery. The road winds its way from Carmel to Pacific Grove through beaches, golf courses, and the Del Monte Forest, known for its Monterey pines. You’ll find beautiful ocean views with beach cliffs and cypress trees along the ocean shores. Lookout points like the one at Pebble Beach Golf Club offer a place to stretch your legs and snap some photos. Tolls are required for vehicles, but many Seventeen Mile Drive restaurants reimburse the toll, and walking and biking the Drive is free.
If you are looking for history-related things to do in Carmel, you may want to visit the Carmel Mission and Museum. The Mission, located near the Carmel River, was founded by Father Junipero Serra of the Order of Franciscan Friars. The Mission was initially located in Monterey in 1770 and was called the San Carlos Boromeo Mission before being re-established in Carmel in 1771.
Shopping is a favorite thing to do in Carmel for those looking for one-of-a-kind items. Vermillion Asian Arts has rare and beautiful home furnishings and artwork. The shop displays ceramics, textiles and many other Asian items such as tea sets, kimonos and its famous Japanese Kokeshi dolls. The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel has art galleries, fashion stores, home decor stores and eight restaurants. The Barnyard features an outdoor patio and brick courtyard used for many community events.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
