Carmel

Also known as Carmel-By-The-Sea, the beachside city of Carmel is a picturesque place to call home. With its outstanding reputation for having some of the best shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms in all of Northern California, life here is close to perfection. Currently, 3,830 people reside in Carmel. The city borders the golf lover’s paradise of Pebble Beach to the north and sits just west of the Cabrillo Highway.

On the market for a luxury oceanfront property? Along the highly desirable Scenic Road, the beach literally feels like it is part of your front yard. Owners living on this road have direct access to the beach, which is a mere steps away. Further inland, homes are spacious, brimming with charm and nestled away from main roads for extra privacy.

Individuals wanting to live in a scenic, laid-back town along California’s northern coastline will adore Carmel. Small-town vibes and a peaceful environment make this community an absolute gem. While homes and views here are nothing shy of luxurious and breathtaking, the entire area feels approachable and easygoing. Carmel is an authentic, unpretentious place that makes it effortless to relax, unwind and be your true self.

Toward the center of town, Carmel boasts an impressive collection of stores, restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Locals find it easy to spend hours browsing boutiques, sipping top-tier wines and indulging in a wide variety of cuisines.

Either pre- or post-meal, make reservations for the area’s exceptional wine tasting experiences. Favorites include Caraccioli Cellar, Scheid Vineyards Tasting Room, Shale Canyon Wines, De Tierra Vineyards, Dawn’s Dream Winery and Galante Vineyards Tasting Room. All of these tasting rooms are centrally located along (or near) San Carlos Street.

Carmel has a marvelous selection of world-class restaurants. In the middle of town, you can dine at highly recommended establishments such as La Bicyclette, Pangaea Grill, Basil Seasonal Dining, Dametra Cafe, Flying Fish Grill, La Balena, Anton & Michel Restaurant, Il Tegamino, Yafa, and Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant. Every area restaurant curates superb menus that are sure to delight any palate.

Shopping is also a pleasure in Carmel. Not-to-miss boutiques include The Cheese Shop Inc, Bruno’s Market and Deli, Khakis of Carmel, Carmel Dog Shop, and Jolie Carmel-By-The-Sea.

Enjoy Northern California life to the fullest during your off days in Carmel. Annual and year-round festivities abound in this sunny, laid-back community.

Check Carmel’s local calendar for a listing of top area events. Residents love attending Taste of Carmel, the Annual Sand Castle Contest, the Carmel Holiday Tree Lighting, and Carmel Bach Festival. Make it a priority to visit top attractions around the city, including Jones & Terwilliger Galleries, Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, and the Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery.

Unsurprisingly, one of the best things to do in Carmel is spending time at the beach. Carmel Beach is a magnificent spot to relax and enjoy your leisure time. This oceanfront haven is known for its glistening sand, excellent surfing, and for being a dog-friendly beach.

Public schools in Carmel are rated incredibly well on GreatSchools.org. There are quality elementary, middle, and high schools minutes from home.