Love Carmel Like A Local
Never before has our planet been so accessible to travelers, which has created the need for focused attention on both the positive and negative impacts of tourism on a destination. The global tourism community has embraced the responsibility of Destination Stewardship. Put simply, this means championing tourism's benefits, mitigating its impacts, and harnessing its regenerative power for the community and the environment. One beautiful trend emerging in tourism is that more travelers understand the obligation to visit responsibly, and many even prefer destinations that encourage it.
Community Collaboration
Visit Carmel proudly supports and collaborates with like-minded organizations who help keep Carmel-by-the-Sea beautiful and clean, along with support around the Monterey Bay.
Our Story
It is easy to see why our little "village in the forest by the sea" attracts visitors from all over the globe. The natural beauty is an idyllic backdrop for the simple charm and whimsy found here. As Carmel-by-the-Sea remains a beloved destination, we are aware of the challenges associated with that popularity. To be clear, we LOVE welcoming visitors to share in this special place, but we must do everything we can to protect it so that it remains viable for future residents and visitors alike. We want your visitor experience to be amazing – today and forever.
Our History
When Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded at the turn of the last century, one of the first orders of business was the planting of 100 cypress trees in the barren potato patches along the coast. While the Bohemian artists and writers who settled our village captured its beauty with paintings, photographs and stories, the City's founders understood the importance of putting development second to nature. Streetlights were limited so that the moonlight shining off the ocean could play a lead role. Houses were built to a smaller scale and designed to blend in with the existing landscape. Roads and businesses were often built around the existing trees. So from the start, Carmel-by-the-Sea was created in harmony with its natural environment.
Our Mission
Visit Carmel is focused on seeking solutions to tourism impacts by encouraging the protection and preservation of Carmel-by-the-Sea as a thriving, one-of-a-kind seaside village. Ultimately, we are committed to promoting safe, responsible, and respectful travel, which safeguards the vital components of our community for a vibrant future.