Media Kit

01.01.2024

Carmel-by-the-Sea Facts At-a-Glance

 
Carmel-by-the-Sea Facts At-a-Glance
 

Location

Situated on Carmel Bay in Central California on the southern bend of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is 120 miles south of San Francisco, 350 miles north of Los Angeles, and 26 miles north of Big Sur.

History

The small village of Carmel-by-the-Sea represents a microcosm of everything that has contributed to the California dream -- independence, creativity and tireless spirit. Carmel's early residents, which included authors George Sterling and Jack London and poet Robinson Jeffers, settled in Carmel in tents, built smoky fires in the woods, picnicked on the beach and cooked abalone stew in the fireplace.

These early inhabitants were determined to create an intellectual oasis on the inspiring, sparsely populated Central Coast of California. Further prompted by the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, members of the city's cultural community decided to make Carmel their permanent home. Their migration firmly established Carmel as the progressive artistic and cultural hub in Northern California.

Intent on promoting an environment conducive to creativity, Carmel's founders fought to ensure the proliferation and appreciation of art, drama and literature. By the time Carmel-by-the-Sea became a city in 1916, the population had grown to almost 450. The village was composed of luminaries such as authors Sinclair Lewis, Mary Austin and Lincoln Steffens. Historical Overview >

Size and Population

The village is one square mile and has a population of approximately 3,800 residents. Over the years the residents have included notable writers, artists, celebrities and intellectuals alike.

Climate

Carmel enjoys moderately warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 65 degrees and an average low of 48 degrees. September and October offer the best weather, with an average high of 72 degrees. Annual average rainfall occurs primarily between November and April, is 15 inches. Coastal fog is prevalent during the summer.

Lodging

The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea has 40 inns -- from casual and comfortable to elegant and refined -- offering a sum total of about 1,000 rooms. Carmel lodging properties are known for providing a light breakfast with a room booking. Many offer special amenities, such as ocean views or secluded courtyards and fireplaces, and all feature the characteristic warmth and charm that has become a village trademark. And it's never been easier to make a reservation at one of the inns: the "Book Direct" feature on Visit Carmel's website (carmelcalifornia.com) allows travelers to quickly and conveniently make reservations, at special rates, directly with the lodging establishments.

Transportation

Direct flights are available to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) from San Francisco (SFO, United Airlines); Los Angeles (LAX, United Airlines); Dallas (DFW, American Airlines); Denver (DEN, United Airlines), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air); San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines); Seattle (SEA, Alaska Airlines); Phoenix (PHX, American Airlines); Orange County and Hollywood-Burbank (SNA & BUR, JSX Air - seasonal). The Airport is 10 minutes from downtown Carmel. Rental cars are available. Carmel is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco and a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles (allow longer if traveling via coastal Highway 1).

A 'Top 10' World Destination

Carmel is often included among the top 10 destinations in the world. Here's how the village ranks with leading publications and travelers:

Annual Events

Carmel's Key Attractions

Art Galleries. Carmel has been a mecca for artists, writers, and musicians since the turn of the last century. Today, more than 100 art studios, galleries, and antique stores represent the works of master artists, both local and from around the world. The Carmel Art Association, a nonprofit founded in 1927 (making it the second oldest art cooperative in the country) features the work of more than 100 professional local artists. A self guided Art Walk takes you on an interactive tour of local artists galleries, and the Carmel Art Festival occurs each May.

Carmel Beach. Carmel is known for its many attractions, perhaps none more so than its incomparable white-sand, dog-friendly beach. Whether remaining on the path along picturesque Scenic Road, or feeling the sand beneath your feet, Carmel Beach is a favorite of visitors and locals who make their daily pilgrimage.

Cuisine. Carmel is experiencing a culinary renaissance with eclectic restaurants (no chains) that span the gustatory globe from the Mediterranean to Asian, French, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, Greek, and much more. With more restaurants per capita than any other small city in America, there are more than 60 coffeehouses, bakeries, pubs, bistros, and restaurants utilizing produce grown locally in Salinas Valley, fresh seafood from Monterey Bay and award-winning Monterey County wines.

Dog-Friendly. Rated one of the top dog-friendly towns in America, Carmel is a world-class pet destination. Hotels, shops, and restaurants roll out the red carpet, plus the City offers numerous beaches and trails where dogs can frolic, leash-free. Water bowls, dog treats, and biodegradable bags are readily available, while more pampered pooches can enjoy high-end services like massages, doggy turn downs, and "yappy hour."

Performing Arts. Carmel's venues range from the charm of the historic Carl Cherry Center to the Golden Bough Playhouse, and from the Circle Theatre to the newly-renovated historic Outdoor Forest Theater. Since its founding, the Pacific Repertory Theatre company has entertained residents and visitors with the interpretation of distinguished plays from its unique stages across Carmel. The venerable Sunset Center, features a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the renowned Carmel Bach Festival (held annually in July), Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Symphony, and year-round performances from artists of note.

Recreation. Visitors can enjoy the charm of downtown Carmel and the natural beauty of California's central coast while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities including running, walking, bicycling, and surfing. A Local's Guide to Scenic Runs, Walks and Hikes In and Around Carmel is available free to guests who stay at Carmel inns.

Romance. The village offers everything for the ultimate romantic getaway--roaring surf, gentle breezes, and world-class amenities perfect for setting the mood. Stroll hand-in-hand on Carmel Beach, enjoy wine tasting for two, and dine at Carmel's intimate restaurants for a loving escape.

Shopping. Carmel boasts several blocks of quaint shops, antique stores, boutiques, and galleries. Peppered with hidden courtyards, strolling and shopping in downtown Carmel feels like a step back in time with virtually no chain stores but many affordable, yet trendy, shops and family-owned businesses featuring unique gifts and friendly, personalized service.

Walking Tours. The walkable one-square-mile village includes a plethora of opportunities to explore Carmel on foot. Leave your car at your inn and explore through one of the Carmel-by-the-Sea walking tours. Among the choices: 1) Carmel Art Tours, 2) History Walking Tour, 3) Carmel Walks, 4)Carmel Food Tours and 5) Carmel Wine Walk.

Only in Carmel

Carmel is famous for some of its quirks and unique traits:

  • There are at least 41 courtyards and passageways throughout the village. The first debuted nearly 100 years ago, when architect Hugh Comstock began building fairytale houses and shops. Self-guided maps are available at the Carmel Visitor Center and at most inns.
  • Unwilling to see their village become "citified," Carmel's founding fathers rejected the practice of house-to-house mail delivery in favor of a central post office. To this day, while the City has recently decided to assign house numbers, there is still no mail delivery, parking meters, or streetlights, and no sidewalks outside of Carmel's downtown area. The local post office continues to serve as a social hub for residents, and residents adorn their homes with legendary names such as "Periwinkle" or "Sea Urchin."
  • There are no chain or fast-food restaurants, nor national coffee shops in the village.
  • A permit is required to wear high heels --anything more than two inches in height or with a base of less than one square inch (don't worry, local police ignore it.) This odd law was authored in October 1963 by the city attorney to defend the city from lawsuits resulting from the irregular pavement distorted by tree roots.

Visitor Information

  • Visit Carmel is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Visitor information, including the option to search real-time lodging rates and availability and book with Carmel innkeepers, can be found on www.carmelcalifornia.com.
  • The Carmel Visitor Center is in Carmel Plaza, second floor, on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission streets. Phone (800) 550-4333 or (831) 624-2522. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Stay Connected

Media Only

Stay informed about Carmel with our Media Center. Visits for qualified media and influencers producing editorial coverage of the destination are coordinated by Visit Carmel, the official destination marketing organization for Carmel, and J/PR, Visit Carmel's media relations agency. Contact carmelbythesea@jpublicrelations.com or fill out the online request form at www.carmelcalifornia.com/media-contact.htm.

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