News

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2016) -- Better known to locals as the "secret season," fall is the sunniest time of the year in Carmel-by-the-Sea. With average daytime highs in the 70s and evening temperatures in the 50s, a fall visit shows off this California coastal destination -- in the midst of celebrating its Centennial -- at its brilliant best.

A stroll or run on Carmel Beach, perhaps even a dip in the Pacific Ocean, is never more refreshing and comfortable than during the town's warmest season of the year. A round of golf, a hike at Point Lobos State Reserve or a bike ride around town are among some of the outdoor recreational opportunities to be best enjoyed at this time of year.

Shopping beckons as the downtown's array of stores and the venerable Carmel Plaza will appease even the most discriminating tastes. Carmel's world-class food-and-wine scene continues to win accolades, and fittingly many restaurants offer patio and outdoor seating to properly enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Lodging properties have stepped up, too, with attractive deals to further entice visitors during the next few months. Here is a look at some of the current specials:

• Carmel Country Inn, Dolores and 3^rd. To celebrate the end of a construction project next door, the inn is offering a $100 "all's-quiet-once-again" discount off a two-night stay (offer code: finally finished). Start date is Oct. 1 and excludes holidays. Call 831.625.3263 or visit www.carmelcountryinn.com.
• Coachman's Inn, San Carlos Street between 7^th & 8^th. The "Coastal Escape" package, available through Oct. 27, includes discounted rates, complimentary afternoon wine, freshly-baked cookies and more. Call 831.624.6421 or visit www.coachmansinn.com.
• Hofsas House, San Carlos Street between 3^rd and 4^th. Guests who stay at least two nights receive a free copy of "Stories of Old Carmel: A Centennial Tribute," a limited-edition book published for the city's 100^th anniversary. Rooms must be reserved before Nov. 15. Call 800.221.2548 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.
• L'Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde at 7^th. The "Romantic Getaway" package includes a couple's 60-minute in-room massage, dinner for two at Aubergine Restaurant, breakfast and more. Call 831.624.8578 or visit www.laubergecarmel.com.
• The Hideaway, Junipero between 7^th and 8^th. Book a midweek stay for two nights and get the third night free. Excludes weekends, holiday and special event dates. Call 831.625.5222 or visit www.hideawaycarmel.com.
• Vagabond's House Inn, Dolores and 4th. A 20-percent lodging discount also includes one half-priced massage in the property's spa studio. Room and spa treatments based on availability. Call 831.624.7738 or visit www.vagabondshouseinn.com.

To view all the deals and special packages being offered by Carmel-by-the-Sea lodging properties, visit www.carmelcalifornia.com, click on "Exclusive Offers," then "Hotels & Inns."

This is a particularly special year to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea with the town's ongoing celebration of its centennial. Though lodging is limited the weekend of Oct. 28-30, Carmel's Centennial Celebration Parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, with former Mayor Clint Eastwood serving as Grand Marshal. For exclusive Centennial hotel packages, visit www.carmelcalifornia.com/exclusive-centennial-packages.htm. For more on the Centennial, visit www.CarmelCentennial.com.

It's never been easier to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just a 10-minute drive away and served by direct flights to and from San Francisco (SFO, United Express), Los Angeles (LAX, American Eagle/United Express), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air), Phoenix (PHX, U.S. Airways), and San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines). Alaska Airlines recently began daily non-stop service to and from Los Angeles (LAX). San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 75 miles north.