Walkable Carmel

By far, the best way to take in the Carmel experience is to walk its beautifully maintained streets and avenues. The main artery is Ocean Avenue, the road that stretches from Highway 1 to the pristine sands of Carmel Beach. Ocean is lined with a shopper's delight of boutiques and a gourmet's dream of restaurants and cafes. But don't miss the side streets and keep an eye out for the many unobtrusive entrances that lead to charming courtyards and passageways--more often than not, you'll be rewarded with the discovery of an off-the-beaten-path boutique.

For a lover of architecture, a stroll through Carmel's residential areas are a treat. The signature styles of early twentieth century builders like Michael Murphy and Hugh Comstock are still to be found today, and Comstock's whimsical fairy-tale-style cottages are much photographed.

Of course, it's de rigueur to kick off your shoes and stroll the white sands of Carmel Beach and catch a spectacular sunset at the end of a perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea day.

Local's Tip

The Carmel Heritage Society offers an interesting historic walking tour that takes in some of the city's architectural and cultural gems.

Walking the uncrowded streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea after dark offers world-class window-shopping opportunities. Coupled with a stop at one of many lively night spots, an evening jaunt around town makes for a lovely, relaxing evening.