Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 1.1 square mile quaint coastal enclave village built amongst a magnificent forest, perched along the Pacific Ocean. Many would describe Carmel as a magical, whimsical fairytale like place showcasing enchanting cottage style architectural homes, astonishing ocean vistas with white sand beaches, and a vibrant coastal ambiance. Carmel-by-the Sea was founded in 1906 by Frank Powers and Frank Devendorf and incorporated as a city in 1916. The abodes of Carmel are an architectural mixture of storybook English cottages, Swiss Alpine chalets, and uniquely Carmel style building design. No two homes are alike, a refreshing change from the typical suburbia lifestyles. The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea resembles a miniature version of Europe. It is not improbable to see to a bereted Parisian saunter out of one of the captivating, Euro-themed bistros. Meander a few blocks down Ocean Avenue to Carmel’s sandy beach and the view is pure California, a rugged Pacific coastline spangled with rocky outcroppings, ghostly cypress trees and the electric green slopes of the famed Pebble Beach golf course. Carmel-by-the-Sea has all the offerings of a big city without the commotion. Enjoy world class art galleries, theater, music, dinning, and breathe taking site seeing all within walking distance of each other. The enchanting village is a lively collection of exclusive inns, almost a 100 art galleries, hundreds of boutiques, small bistros and gourmet restaurants. Carmel cottages are often given names such as “Tinker Bell Gardens,” “Crème Carmel,” “Point of View,” “This Is It,” and the next door neighbor, “This Isn’t.” Originally the early artists who were the builders of many of the homes in the town, named their houses, rather than having numerical addresses (it was believed that these local artists didn’t want to be found. Carmel today is prime real estate, and the surrounding valley is abuzz with top-notch restaurants, boutiques, wineries and precious shops. Carmel’s unique 20-block downtown is enlivened by 42 charming courtyards and passageways, which encourage exploration of the interior spaces of the shopping district. Many locals when speaking about their intriguing community, will tell you how Carmel found them rather than how they discovered Carmel. This is the nature of Carmel-by-the-Sea, its aura. Local Carmelites love living in Carmel for many reasons…a pedestrian friendly environment where you can walk anywhere in town.
A drive through the private enclave community of Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest along 17-Mile Drive is one of life’s few unforgettable visual experiences. Few drives will ever be as magnificent or memorable. The collide of coastal rugged natural splendor, emerald fairways of seven world famous golf courses, and magnificent architectural mansions is a site to behold. One not need be a golf fanatic to appreciate the harmonious marriage of golf course geography and coastal majesty in and around Pebble Beach. The well traveled two lane 17 mile drive has seen many years of activity. Once a trail in which covered wagons carried guests from hotels to picnic grounds over a 100 years ago. Though a century has passed, some things remain timeless in this enchanted forest. Still today, tourists continue to enjoy the 20 stops along 17 Mile Drive and enjoy vistas of the restless sea. Golf continues to be the number one sport of the area for over 80 years. From the legendary Lone Cypress to the famed eighteenth green of Pebble Beach Golf Links, your trip along 17- Mile Drive will leave you spellbound. Spectacular Pebble Beach estates punctuate but never overwhelm the picturesque shoreline. Discover nature’s treasures as you explore the serene majesty of Del Monte Forest home to a fortunate few Pebble Beach citizens. Here you’ll quickly experience the magic of a legendary scenic tour that’s home to, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and the colliding currents of the restless Sea. When your storybook tour is complete, an unforgettable dining experience awaits at one of the many gourmet restaurant as you contemplate purchasing a home in the area. The location is considered a very affluent community which is home to many retirees and sophisticated business entrepreneurs. The exclusive community has few businesses apart from those owned by the Pebble Beach Company (except the golf courses, Stevenson private school, one gas station, and a deli), most of the very exclusive estates are hidden behind mature trees within the Del Monte Forest. The ambiance is quiet, secluded, and romantically foggy.
