Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel, located on the Monterey Peninsula, is known for its natural beauty and rich artistic history. Carmel-by-the-Sea is an idyllic coastal village nestled in the northern reaches of California's Big Sur, known for its thriving arts scene, European-style ambiance, and cute cottages. The town is well-known for its dog-friendliness, with many hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments welcoming guests with dogs. Carmel is also known for several unusual laws, such as a ban on wearing high-heeled shoes without a permit, which was enacted to avoid lawsuits resulting from tripping accidents caused by uneven pavement.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, founded by Spanish missionaries in the late 1700s, is still home to the 18th-century San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission and has gained a reputation as one of the USA's most romantic getaways since its official founding in 1902. Carmel-by-the-Sea, named one of National Geographic's Best Beach Towns, offers everything from white sandy beaches to boutique shopping, art galleries, and solely locally owned restaurants.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Monterey, California, USA