Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an utterly enchanting small town on California's Monterey Peninsula and an essential stop on any California road trip, as well as a place that could just as easily — and enjoyably — be done as a separate getaway. It's a small village with a single square mile of land. Within the minuscule footprint, however, there is a wealth of history, cinematic beauty, and fairy-tale charm.

Carmel-by-the- Sea has, to some extent embraced its status as a tourism darling, though many residents are still dragging their feet. Today, the downtown area is home to wonderful galleries, Hansel and Gretel-worthy storybook cottages, high-end shops, restaurants, and, of course, the historic Carmel Mission. Visiting the numerous galleries is a popular pastime. Original works by local California artists can be found at the Carmel Art Association, Bennett Sculpture Carmel, and Galerie Plein Aire. It's also fantastically dog-friendly, so bring your pup. Beautiful beaches, coastal trails, and scenic drives can be found just off the main drag.

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea has a mild climate, you can expect beautiful weather all year. However, the fall, dubbed the "secret season" by locals, is one of the best times to visit because of the warm, sunny days and crisp evenings that invite you to cozy up with a glass of local wine by an outdoor fireplace. One of the most exciting automobile events in the country is Monterey Car Week, which takes place in August. Classic car enthusiasts and collectors travel from all over the world to display and admire priceless vehicles, collect memorabilia, check out new models, and attend lavish parties. Because of its small size and walkability, you can see much of Carmel-by-the-Sea in a day or two, though that won't leave much time for exploring the side streets and discovering the hidden gems that lurk around every corner.