The quaint little village of Carmel-by-the-Sea oozes European charm and is one of the most romantic coastal getaways. It is just one square mile, and Ocean Avenue is the main street that runs From Highway One through the village all the way down to Carmel Beach with stunning coastal views, long sandy beaches, fringed with cypresses.
One of the places to visit in the Carmel Mission which is a National Historic Landmark. Established in 1771, it was the second of the missions built in California by Spanish missionaries led by Father Junipero Serra, who is buried here.
Lined with picturesque shops, galleries, cafe’s, restaurants, Ocean Avenue is a must-stroll. Cecile and I had lunch the Carmel Bakery (same owner of Pepe’s Vesuvio Restaurant) along with the best soft pretzels we have ever tasted. There is also the charming Cottage of Sweets, which has British-style candies and other chocolate and candy treats. Other Carmel Fairytale Cottages dating back to the early 1900s, feature high pitched roofs with moss, stone chimneys, and timbered details. We loved Carmel Plaza for its one of a kind boutiques and shops. In front of Kate Spade is a whimsical sculpture of a man wearing a hat, with his palm out called “Rain” by Richard Macdonald.
One of the charming features of Carmel are its numerous “secret” passageways dating back to the 1920 as seen in my photos. Many are lined with stores, galleries, tasting rooms, and eateries. There murals like the shell murals at Paloma Furnishing in Carmel. Ocean Avenue isn’t the only place to stroll. There are an abundant of side streets lined with interesting shops worth seeing. We rested at Devendorf Park named after Frank Devendorf, known as the father of Carmel-By-the-Sea. This well-maintained oasis is shaded by several massive live oaks.
