While visiting the Monterey Bay area, we stayed at an RV Park called Carmel by the River, which is a few miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Carmel) on Carmel Valley Road. It is a small private RV park, owned and operated by a husband and wife team, in the hills above Carmel. The setting is beautiful, with lots of mature trees and flower gardens throughout the park.
We spent quite a bit of time in Carmel, which is south of Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach on the Pacific Ocean. It is a gorgeous little town of about 3500 people, which was founded as a kind of bohemian artists colony. Today it is renown for its high end shops and art galleries, and its ultra-expensive real estate. As a general rule, this would definitely not be my kind of place.
A closer look at Carmel, however, provides a different perspective. While quite a few well known luxury brands have stores on Ocean Avenue, the main thoroughfare in downtown Carmel, the vast majority of the shops and restaurants in town are small, locally owned, and have been in business forever. Huge old trees and flower gardens line the streets and most of the buildings and homes in town are older, well preserved historic properties in a rather random mix of styles. The overall vibe is casual and relaxed. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere.
While in Carmel we took a three hour wine and food walking tour in the downtown area. Our guide was a native of Carmel, and she knew just about everything and everyone in town. She introduced us to perhaps my favorite thing about Carmel; the secret passageways and alleys between and behind buildings. Sometimes there are tiny shops or restaurants in these spaces; sometimes there is outdoor seating for other nearby eating places; sometimes there in nothing but a shortcut from one place to another. These special hidden spaces are everywhere in downtown Carmel.
Carmel also has a gorgeous beach which overlooks a few holes of the famous Pebble Beach golf course. There is free parking on the street and in several lots along the beach. The homes across the street from the beach simply have to be seen; I cannot do them justice with words, and photos are difficult due to parked cars, trees, pedestrians, etc. Like most things in this town, they are elegant in a casual, understated way.
Great pictures, Leslie. What a beautiful area!
My first “business trip” after I moved to LA in 1986 was to a conference in Monterey. Two wise older gentlemen at work – the CFO and the Treasurer, asked if I’d seen the PCH, and I had not. They suggested that I drive to Monterey on the PCH instead of fly, and that I should stay in Carmel instead of Monterey. That’s when I fell in love with California. I will always be grateful to those guys for putting me on the path to an unforgettable experience.
I am with you. While I adore Southern California as a place to live, I find the central coast from Ventura to Monterey to be mind-blowingly gorgeous. I love the way the mountains interact with the ocean; such dramatic scenery and wonderful, cool weather. I also like the historic architecture. Oh, and all the wineries. What’s not to love?
Very nice shots and enjoy the narrative! But … does Clint still live there?
Hey John,
Yes, he still lives in the area. He has a ranch out in Carmel Valley, probably not very far from where our RV park was located. As you continue down Carmel Valley Road, there are huge estates tucked into the mountains. Its gorgeous. And much more private than Carmel, which is really small and everything in Carmel is quite packed together.
Carmel is one of my favorite places. We would often make a day of it and visit. Your pictures are beautiful and I’m getting a little home sick.
I’m loving my new home in the desert but I do miss the coast. Safe travels and see you soon.
Hey Vicki,
I understand. I love the Central Coast, from Ventura to Monterey. Haven’t been to Santa Cruz yet but that’s next. I miss the ocean too…we rarely missed going to the beach for at least a week or two each year when we were back east. But I feel like I can go there in the summer and really appreciate the cool weather and beautiful scenery and enjoy it even more because I get a break from the heat. Plus I know I’m not missing anything fun back in Palm Springs and I absolutely hate to miss anything fun.
Beautiful area. Before we bought in San Francisco and then Tiburon, we seriously considered Carmel. It’s very, very expensive but a fun a gorgeous area to live. We settle for just visiting these days!
Thanks for both of your comments. Yes Carmel is beautiful. I love the entire Monterey peninsula and hope to spend much more time there in the next few years, particularly in the summer months.