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California is teeming with beautiful beach towns, from the scenic coasts of San Diego to the underrated gems of NorCal along the Oregon state line.
But there is one holiday destination on the coast that exudes the European atmosphere, with fairytale streets and dazzling architecture.
We all love wandering the main streets anywhere else, but here it creates a unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the country.
For those looking for a blissful escape, look no further than Carmel-by-the-Seaor better known as Carmel.
Here you will be delighted in every nook and cranny, from boutique shops, trendy restaurants and quiet beaches with beautiful weather during autumn and mild winters to enjoy the coast.
Bilbo Baggins, is that you?!
Carmel is small in every way, but it has a big impact that will leave a lasting impression on you.
It was a unique place, both aesthetically and socially. For example, did you know that Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel?
Yes, Dirty Harry once ran the show here and used to own a great bar with a name you can’t forget: Hog’s Breath Inn.
Don’t worry; the smell doesn’t match the name but it’s a nice place in the center of the city. Although during my visit I was constantly on the move admiring the surrounding Lord of the Rings-esque locations, from cozy inns, dive-like bars and boutiques.
Walking through the city feels like you’re knocking on a door where Bilbo Baggins might answer! Carmel is home to such unique architecture that you could only describe it as Hobbit-esque.
Local builder Hugh Comstock is the mastermind behind the whimsical atmosphere, who originally wanted to change the story Hansel and Gretel in real life.
What remains is essentially one of America’s most storybook cities, showcasing some of the most creative styles of the 1920s and 1930s.
My personal favorite stop is the TuckBoxbut I recommend joining one walking tour to ensure that no stone is left uncovered.
4 airports close by
Some hidden gems remain hidden because they are so difficult to get to, but that is not the case for Carmel.
This beautiful city makes for a great road trip or an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the always busy bay.
When you enter the city, it feels like you are entering a secret world. You’ll pass towering pines and oddly shaped cypress trees, which coincidentally match the allure of the charming structures.
Flying into Los Angeles makes for an epic road trip, especially along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, which takes a total of 5 hours.
The more convenient options are all within a few hours of the airport.
These are the four best airports where you can easily reach Carmel:
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Oakland (OAK)
- San Jose (SJO)
- Monterey (MRY)
Monterey is the closest at just 15 minutes away and offers more flights than you might think from popular hubs like Dallas, Las Vegas and Denver.
Travel tip: If you fly into MRY, make sure you stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium located coast. It is the third largest aquarium in the world!
An idyllic escape to relax and enjoy
Carmel may be far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay, but it’s actually an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
Here you will discover quiet beaches where you can enjoy the view. The best way to enjoy the coast is to explore the area 7 mile drive.
As it sounds, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful coastal sights in Northern California, including the famous Pebble Beach.
While there are many well-known hotels in the region, Carmel’s mom-and-pop style bed and breakfasts offer the most memorable stays, such as the Carmel Country Inn.
Most importantly, you better arrive hungry because there are so many places where you can enjoy the world-famous cuisine.
Ranging from Mediterranean to New American, you can hop around to get a taste of the world.
One of the most popular and my personal favorite is Dametra Cafea Greek restaurant that will transport your taste buds on a trip to Athens.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
