Carmel-by-the-Sea is a Can’t-Miss Destination on Your California Road Trip

Carmel, CA…When it comes to road trips, you would be hard-pressed to plan a better route than with a scenic drive along California’s Highway 1. Rolling hills, watercolor skies, and the big and beautiful blue ocean are just a few natural beauties you’ll find along the Pacific coastline. For the ultimate seaside escape, stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of California’s most romantic destinations situated between Pebble Beach and Big Sur and the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax on the Central Coast.

Photo Courtesy of Preethi Chandrasekhar (@EagerTraveler)

So pack your bags, throw them in the trunk of your car, and don’t forget to fill up on gas (or a full charge)! Here are some of the top reasons why you should add Carmel-by-the-Sea as a can’t-miss stay on your California road trip.

More Than Just a Pit Stop

Making a quick stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a snack or a bathroom break would be a major missed opportunity. There’s so much to do, see, and experience in the European-style village, so it’s best to spend at least a few nights to soak in all that Carmel has to offer. Stay in one of Carmel’s 42 comfortable and stylish boutique inns, your home base in this walkable one-square-mile village.

Be Connected to California History

Carmel-by-the-Sea is rich with a cultural history tied to its seaside location, and an extended stay in Carmel gives you the chance to immerse yourself in that storied past. Originally established as an artist colony, artists, writers, and poets have called Carmel home for many years, and that spirit of creativity and imagination still rings true today. The village is also home to sites once belonging to Hollywood royalty, such as Doris Day’s Cypress Inn or Clint Eastwood’s (himself once a mayor of Carmel) Hog’s Breath Inn. And of course, the Carmel Mission Basilica is one of the most important and dazzling historical landmarks in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Make sure to pay it a visit in honor of its 250th anniversary this year. To really experience the destination’s storied history, take a Historic Walking Tour of Carmel and discover the rich tapestry of the past that has made Carmel-by-the-Sea the seaside escape it is today.

Let Your Dog be Part of the Adventure

Carmel-by-the-Sea prides itself on being one of the most dog-friendly towns in California. With many pet-friendly hotels in Carmel, your furry friend can enjoy the same level of comfort and relaxation as you. Many of Carmel’s restaurants are also pup-friendly, some even offering their own doggy menu! Rated “One of America’s Top Beach Towns,” Carmel Beach allows dogs off-leash for the ultimate playtime experience.

Savor Unique Cuisine Found Only in Carmel

Carmel offers a diverse array of dining experiences allowing you to savor local, authentic cuisine sourced from Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley. You never have to settle for roadside fast food on your road trip when there are eateries featuring a full range of international, regional and local cuisine that is completely unique to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Stay Close to Other California Landmarks

Not just a dream getaway in itself, Carmel-by-the-Sea is also close in proximity to several scenic icons of exploration. Carmel is the closest city to Big Sur, with stunning views of the Central Coast. And, Carmel is a short drive to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the “crown jewel” of California’s 280 state parks. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a fun exploration of the world just beneath the surface of the Pacific.

There’s so much to discover in Carmel-by-the-Sea, more than could possibly be experienced in just a short rest stop. Book your stay now and make Carmel-by-the-Sea a part of your road trip itinerary along Highway 1.