The quaint seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, is filled with picture postcard cottages dating back to 1902 and cypress trees, planted at the turn of the 20th century to enhance the landscape. Once a bohemian haven, a mecca for artists and a refuge for writers its inspirational attraction is still clearly evident today. Visit Ocean Avenue, the heart of Carmel’s shopping district, is lined with speciality shops, restaurants, art galleries and antique stores.
Lying 12 miles away from the coast is Carmel Valley, lovingly known as the sun belt of the Monterey Peninsula for averaging 283 sunny days each year. Its rolling ranch land, bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, offer the perfect climate for its lush vineyards and encourage hiking, biking and picnicking by those who visit. A range of resort-style hotels specialise in golfing and exceptional spa treatments.
