The main drag in Carmel-by-the-Sea (its legal name) is Ocean Avenue, which runs straight downhill to the beach. It is unabashedly touristy but has a unique charm. There are no fast food or franchise stores in Carmel, nor are there street numbers or home delivery of mail. All trees belong to the city, which employs a municipal forester to safeguard them.
Carmel is a notable art center, founded by artists, writers, and associated Bohemians back around 1900. Writer Mary Austin lived in a treehouse, and photographer Edward Weston built a granite castle. There are now about 40 art galleries in town, but not many working artists can afford to live in Carmel.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California![]() | Carmel War Memorial The Carmel War Memorial, built of what is known as Carmel Stone, stands in the middle of Ocean Avenue. This distinctive building material is quarried in Monterey County.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Devendorf Park in Carmel Devendorf Park is located at the top of the main shopping district on Ocean Avenue.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Harrison Memorial Library in Carmel-by-the-Sea The charming Harrison Memorial Library, designed by famous architect Bernard Maybeck, is halfway down Ocean Avenue.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Cottage of Sweets in Carmel A traditional favorite in my family, the Cottage of Sweets in Carmel-by-the-Sea is in a half-timbered cottage style building on Ocean Avenue.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Lamp Lighter Inn cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea A classic of old Carmel style, the Lampligher Inn features two rustic cottages dating from 1912.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Ocean Avenue ends at Carmel Beach Ocean Avenue, the main street of Carmel-by-the-Sea, ends at a small parkling lot at the top of Carmel Beach.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
![]() | Carmel Beach observation platform Carmel Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with white sand, wind-scuptured trees, and a dramatic setting between Cypress Point and Point Lobos.Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Date photographed: September 16, 2013See location in Google Maps | |
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