Charming and elegant, Carmel (also known as Carmel by the Sea) started life as an artists’ outpost but its stunning location soon elevated the village to a highly desirable vacation destination with all the amenities for an upscale experience. Small enough to omit address numbers, the town retains a "it’s different here" feel to it. No town in North America compares. Sitting right on the coast, south of Monterey, Carmel offers easy access to the ocean, golf courses and nearby attractions. The famous city beach is dog- and people-friendly with wide-open sandy stretches, driftwood, joggers and lovely views.