How to Find Hotels In Carmel, California

Carmel, California (formally known as Carmel-by-the-Sea) is an exquisite jewel of a village located about 120 miles south of San Francisco. From the soft sands of Carmel Bay to the fragrant pines of Carmel's forest, this spot has inspired world-famous artists and poets for a century.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone or cell phone
• Computer with internet access

Know Your Destination

1. Know that Carmel, California is famous for attracting artists, photographers (like Ansel Adams), writers (including Sinclair Lewis and Robinson Jeffers) and poets. The Carmel Art Association was the second artists' co-op to be created in America.

2. Play it safe and pack an umbrella.

Organize Transportation

1. Fly into the Monterey Airport, the closest airport to Carmel.

2. Rent a car if you decide to fly into one of the major airports that serves Carmel. These include San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport and Oakland Metropolitan International Airport. Be prepared to drive more than 100 miles to reach your hotel.

3. Consider a convertible if you are renting a car. This area is known for its phenomenal views and splendid coastal roads.

Book Your Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Enjoy terrific value and plenty of charm by staying at a B&B. Prices will range according to the services provided (full breakfast vs. continental breakfast, for example), but expect to pay between $89 and $130 a night.

3. Travel on a super-tight budget by camping in Point Lobos State Reserve, staying at the nearby Monterey Hostel or booking a room at an inexpensive hotel.

4. Pamper yourself by staying at a luxury hotel. Four-star resorts and golf clubs are available, with average room rates around $250. Call for availability.

Study up on Local Information and Attractions

1. Take home some local art. Carmel is only one square mile in size, yet it boasts approximately 100 art galleries.

2. Propose a toast with a local wine. Gorgeous wineries like the Chateau Julien hold regular wine tastings, often in lovely settings like the Julien's stained glass-filled 'Great Hall.'

3. Take in a play or musical at the Forest Theatre, an outdoor theater founded nearly 100 years ago by local luminary Jack London (among others).

4. Commune with nature at the two prettiest beaches, Carmel River Beach and Carmel City Beach.

5. Picnic, bird-watch, bike, hike or daydream at Point Lobos State Reserve, one of the best loved spots in all of Carmel. Prepare to pay a nominal entrance fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring warm layers, like a cardigan or sweatshirt. This may be California, but it still gets quite chilly.

• Be realistic about scheduling. There's a lot to do and see in Carmel-by-the-Sea and neighboring villages, but you'll enjoy yourself most at a leisurely pace.

• Watch your step. Wet rocks along the shoreline may look inviting, but take care not to slip.

• Obey all signs along the beach or you may incur hefty fines.

• The undertow and crashing waves can be dangerously powerful here. Only swim where it's deemed safe to do so.