Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a stunning coastal town in California known for its charming houses, breathtaking coastline, and vibrant art scene. It’s storybook architecture and enchanting allure definitely will draw you in as soon as you step into this seaside gem.

When I found out I was going to visit this amazing place that I’d heard creatives rave about, I was incredibly excited and eager to see what my experience there would be like.

Monterey, California, was our first stop on our PCH roadtrip, and Carmel-by-the-Sea was a quick 10-minute ride away. After we arrived and relaxed in Monterey for a couple of hours, we made our way to Carmel Beach to catch the sunset.

Driving through Carmel-by-the-Sea felt enchanting. The houses looked warm and inviting, and the atmosphere was so peaceful. As soon as we descended the hill we were greeted by the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There were tall Monterey Cypress trees along the seaside neighborhood adding even more beauty to the landscape (I’ve always loved trees, so seeing these unique and majestic ones in person was an unforgettable experience).

We parked and then began walking down the street toward the ocean. The sun was bright and glistening, and I could tell it wouldn’t be long before my favorite time of day arrived-golden hour! Everything around us seemed to glow a little brighter, making the moment feel even more special.

When I reached the stairs leading down to the beach, I was immediately struck by the view. The blue ocean water of the Pacific, the gleaming sun, and the lush greenery created a beautiful scene. Now that I was out of the car, I could also admire the charming homes lining the streets. Some featured sleek, modern designs, while others looked like they came straight out of a fairytale.

Once I made my way down the stairs, I was warmely welcomed by the soft sand and the beautiful cresent-shaped beach. The shoreline stretched far into the distance, while lovely homes and trees lined the bluff above the beach.

Golden Hour at Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

As time passed, golden hour began to unfold. The sun’s golden glow was entrancing as the waves rolled onto the shore.

Moments like these are truly precious to me. They fill me with awe as I take them in, thanking God for the wonderful creation He has made and for the blessing of experiencing it firsthand.

I took several photos and videos, experimenting with various angles as the light of the setting sun transformed the landscape. As an emerging photographer, I truly thrive in beautiful moments like these that invite me to slow down, observe, envision, and create stories. Through my lens, I can capture special golden hour moments through both photography and writing. Then, I can actually share these moments with others. It is a creative process that brings me so much joy.

As the sky faded into afterglow, we headed in for the night, picking up a takeout pizza along the way. My evening at Carmel Beach truly was one of the highlights of my trip! It left a lasting impression on me, and I know I will be back very soon.

The next morning, we woke up, grabbed breakfast, then made our way back to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This time we explored the charming town, where art galleries, cozy cottage restaurants, and unique shops lined the streets.

One of the most visited places visited in the town that is a must visit spot is the Cottage of Sweets. This shop looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale (like Hansel and Gretel). From the architecture to the quaint, yet alluring feel of the shop. The store was filled with sweet treats from chocolates, to sour candies, to internatial delights, there was something for everybody.

I decided to try the sour rainbow strips, and they were ridiculoulsy good! The moment I tasted one, I was instantly transported back to my childhood, when I’d spend my collection of quarters on sour strips from the dollar store. It absolutely took me by surprise. It tasted exactly like nostalgia.

During my time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we visited a couple clothing boutiques and wandered through a few of the town’s art galleries.

This experience was so fascinating to me. I’ve always loved visiting art museums and galleries, so being able to explore about four of them during our short time here was amazing.

One of the first galleries I went into was filled with so many unique and colorful paintings. Seeing art from so many artists across the world was deeply inspiring. The intentional colors and textures that were chosen by these creators spoke to the emotion of the pieces, which added remarkable depth into the stories these paintings told.

I also went into a gallery that featured fine art photography. It was absolutely stunning! Many of the pieces captured immersive and powerful ocean photography including massive waves, blue oceans, the spray of the sea, and the elaborate forms of water. It definitely encouraged me as a photographer who loves combining nature with art.

One of our final stops in Carmel was a charming bookstore. We took a quick look inside admiring its cozy and cute and quaint atmosphere, but we mainly stopped to see the secret garden tucked away behind the shop. To get there, we walked through an enchanting alleyway full of green vines and small replicas. And once you walked through, there were cozy corners where visitors could sit, read, and take photos.

Overall, there is so much to see and experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. From the breathtaking views of Carmel Beach to the charming, fairytale like streets of the town.

I only experienced a small glimpse of this wonderful place, but I know I will be back soon to explore more! I definitely encourage you to take a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea and experience its beauty and charm for yourself.

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