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I Finally Explored California's Fairytale Town

Miles Reza

8,585 views

Whether you're planning a trip along California's legendary Highway 1 or simply looking for one of the most beautiful coastal towns in America, Carmel-by-the-Sea deserves a spot on your list.

In this video, I explore everything that makes Carmel-by-the-Sea so special. From its famous fairytale cottages and charming village streets to boutique shopping, local cafés, incredible restaurants, art galleries, and the stunning white sand beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is one of California's most unforgettable destinations.

Join me as I walk through downtown Carmel, discover hidden corners, browse unique local shops, experience the relaxed atmosphere, and visit Carmel Beach.

If you're looking for travel inspiration for the California coast, Monterey County, Big Sur, or the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, this guide will show you why so many people fall in love with Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you enjoy luxury travel, hidden gems, coastal towns, hotels, restaurants, and travel guides, be sure to subscribe for more adventures around California and the world.

📍Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (Monterey County) near Monterey, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Big Sur, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.

👍 Like the video if it helped you plan your trip and subscribe for more luxury travel and destination guides every week!

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20 Comments

@jstokes 2 months ago

I grew up there! The thing about Carmel-by-the Sea is it looks and feels exactly as it did in the 1960's and 70's when I was a kid, and my grandmother and aunt and dad lived there beginning in the late 1940's. Thats rare. There are no corporate brands , so literally every shop is a Mom and Pop business, and I think that gets forgotten when people make sweeping judgements. This is a real old fashioned town where you know every business owner, and employees who have worked in shops for decades! There is nothing "global" here. its a real town with real people, who depend on business for their Livelihood. Remember, as quaint as this town is, it is a real place that has successfully fought against the global economy of standardization, mediocrity, buyouts, leveraging, layoffs, and the rest of that. Its a very special place, and an economy and a way of doing things locally, with ecological concerns, concerns for employees, concerns with beauty and artistry that should be celebrated.

@LynneWright 2 months ago

The 17 mile drive is more than worth it. It is spectacular. I love visiting the mission. Once I attended mass there years ago and one seat up from us was Brooke Shields and her mother.

@lynnstockman 2 months ago

Miles,

You missed half of Carmel-by-the-Sea! You didn't go far enough up Ocean Avenue to the Mall and the big beautiful park at the beginning of Carmel on Ocean & Junipero Ave. You also missed the the main cross street, San Carlos with many more cottages, botique stores, and the Hog's Breath Restaurant.

You should come back to Carmel and properly film the whole little village. It is truly amazing!

@LilyH-b8v 2 months ago

Clint Eastwood served as the nonpartisan mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, from 1986 to 1988. I love this little town. Thank you for this video, well done.

@terencesommer6177 1 month ago

You bring America 🇺🇸 and Britain 🇬🇧 forever closer ❤️😊
Thank you

@amby2show 2 months ago

The 17 mile drive is worth it, if you want to see the cypress tree.

@pandalover3556 2 months ago

I live nearby and I love to walk around Carmel and go to the beach.

@Cherrysmith2809 2 months ago

I love the Carmel/Monterey/Pacific Grove area. When you think of all the ways you waste $12, 17 mile drive is not one of them. A spectacularly beautiful drive. Highly recommend.

@Caroil76 2 months ago

I loved going to the end of Ocean Ave and watching the sun set. So beautiful.

@gregs9966 2 months ago

That "shack looking house" belongs to the family of the late great John Madden and is worth in excess of $20,000,000. That "shack" you saw just fronts the street but the main house (which is spectacular) is located in the back and directly on Carmel beach.

@jannettehunter2930 2 months ago

Haven't been to Carmel in decades....but, happy to see it's still so quaint and charming ;-)

@chereen-n9x 2 months ago

❤ well, thank you for taking a journey through all the stores and the ocean and beaches were absolutely stunning. I just wanna go there someday maybe next year I do look forward to any other videos. She post regarding Carmel because it's such a beautiful place. Excellent video thank you for all the details.👏🛫

@paulapirpignani4802 2 months ago

Bucket list! I think I would feel safe. Thx for sharing!

@charlmaynehawthorne9372 2 months ago

WHAT BEAUTIFUL, PLACE GO TOO. JUST LOVELY, VERY HISTORIAL, QUITE PLACE, I WENT , WHEN WAS 3 YEARS OLD. AND DON'T REMEMBER BEING THERE.❤❤❤

@97lynds21 2 months ago

LIved in there way back when for a couple of years. Great time except for coming home to find someone parked in front of my driveway during busy summer tourist days.

@daniellebordegaray5925 2 months ago (edited)

I live in the Bay area!! I absolutely love Carmel by the sea. It is very "fairy tale" like. It reminds me of those Christmas houses like a village that lite up. That's what it feels like it's absolutely beautiful. I actually have some family members that live by Carmel by the Sea in Monterey . Which is another beautiful town. It's absolutely precious and beautiful it's such a relaxing cozy feeling. If you get a chance go to Monterey and go whale watching it's amazing and you might see some orcas it's about that time of year. Also it is much busier on the weekends and the evenings.

@Jesss_Zen 1 month ago

Next stop Santa Barbara its grown so much over the past 6 years I think you both woild love it cheers

@eriksilva460 2 months ago

I found your visit to that place quite interesting—due to the architecture and its slightly old-fashioned feel, the variety of shops (it's a shame the restaurants weren't open for you to try some local food), and also because it's close to the sea. 😍😍😍