Carmel-By-The-Sea is a beautiful oceanside town along California's Highway 1, complete with dramatic views, white beaches, friendly locals and great food. A mostly upper-class destination for adults, the town itself is small - you can walk across it in five minutes - but filled to the brim with art galleries, cafes, restaurants and inns. Every evening, visitors gather on the pristine beach to watch colorful sunsets. Temperatures in September are perfect - 70 to 80 degrees during the day and 50's at night. Bring sweaters and dress in layers for all-day activities.

Carmel Valley is the valley formed by the Carmel River, flowing some 20 miles from the Santa Lucia mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The town of Carmel Valley is located 12 miles inland from Highway 1, on Carmel Valley Road. Quite often, when Carmel-By-The-Sea is fogged in, Carmel Valley is sunny and warm.

Attractions

 • Carmel Mission - One of the 21 missions established by Father Junipero Sera along the coast of California. Established in 1771, The Carmel mission is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the missions.
 • 17 Mile Drive - a famous scenic drive through one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Northern California. Unless you are a resident you have to pay a fee to get your vehicle through the gate.
 • Point Lobos - A California State Park located just south of Carmel on Highway 1, the park is a rocky outcrop into the pacific that has some great kelp forests, nice trails and small coves excellent for swimming (if you can survive the temperature of the pacific ocean)
 • Gravity Garden, Intersection of Highway 1 and Fern Canyon Road, Carmel Highlands; no phone number. Open daily. Artist Jim Needham has created a sculpture garden of rocks that have been stacked without the use of any adhesives, bolts or supporting structures. Some of the sculptures are as tall as nine feet. Free.

Get out

 • Drive north to Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf for clam chowder and an ocean tour.
 • Go further north on Highway 1 to Santa Cruz for the boardwalk.
 • Travel south along Highway 1 for breathtaking views of the coastline - you'll feel as thought you are at the end of the world.
 • Point Lobos State Reserve and the State Parks comprising  Big Sur makes for an amazing afternoon drive and hiking session.