Carmel-by-the-Sea, Coastal resort city in Monterey County, California.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a coastal settlement on the Monterey Peninsula, extending over less than three square kilometers and bordered by white sand beaches along the Pacific. The low houses in Mediterranean style nestle among trees and hills, forming a continuous residential area with narrow streets.
Spanish settlers founded a mission on this site in the late 18th century, which became the administrative center of the regional mission system until the 1830s. In the early years of the 20th century, artists and writers moved into the community and shaped its character to this day.
Artists, writers, and galleries shape the daily life of this coastal community, which has been devoted to the arts for more than a century. On weekends and holidays, theater stages and exhibition rooms draw visitors who want to experience the creative life of local residents.
The small town center can be explored on foot and contains many shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants within short distance of each other. The residential neighborhoods and beaches are also within walking distance, so visitors can reach most destinations without a vehicle.
Local regulations prohibit house numbers, street lights, and parking meters to preserve the original appearance of the community. Mail carriers therefore know the residents personally and orient themselves by the different building shapes rather than numbered addresses.
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