Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (a.k.a. Carmel)

The commercial district of Carmel-by-the-Sea is more like a large outdoor expensive shopping mall than a real town.  If you visit, anticipate traffic congestion and crowds, as the town layout is rather compact. This small town is located at the southern end of Monterey Peninsula, just west of Highway 1. If you are traveling on a modest allowance, the prices here will likely bust your budget. Carmel has had several mayors who were poets or actors including Clint Eastwood. This small town may be one of the most pet-friendly travel destination in the USA, with numerous restaurants and hotels welcoming ‘mans-best-friends’.