Traveling around the world, everyone comes across only a few magical places that are hidden gems. And one such place can be found in California, a charming little town only spanning one square mile that’s inclusivity is only distinguished by its vibrant natural surroundings and perfect summertime weather conditions. Carmel by the Sea is tucked away in the Bay Area, just 120 miles away from San Francisco, lined up with mom & pop stores and boutiques, hidden alleyways, fun trails along the beach, fairy tale houses, and more.
Take a stroll down Ocean Avenue and immerse yourself in the perks of Carmel. Among the many clothing boutiques and fine dining restaurants, you will chance upon unique art galleries, charming little European cafes, skilled jewelers in their workshops, acclaimed wine tasting rooms, and world class hotels.
Start your journey at the Carmel Plaza, a three-story shopping mall, which offers a bit of everything in one place. From shopping at high-end clothing stores such as Atkins Fine Clothiers, carrying an expansive collection of Italian brands like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton, Cesare Attolini, Bontoni, Seraphin, ETRO and more, to grabbing a nice cup of coffee and pastries at Cafe Luna, or a variety of charcuterie at the cheese shop for a nice picnic at the beach. Carmel truly offers an experience like no other.
Delving more into the clothing shops, Atkins Fine Clothiers is a prominent place to visit. Formerly located on the 2nd floor near the entrance to the plaza, they have undergone renovations and opened their doors to a new two-floor location. With a layout reminiscent of exclusive New York style boutiques, the shop also features changing rooms and an enclosed bar on each level. A notable offering is their selection of Loro Piana, which includes everything from the ‘Horsey’ jacket, an equestrian style coat made for the 1992 Italian equestrian team during the Olympics, to Icer cashmere jackets made for the Ski team. Moreover, villa d’este car coats, leather purses and cashmere vests from Loro Piana to full-body cashmere Kiton sweaters and coats, among silk summer dresses and blouses. New arrivals come every two months from all the best Italian brands. To learn more, visit their website atkinsfineclothiers.com or follow them on their Instagram @Atkins_Fine_Clothiers.
Further down the street, following along Ocean Avenue, as you begin to get closer and closer to the beach, already beginning to feel a light breeze and calming sound of the ocean call out, you will reach Angelina Carmel–a stunning boutique exclusively featuring women’s wear from renowned brands, such as Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli, among others. This lovely little store greets you with broad windows directly on Ocean Avenue and can be entered right along a small little alleyway and through an inviting Dutch door entrance.
Directly behind Angelina Carmel, you will reach Flaherty’s Sea Food Grill, a longstanding restaurant well known for its incredible seafood offerings. With outdoor seating down at the end of the alleyway, this marks the perfect spot to bring pets along, and enjoy a nice family-friendly meal.
Across the street, you will find the Village Corner, an absolute must-visit, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant’s incredible menu and equally amazing setting is only matched by the owner’s kindhearted and down-to-earth character. Impeccable service and delicious food, you won’t be disappointed visiting this restaurant during any part of the day.
Two blocks down from the Village Corner, off of Ocean Avenue, you will experience a nice walk along La Renaissance Jewelry, the best jewelers in all of Carmel; Mulligan’s Public House, a fun little spot to grab a bite, a drink and a fun time with friends and family; and Cafe dal Mare, a charming Italian Cafe serving you the best of Italian delights, coffee, gelato, cannoli, and scrumptious ricotta cheesecakes.
