Referred to also as Carmel-By-The-Sea, this idyllic oceanside village is one of America’s great art colonies where artists, sculptors and photographers display their works in the numerous art galleries. Walkable and picturesque, Carmel has more than 100 art galleries, studios and antique shops. Strolling down Ocean Avenue while you inhale the aromatic Pacific Ocean air is a fantastic experience. When evaluating accommodations in Carmel, consider a vacation rental property, which is a better value than a traditional hotel and a great place to return following a long day of art gallery hopping, shopping or playing golf on one of Carmel’s nearby courses. Carmel has a long list or properties available ranging from elegant beach homes with Pacific Ocean views to quaint cottages surrounded by lush foliage and flowers. Other options include condos, villas and cabins.

Shoppers love Carmel for its diversity of art, antiques and specialty gifts in its many locally owned, one-of-a-kind shops. The four main shopping areas are: Ocean Avenue in the center of Carmel; The Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue; Crossroads Shopping Center and The Barnyard Shopping Village. Beyond the charm of downtown Carmel, the area has a variety of outdoor activities possible, including hiking and bicycling along coastal bluffs, fishing, kayaking and surfing.Golf, anyone? Carmel is situated near several exceptional golf courses such as the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, Quail Lodge Golf Club, Tehama Golf Club and Rancho Canada Golf Club

Large relaxation areas, balconies with spectacular views and fully equipped kitchens are just a few of the reasons many discerning families prefer a vacation rental over a hotel. What’s your vacation rental preference? A golf villa on a spectacular golf course? A cozy bungalow in a tranquil forest setting? A sprawling, multi-bedroom home with phenomenal ocean views? These settings and many others are available in Carmel, which has a diverse inventory of vacation rentals. An attractive, money saving aspect, too, is the kitchen in a vacation rental, where you can prepare delicious meals for your family at a fraction of the cost in expensive restaurants. Deals on Carmel vacation rentals