Carmel-by-the-sea

 

It could be a decade ago since our last visit to Monterey/Carmel. Taking advantage of the Labor Days Holiday, we visited Carmel again. The name "Carmel-by-the-Sea" has a rich history that combines Spanish exploration, religious influence, and a marketing campaign.

Here's a breakdown of the name's origins:

• "Carmel": The name "Carmel" comes from the Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno.¹ In 1602, he anchored in the bay he named Monterey and, upon further exploration, came across a river at the mouth of a beach.² He named this river "El Rio Carmelo" in honor of the three Carmelite friars (a Roman Catholic religious order/group) who were traveling with him.³ The name "Carmel" itself is a reference to Mount Carmel in Israel, a site important to the Carmelite order.⁴

• "by-the-Sea": The addition of "by-the-Sea" was a later development. In the late 19th century, a real estate developer named Abbie Jane Hunter began promoting the area as a resort.⁵ She used the name "Carmel-by-the-Sea" in her advertisements and postcards to highlight the town's beautiful coastal location and distinguish it from the broader "Carmel" area.⁶ This marketing effort proved successful, and the name stuck, officially becoming part of the city's identity.

In essence, "Carmel-by-the-Sea" is a charming village with a history tied to the Carmelite friars, situated right by the Pacific Ocean. If you check the trip advisor, they usually suggest a walk in the downtown streets (Ocean Ave), Carmel beach and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. I skipped the Carmel Mission and the 17-Mile Drive on purpose. We've been there.

Carmel Beach

Off Highway 1, at the end of Ocean Ave is the Carmel Beach, our first stop. Lucy to find a parking space. A short walk on the beach, we noticed a golf course on one side. It is the famous Pebble Beach golf course.

Pebble Beach Golf Course

We decided to walk along the Scenic Rd southward. The trail is different from the Cliff Dr in Santa Cruz. It is not paved and dedicated for pedestrians and their dogs. On the other side of the road, there is no sidewalk. Maybe the residents don't like tourists get too close to their expensive houses.

Saw several bike rentals (below). In the passenage seat, usually is their pet.

Along the Scenic Rd, there are all beautiful houses. This is the front row, facing the ocean. Only the richest can afford. For those a few built on the cliff, they are phenomenal.

This one is like an art, blend perfectly with the trees and cliff (below).

We turned back after passing the Butterfly House (you can see the picture on Google Maps). I believe we have covered 2/3 of the Carmel Bay. Maybe next time we could check out the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve at the south end of the Carmel Bay. After all, it is not that far.