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.1In 1602, he anchored in the bay he named Monterey and, upon further exploration, came across a river at the mouth of a beach.2He named this river "El Rio Carmelo" in honor of the three Carmelite friars (a Roman Catholic religious order/group) who were traveling with him.3The 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.5She 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.
Blackberry Farm (maps) is on the west side of Cupertino. There is a golf course and a park for recreation and pool. Today's ride starts from the Cupertino library, taking McClellan Rd west. And you are.
Here the roads are not all connected. A lot of dead ends. It is right next to the Stevens Creek. As seen on the map (above), I did back off and loop around in order to get back to the main road which is Stevens Creek Blvd!
N Foothill Blvd crossing the Highway 280 is not that cyclist friendly. Be aware of the traffic going on and off the highway. Once you reach Homestead Rd, it takes you all the way home.
Total about 15km. Maybe I could try Rancho San Antonio next time. The entry is right around the Highway and N Foothill Blvd!
Here is one to the Rancho! Total 16.34km with 187m total ascent in less than an hour.
