This Charming Seaside Town In California Is So Unique & Houses Have Names Instead Of Addresses

This hidden gem is a breath of fresh air.

A woman standing by the seaside in Carmel-by-the-Sea,CA. Right: A cottage located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

A woman standing by the seaside in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Right: A cottage located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

Georgia Contributing Writer

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside town located on California's Monterey Peninsula that is unlike any other small town in the state.

The picturesque beach town is so unique that houses and cottages have names instead of traditional addresses to keep the vibes across town quirky.

Just two hours south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax on the breathtaking waterfront.

There are plenty of artsy shops, quaint restaurants and coffee shops, and cozy inns, hotels, and cottages where you can spend your days exploring and unwinding. Local art galleries and wine tastings can also pique your interest.


@alder.and.ash

They seriously dont have street addresses here #smalltown #villagelife #cottage #californiahiddengems #bigsurca #sanfranciscotravel #cottageaesthetic

If you prefer to spend the majority of your time outdoors, courtyards, parks, and the pristine shoreline are ideal for experiencing the natural beauty that the state of California has to offer.

Here you can go for leisurely walks or more intense hikes across the landscape to get a breath of fresh air.

This small town is rich in history as well. You can pass your days exploring historical villas and villages overlooking the bay that will make you think you've escaped to a destination in the European countryside.

This place is also full of art and culture that merges in tandem with the gorgeous landscape, making it the perfect destination for your next unforgettable getaway.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Price: Free to visit

Where: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Why You Need To Go: This picture-perfect beach town is full of eccentric cottages, shops, and restaurants and is nestled in an oasis of California's natural beauty.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Contributing Writer Maeve Browne (she/her) is a journalist living in her hometown Savannah, Georgia. Maeve is an award-winning reporter and expert on all things "Lowcountry." She has a knack for internet culture, food, wine and travel writing, as well as breaking news in Georgia's major cities. She has been freelancing for digital publications for seven years and was Narcity USA's first full-time Staff Writer.

11 cozy places in Canada that'll transport you to a European fairytale during fall

Skip the transatlantic flight and discover Europe's magic right here at home. 🍂

Jennifer Pan pleads guilty to manslaughter in a major update to the 16-year-old case

The shocking killing was the subject of a recent Netflix documentary.

The happiest countries for 2026 were revealed and the US beat Canada for the first time ever

It's Canada's lowest ranking since the report was launched in 2012.

This Canadian airport was named the best in North America and one of the best in the world

Another airport in Canada won an award for having the best staff! ✈️

Canada Pension Plan payments for March go out soon and the average amount is over $800

Look for a direct deposit in your bank account or a cheque in your mailbox.

24 Costco snacks that are worth buying even if you live alone

You might want to add these to your grocery list!

Canada's population dropped in 2025 for the first time in recorded history — Here's why

Statistics Canada says the drop is primarily due to a massive immigration slowdown.