Central Coast of California: Focus on Carmel

The traveler need not look far to discover a destination for a nature-lover's getaway. The central coast of California offers some of the most amazing natural beauty in the world. Whether you would like to admire nature at her finest or get out there and participate in outdoor activities, Carmel and Carmel Valley have it all.

California's central coast is strategically located two hours south of San Francisco by car, and five hours north of Los Angeles. Carmel is at the center of this pristine, beautiful area.

Carmel is a quiet hamlet of cozy cottages, quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. The actual town of Carmel is only one square mile, easily seen and enjoyed on foot. The main Carmel Beach is a stunning, half-mile long stretch of beautiful white sand and rocky points, framed by a pine-studded green belt. One can walk along the sandy beach or along the path above.

Note: Carmel is a "Dog Friendly" town, as is the beach. Carmel beach is one of only a handful of beaches where your pooch can run, unleashed, swim at his own risk, and chase whatever you throw for him to fetch! Dogs must be "under voice command," and owners are asked to pick up after their own dogs. There are even bowls of fresh water for your pet; they are placed next to several of the stairways that lead down to the beach.

Carmel, once an artist colony, has worked hard to keep its original flavor in tact; the commercialism of other towns isn't found here. In fact, there are no junk-food restaurants in Carmel! It is refreshing to walk through the town and not see any of the garish signs that mar the coastline farther south.

Here are some of the outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the Carmel and Carmel Valley area;

Surfing and boogie-boarding: The gentle slope of Carmel's main beach makes it an attractive venue to try surfing or boogie-boarding. Boards and wetsuits can be rented in town.

If you are an advanced surfer, the area of Carmel Point can offer some seriously gnarly waves, dude. The surf community of Carmel is an enthusiastic group who are almost always present on the beach. They will be most happy to assist you in finding an area that will suit your surfing ability.

Scuba Diving: If you are an advanced diver, Monastery Beach, just south of the town of Carmel, attracts divers from all over the world. If you are a less advanced diver, a short drive to Monterey or to Point Lobos, will

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