Top 10 Towns to Visit…#7 Carmel
7. Carmel, California
Carmel exists in an almost storybook setting on the Monterey Peninsula. 
It is located directly on the Pacific Coast and boasts the Carmel Beach which is ranked as one of the cleanest and most beautiful in the United States.
In this town of twinkling lights, you will find courtyard galleries, upscale shopping plazas and rich artistic history. This quaint and picturesque village also had some unusual ordinances. One law prohibits wearing high-heel shoes without a permit. Carmel enacted this law to prevent lawsuits from tripping accidents caused by the uneven pavement. Only in California!!
Some of the popular tourist spots in the area are:
Carmel Mission Basilica, the 2nd of the California Spanish Missions built in 1771.
Point Lobos State Reserve with birds and animals, hiking trails and whale watching.
Carmel River State Beach, just west of town with blue waters, white sand and cypress covered cliffs.
And of course, few tourists come to the area without experiencing the famous 17-Mile Drive. 
The 17-Mile Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This awe-inspiring drive runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach. From the stunning Pacific coastline to the dramatic Lone Cypress, you will marvel at the sights. Don’t miss a stop at the Pebble Beach Links. Built in 1919, The Lodge at Pebble Beach is open to the public, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
Carmel is by far, the most popular tourist destination of my top ten choices. It is unusual for me to like a “tourist” mecca, but Carmel By the Sea is so unique that once visited, you cannot forget it.
STRAYER TRAVELS & MORE 
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