Carmel: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

A Beautiful Drive to Carmel

Carmel, a small city in California, is a must destination for those traveling the West Coast.  The image that is conjured in my mind is the sole tree swept by the winds of the Pacific Ocean. The pine tree is on its own, but, it's not lonely. It's accompanied by the waves, the flavors of the town nearby, and the golfers at Pebble Beach.

 

I can still remember the drive from San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway as if I took it yesterday. I was so in awe of the natural beauty of Monterey Bay. From downtown on Union Square, the drive took about 2 1/2 hours, counting the numerous picture taking stops along the way. 

Memorable moments included discovering a gem of a restaurant which offered you a fresh cup of coffee instead of refilling your coffee cup, and the 1920's English cottage with the beautiful gardens enclosed behind a decorative wooden fence.

For ideas on what to see and do in Carmel, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce has a list of itineraries at http://www.carmelcalifornia.org/things-to-do/Itineraries.aspx.