California Highway 1 Road Trip (Part 3) — Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a captivating fairytale town along Highway 1, renowned for its storybook architecture, rich artistic heritage, pristine white-sand beaches, and enchanting ambiance.🌊🌊 📍In the early 20th century, Carmel attracted writers, poets, painters, and actors who settled here to create. Many of its whimsical buildings were designed and built by these artists, infused with romanticism and personal flair.✅ 📍The town’s center is lined with over 100 art galleries, showcasing everything from traditional paintings and sculptures to modern art, photography, and glasswork. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon around 3 PM—parking was tight but manageable after some circling.✅ 📍To celebrate our son’s birthday, we booked Porta Bella (an Italian restaurant recommended on Xiaohongshu). It did not disappoint!✅ Charming atmosphere with live guitar music🌊 📍Delicious food (three of us spent $200+) Cozy outdoor seating with gas heaters (perfect for chilly evenings)✅ 🔸 Tip: Reserve ahead! A short walk west leads to Carmel Beach—ideal for🌊, ocean breezes, and breathtaking sunsets 🌄. #Highway1 #CarmelByTheSea #CaliforniaTravel #ArtisticEscape #RoadTripGoals