Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – If you only had one day to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, what would you do?

Well, one of the objectives here at The Roaming Boomers™ is to do all the homework for you, go experience our choices, and report back to you.

Fifty years after Columbus discovered America, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sighted the white sands and green pines of Carmel. Two centuries later, in 1771, Father Junipero Serra established Mission San Carlos de Borromeo on a knoll overlooking the Carmel Bay—the jewel and the heartbreak of his ministry. In the early 1900s, the village of Carmel began its growth around an eclectic group of young artists, writers and intellectuals.

Today, roughly 4,000 people call Carmel-by-the-sea home and it has become a mecca for artists, writers and musicians since the turn of the last century. Today, more than 100 art studios, galleries and antique stores represent the works of master artists, both local and from around the world.

When we arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea it was a cloudy, somewhat cool October day.  Therefore, the intermittent sprinkles dictated our decisions to a point.  Nonetheless, we had a great time.

Here’s what we did:

Shopping

This was #1 on Mrs. Roaming Boomers list.  Shopping on Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Ocean Avenue is a discriminating shopper’s delight where you will find fashion, jewelry, antiques, gifts, art galleries, and furniture boutiques along tree-lined streets, secret passageways, charming courtyards, and curlicue-roofed shops.   Don’t forget your walking shoes!

Exploring Neighborhoods

A few hours simply driving around and exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea’s neighborhoods is certain to delight.  You will find homes where you will swear that Hansel and Gretel live as well as modern majestic structures overlooking the sea.  In our opinion, you can’t get to know the town without some exploration.  Be prepared for some major ogling and jaw-dropping vistas.

17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach

This is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world.  You will witness stunning rocky ocean views, palatial mansions overlooking the sea, drive through the world famous Pebble Beach golf course, and will likely find California Sea Lions frolicking in the surf.  There is a small charge to enter this scenic drive, but a purchase at one of the many restaurants, boutiques, or perhaps the Pebble Beach golf shop will get you a refund.

These three activities will give you a very, very full day.  However, if these don’t seem to wet your whistle, here’s a great website from Carmel-by-the-Sea with myriads of further options.