Imagine strolling through a quaint, English Tudor-style village nestled against a breathtaking coastline. Although the town and its surroundings exude a small-time feel, you're surprised to find a wealth of resources and amenities in the area: the country's finest retail stores; fine jewelers; galleries (more than 60 at last count) boasting unusual pieces by local artists; a dizzying array of fine dining options and some of the best wines in the country; and a town library so beautiful, you almost mistake it for a private residence. And speaking of private residences, the homes in this village draw as many onlookers as they do serious buyers. From gingerbread cottages with white picket fences to Mediterranean villas, the town houses an eclectic mix of architecture, most of it settled back on quiet seaside streets.

So where is this oasis? Here's a hint: One of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors is its former mayor. Yes, even Clint Eastwood found the draw of Carmel, California, so hard to resist that he put his "Dirty Harry" persona on temporary hiatus to serve as the town's most noted city leader. Head to Carmel for any length of time, and it's easy to see why Eastwood chose this special place on the Pacific. Thousands of tourists pass through Carmel each year, not only for its village-like atmosphere, but also for its ocean views -- and particularly its cypress trees. These twisted, knotty trees, no two of them quite the same, provide a striking foreground to the already magnificent coastline.

Despite the booming tourism business here, residents seem to coexist peacefully with the hustle and bustle. Some of their homes back up to the signs of burgeoning tourism. Those who live right on the beach have grown accustomed to early morning tourists and recent parking lot construction. Nevertheless, Carmel's small-town aura -- its cottages, gas-lit lamps and meticulously maintained streets -- prevails. The town, situated between Big Sur and the Pebble Beach Golf Course, is such a marked change of pace from the norm that it's hard not to catch the spirit of Carmel. While it's a favorite among tourists and prospective buyers, Carmel marches to a slower beat. One look at its coastline, and you'll wonder why you didn't venture here sooner. And if you're in the market for a home, you may find yourself tempted to empty your savings into one of its high-priced houses.

Besides the obvious recreational opportunity in Carmel -- the beach -- two other recreational sports are particularly popular here: hiking, for the more active; and nature study, for the more contemplative. Point Lobos State Park accommodates visitors regardless of their speed of preference. Point Lobos State Park is a reserve named after a group of rocks located offshore at Punta de los Lobos ("point of the sea lions," where the friendly sound of sea lions travels inland). The park also has been dubbed "the crown jewel of the state park system," and with good reason. More than 250 animal and bird species and more than 350 plant species have been spotted here. In addition to hiking and jogging, visitors come here to take nature photography, to enjoy an outdoor picnic in a beautiful setting, to scuba dive, paint, or merely watch the natural world go by. Nature lovers will find rare plant species at the park, in addition to endangered archeological sites, unusual geological formations, and wide variety of flora and fauna, both of the land and sea varieties.

The weather in Carmel, while friendly by anyone's definition, tends to be somewhat foggy from July to September. Summers are dry, and winters often bring rain. For the most part, however, clear and sunny days are the norm in Carmel. Evenings are cool and invite residents and visitors to open their windows for the ocean breeze that awaits them.

Real estate prices and rental rates in Carmel are steep; scenery apparently is an expensive commodity. An online search of home rentals, for example, revealed rates ranging anywhere from $2,500 monthly for a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom seaside home to $7,000 monthly for a 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom home, also situated on the coastline. A comparative "bargain" was a five-bedroom home with 180-degree ocean views, as well as a view of Cypress Point (one of the stops on the famed 17-mile drive in Carmel), for a mere $6,000 per month. Those who can't afford to dream quite that big can find apartment and condominium rentals in Carmel, as well. Or -- if your dream exceeds even the above-mentioned offerings -- don't worry. Carmel will accommodate you. The town boasts many gated estates and ranches with substantial acreage, too. Many of them are located along the 17-mile drive, a privilege which affords owners a large degree of privacy. The 17-mile drive contains a checkpoint at which visitors must pay to enter (obviously, residents have free access). The passing cars hardly disturb those who live along its path, as the vast majority of residents along the route have homes that sit back far from the road, usually with gates and/or privacy walls.

Regardless of whether or not Carmel represents a realistic option for you -- as the site of a future vacation home, full-time residence, or retirement spot -- it's well worth a visit. To get as close to the real thing as possible, you'll want to stay in one of Carmel's many quaint cottages or bed and breakfasts. You'll have plenty from which to choose, and this town on the sea is an experience you won't soon forget.

Published: November 5, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.