Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most charming seaside villages in California. OK so maybe it is a little touristy, but not in the tacky, shleppy way so many destinations are today. It feels real, it is lovely to look at and be in. It is just the right size for stashing your car somewhere and walking anywhere you may want to go.

It is filled with stores, small shops, art galleries, tea rooms, restaurants of all persuasions, hotels fancy and modest. In short, all those places that make ambling and browsing such a pleasure and then a large choice of places to rest the feet and stuff the stomach.

It has a white sandy beach with a vicious undertow, rocks for the sea to smash itself against, overgrown, tree shaded residential streets and its own valley.

Carmel Valley is one of the few in California to run East-West. Small and intimate, with a well stocked mall at it's mouth, the rest of the valley offers three world class golf courses, many fine vineyards, wineries and tasting room, old California countryside and the small village of "Carmel Valley" is pleasant and real and also is home to at least one excellent restaurant.

This is a great destination for the whole family whether members want to swim, hike, bike, golf, walk, wine taste, sleep, shop, eat, browse art....whatever takes your fancy.

September is the highest season. Summers are cool, fall and winter often quite mild.