Like any other city close to the coast, the salty air that lingers and the sunsets over the ocean make the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea most well-known for its white sand beaches. Many people, however, often think only of the bonfires on the beaches, overlooking the city itself.

Located a little more than an hour away near Monterey, Carmel, though far, greets visitors with its charm.

From quaint restaurants to galleries that display art in many mediums, a stroll in downtown Carmel provides a glimpse into many of the city’s unique shops.

One such shop is Cottage of Sweets. Located on Ocean Avenue, the shop has been open since 1959. In addition to its great assortment of fudges, it also boasts more than 50 types of licorice from multiple countries and remains a place worth visiting in Carmel.

Art galleries also offer visitors a look into the culture of Carmel, with artists taking inspiration from the city itself.

In addition, many of the restaurants in Carmel are not found anywhere else. While many of them are on the pricier side, the quality of the food is always superb.

Even if you’re not up to having a busy day, the atmosphere of the city provides a nice place to take a stroll; after all, any city by the sea is always relaxing.