Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of top bucket list travel spots in the world
Discover Carmel-by-the-Sea: Essential Travel Tips
A concise guide offering travel tips for visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea. The video covers scenic walking tours, art galleries, beaches, local cuisine, culture, and ends with an inspiring John Steinbeck quote.
Carmel-By-The-Sea was named among the world’s top 20 small towns to travel to, according to a new list by Yardbarker.
The ranking highlights destinations worldwide that offer adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes—ideal for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
Among the 20 small towns featured, Carmel-By-The-Sea landed at spot No. 6. Only two other U.S. towns — Sitka, Alaska, and Sedona, Arizona — were included on Yardbarker’s bucket list.
The Yardbarker shout-out comes shortly after, HGTV named Carmel-by-the-Sea as California’s most charming small city.
Here’s a roundup of the 20 small towns that deserve a place on every traveler’s bucket list, according to Yardbarker.
Why is Carmel-By-The Sea one of the 20 best small towns in the world?
In Monterey County, Carmel-By-The-Sea was recognized for its charming establishments and great weather, Yardbarker wrote. “It’s by no means off the beaten path, but it’s a place worth the effort to get to.”
The 1-square mile village was highlighted for its fairytale-like cottages, upscale boutiques, art galleries, historic Carmel Mission Basilica, and wineries, according to the home and garden experts.
A haven for foodies, Carmel-by-the-Sea has numerous upscale restaurants featuring fresh, local ingredients sourced from local farms.
Carmel Beach, with its white sandy beaches, is also popular.
The beachside hamlet also has serious Hollywood bonafides: Clint Eastwood is a former mayor, Doris Day was a much beloved long-time resident and jointly owned a historic hotel for 20 years, and Brad Pitt bought a mansion in the nearby highlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean a couple of years ago.
Celebrities including the Obamas, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Gigi Hadid, Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin, and Bradley Cooper have all been caught vacationing in Carmel, according to Forbes.
20 small towns to add to your travel bucket list
- Guatapé, Colombia: Guatapé is a small town in the department of Antioquia in Colombia. It’s known for its vibrant streets, colorful houses, and astonishing lake views. This town bursts with kaleidoscopic views, including its umbrella-lined street and gorgeous surrounding landscape. People traveling to Guatapé might also want to visit the iconic El Peñol monolith, where they can climb to the top and enjoy astonishing views of the lake.
- Sitka, Alaska: This beautiful Alaskan gem was featured in the Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock movie The Proposal. The town is filled with lush forests, rugged coastline, and incredible wildlife spotting.
- Bled, Slovenia: This fairytale-like town sits on Lake Bled and features a castle, stunning Alpine views, and a charming island where people can find a small cafe and take in the views of Bled.
- Sayulita, Mexico: Recognized by Mexico’s tourism department as a Pueblo Mágico, Sayulita offers both beauty and culture. This bohemian surf town has sandy beaches, lively streets, and easy access to Punta Mita.
- Kalk Bay, South Africa: This small town near Cape Town, which has fewer than 800 residents, has lots to offer, including ocean views, art galleries, and fresh seafood.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Giethoorn, Netherlands: Visitors in this peaceful canal village can explore the town by boat and enjoy picturesque Dutch countryside views.
- Göreme, Turkey: This surreal town in Cappadocia looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is famous for its cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and iconic hot-air balloon rides, which have gained popularity in recent years.
- Navala, Fiji: Visiting this remote village with traditional thatched huts and lush landscapes can be like stepping back in time. The town offers a glimpse into Fiji’s rich heritage and has an award-winning resort, which is something not many small towns can say.
- Hallstatt, Austria: Photos of this beautiful lakeside town with Alpine scenery are popular on postcards. The town is known for its historic charm and breathtaking viewpoints.
- Itchan Kala, Uzbekistan: The small town of Itchan Kala was once a stop on the Silk Road, and it’s been preserved in its ancient glory. Visitors can enjoy its ancient architecture, towering walls, and intricate tilework.
- Biei, Japan: This scenic countryside town in Hokkaido is known for its rolling colorful flower fields and picturesque rural landscapes. With a population over 10,000, Biei may not technically be considered a small town, but it still made it to the list as it is regarded as a must-visit countryside destination.
- Sedona, Arizona: Proof that the Southwest has diverse landscapes, too. If you want to see some of it, travel to Sedona. Its red rocks and buildings are captivating, and even those who don’t like the Southwest can appreciate the town’s beauty.
- Kaikōura, New Zealand: Visitors at this coastal paradise can spot whales, dolphins, and enjoy stunning mountain-to-sea views.
- Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: This breathtaking valley town is surrounded by waterfalls, lush meadows, and stunning Alpine peaks. The town is so mesmerizing that it inspired Rivendell, a location in “The Lord of the Rings,” according to Yardbarker.
- Lüderitz, Namibia: This is another great small town to visit if you love animals. There are African penguins, dolphins, and seals to see. This coastal town also boasts unique German colonial architecture, comfortable amenities, and nearby ghost towns to explore.
- Penglipuran, Indonesia: Located in Bali, Penglipuran is home to gardens, bamboo forests, and many other features that make it a standout destination. This traditional village is known for its cultural heritage, bamboo forests, and pristine cleanliness.
- Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia: Looking at photos of Sidi Bou Said, it’s easy to get confused with places in Greece—yet it is miles away. Still, this Mediterranean town has an equally remarkable charm, with blue-and-white architecture, cobbled streets, and stunning sea views.
- Castle Combe, England: This tiny village frozen in time is home to fewer than 400 people, and there’s not much to do. However, having tea and taking in the architecture of the buildings from the 1600s, wandering through honey-colored stone cottages, and immersing oneself in its classic English countryside charm is worth the visit.
- Siwa, Egypt: Siwa is another town preserved from ancient times — the 4th century BCE, to be specific. This remote desert oasis offers a unique traveling experience with ancient ruins, salt lakes, and lush palm groves.
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