Cool Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 'Hot' Summer Destination

Sure, the village – celebrating its Centennial year – is still as popular as ever, but through Labor Day weekend innkeepers are doing their part to help visitors find accommodations even if their inn is full.

“Speaking on behalf of all the innkeepers in town, it's hard to explain just how appreciative visitors are for this hosting service,” said Carrie Theis, president of the Carmel Innkeepers Association. “You can just see the relief come over their faces comforted that they won't have to keep driving around town looking for vacancy signs. All the inns in Carmel work together so we know what the availability is in town so we can point our visitors quickly to another inn that has a vacancy.”

Through Labor Day weekend, Carmel-by-the Sea is an especially popular retreat for visitors looking to beat the summer heat. With average daytime temperatures in the low 70s, combined with comfortable evening ocean breezes, the California Central Coast town is the ideal escape to cool down. Add in a visit to the famous white-sand beach, world-class restaurants (many featuring outdoor dining), abundant recreational options, and attractive midweek lodging rates, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is a “hot” summer destination.



“Plus, our Outdoor Forest Theater has re-opened since closing in 2013 for renovations, so our performing arts scene is bustling as ever, Theis noted. “As outdoor performance venues go, it's hard to top the Forest Theater.”

Founded in 1910 by Herbert Heron, Mary Austin and the early Carmel Bohemians, the Outdoor Forest Theater has returned with a musical, “The Borrowers,” through July 17. Included in the summer lineup also is “The Wizard of Oz,” which begins a five-week run in August.

Visitors seeking midweek rate discounts should visit www.CarmelCalifornia.com and click on “Exclusive Offers.” The site also has extensive listings of things-to-do, including suggested itineraries, ideal for first-time visitors or those who have limited time. Those looking for family friendly accommodations, including those with kitchens, should visit www.StayInCarmel.org and click on “Inn Amenities.”

Beyond many of the new offerings in town, this is a particularly special year to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea with the town's ongoing celebration of its Centennial. And it's never been easier to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just a 10-minute drive away and served by direct flights to and from San Francisco (SFO, United Express), Los Angeles (LAX, American Eagle/United Express), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air), Phoenix (PHX, U.S. Airways), and San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines). Alaska Airlines recently began daily non-stop service to and from Los Angeles (LAX). San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 75 miles north.

For more information, visit CarmelCalifornia.com.