Carmel-by-the-Sea Turns 109!

We are thrilled to celebrate Carmel’s 109th birthday—and the fact that it falls on Halloween makes it extra fun! Whether you’re local, thinking of calling Carmel your home or just visiting, here’s a snapshot of our village’s story — and what you won’t want to miss on October 31st.

A Quick History of Carmel

Before European settlement, this area was home to the Rumsen Ohlone people, who lived along the coast for thousands of years. In 1603, Sebastián Vizcaíno and Carmelite friars landed along the bay and named the valley “El Río Carmelo.” In 1770, Spanish explorers led by Gaspar de Portolá and Father Junípero Serra established the nearby Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, marking the start of European influence in the region and anchoring the region’s early mission era.

Fast forward to the early 1900s, the village of artists, writers and dreamers was forming — think tents, fires on the beach, poets and painters staking their claim. Carmel-by-the-Sea was officially founded in 1902 and incorporated as a city on October 31, 1916. From the start, it attracted artists, writers, and intellectuals—especially after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when many creative minds relocated here. Notable residents included Jack London, Robinson Jeffers, Mary Austin, and Sinclair Lewis.

Photo from the National Park Service

The Storybook Cottages: Carmel’s Fairytale Signature

You can’t talk about Carmel without mentioning its storybook cottages — those whimsical, fairy-tale homes that look straight out of a children’s book. Much of this charm comes from Hugh Comstock, a self-taught designer who in 1924, built a tiny home called Hansel for his wife’s handcrafted dolls. It was so enchanting that it inspired a movement. Soon after came Gretel, and before long, Carmel was dotted with these magical, hand-crafted cottages — each one a little different, with crooked chimneys, rolled roofs, and flower-filled gardens. Comstock’s vision helped define the romantic, storybook aesthetic that still sets Carmel apart today. His cottages are now beloved landmarks, protected and admired by locals and visitors alike — and they remind us that Carmel has always valued creativity, individuality, and charm over conformity.

Modern Era

By the late 20th century, Carmel-by-the-Sea had fully embraced its reputation as a haven for artists, dreamers, and free spirits. The town’s commitment to charm over convention—no street lights, no parking meters, and no chain restaurants has helped preserve its timeless feel even as tourism flourished.

Over time, Carmel earned a reputation as both a literary and architectural haven. Carmel has long supported the arts through institutions like the Carmel Bach Festival (founded in 1935) and the Forest Theater (established in 1910).

One of the most famous chapters in modern Carmel history came in 1986, when Clint Eastwood—longtime resident, actor, and filmmaker—ran for mayor on a platform of common sense and friendliness. His landslide victory drew national attention. During his two-year term, he focused on making city government more accessible and eased some of the town’s famously quirky regulations (like restrictions on eating ice cream cones in public). His time in office remains a fondly remembered era of local legend, symbolizing Carmel’s mix of celebrity charm and small-town politics.

In recent decades, Carmel has continued to evolve while holding tightly to its independent spirit. It remains a magnet for artists, writers, and chefs, as well as for travelers seeking a slower pace. The town’s galleries, boutique inns, wine tasting rooms and beautiful beaches keep its artistic roots alive in a modern way.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Carmel grew into an internationally recognized luxury destination, while still managing to feel more like a secret village than a resort town. Its film, music, and food festivals—along with events like the Concours on the Avenue and Carmel Art Walk—celebrate the town’s continuing love of creativity and community.

109th City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade 2025

Let’s talk about the big party happening October 31, 2025!

Parade kicks off at 4:00 PM in downtown Carmel (Ocean Avenue & San Carlos Street). Costumes? Absolutely encouraged—for kids, pets, families, anyone!

After the parade (around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) join the birthday bash in Devendorf Park. Live music by Shannon and the Night Divers, free hot dogs, chips and water. And don’t forget the shops! Many stay open for trick-or-treating, fall fun, and village vibes after the parade. Oh, and bring a coat (coastal evenings cool down fast), dress in layers, and consider parking a little outside the central village and walking in to avoid the parade congestion.

Why We Love Calling Carmel Home

From the cobblestone courtyards to the whisper of the ocean breeze, Carmel is a place that captures hearts. It’s where art meets architecture, community meets coastline, and every street feels like a story waiting to be told. Living here means being part of a legacy — one filled with creativity, connection, and coastal beauty that never fades. Come join the fun on October 31—from the parade to the birthday bash, you’ll get a true taste of what makes this village so special. Here’s to 109 years of magic, creativity, and seaside charm. Let’s keep the story going.