Carmel-by-the-Sea, often called simply Carmel, is situated on the Monterey Peninsula, known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history.
The city is known for being dog-friendly, with numerous hotels, restaurants and retail establishments admitting guests with dogs. Carmel is also known for several unusual laws, including a prohibition on wearing high-heel shoes without a permit, enacted to prevent lawsuits arising from tripping accidents caused by irregular pavement.