A charming Central Coast city known for its fairy-tale cottages and rich artistic history has been named California's prettiest town.
As the task of selecting the prettiest location in America seemed "a near impossible feat," Architectural Digest took a different approach.
"Instead, we've focused on identifying one standout town in each state. We were especially drawn to those that are both stunning and abundant in culture," the publication said.
For the Golden State, that honor went to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Here's what to know about the quaint town and why Architectural Digest named it the prettiest in California.
'This town hugging the Pacific Ocean is stunning'
"With its sugar-white sand beaches, the painstakingly restored Carmel Mission, and a quaint downtown with fairy-tale-like cottages and cobblestone
alleys, this town hugging the Pacific Ocean is stunning," Architectural Digest said of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The history of Carmel traces back centuries, with Spanish explorers among the first Europeans to document the area's white-sand beaches and pine forests, according to the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Decades later, "Father Junipero Serra founded the second California mission, which still stands on the edge of present-day Carmel-by-the-Sea" on June 3, 1771, according to the chamber
"The mission was secularized in 1833, and the City of Carmel incorporated on October 31, 1916," the chamber said.
Much of Carmel's appeal today stems from its famed fairy-tale cottages.
The renowned cottages were first built in the 1920s by Hugh Comstock, whose imaginative style helped shape the charm and character of Carmel known today, according to the chamber.
"Inspired by classic European storybooks, the cottages feature steeply pitched roofs, hand-crafted details, arched doorways, and charming, irregular windows that feel straight out of a fairy tale," according got the chamber.
Today, more than 20 of those original cottages remain, with most clustered a short walk from downtown, the chamber said.
"The small village of Carmel-by-the-Sea represents a microcosm of everything that has contributed to the California dream — independence, creativity and tireless spirit," the chamber said.
Visitors can relax on Carmel Beach, sample local wines, browse art galleries and boutiques, tour the historic Carmel Mission, and explore the town's famed fairy-tale cottages, according to Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The town's charm has also attracted its share of celebrity visitors, including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid, according to Architectural Digest.
"That said, Clint Eastwood outdid them all long ago when he became mayor of the small city in 1986," Architectural Digest said.
Other celebrities who have called the city home include Brad Pitt and the late Betty White.
"Carmel-by-the-Sea continues to provide locals and visitors with a taste of history, past and present, and a glimpse toward tomorrow," the chamber said.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: This charming Central Coast town was named California's prettiest
