You Can Live Off The Grid In This Northern California Town Considered The Best In The Country
By Lysa Allman-Baldwin|Published August 31, 2022
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Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Author
For over 25 years Lysa Allman-Baldwin has fed her wanderlust for “everything the world has to offer” by passionately writing travel and feature articles for numerous global print and online publications. A Digital Nomad, Lysa is also a professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and author.
When you think of “off-the-grid” living, images of rustic log cabins, outdoor fire pits, stand-alone solar panels, and well-water way out in the boonies may come to mind. And those things can certainly be part of your experience. But today’s lexicon for “off-the-grid” living tends to be more of where to go to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life – and all of the technology that comes with it. Following is one California town where you can enjoy a little—or a lot—of separation time that in the end will help you reconnect to life, and hopefully in a much calmer and more meaningful way.
A spectacular Northern California gem, Carmel-by-the-Sea is situated along the spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline.
According to Livability's Best Cities to Go Off the Grid, Carmel-by-the-Sea is "a great walking town with a big personality, plenty to do and lots to see, yet just small enough to keep things chill."
Carmel (the shortened version by which it is most often called) is best known for its stunning beaches.
The pink, powder-fine sand here is not only beautiful but oh-so-inviting. If you’re looking to unplug, detox, and cast your worries into another dimension—whether for a day, weekend, weeks, or longer—spending time on the beach will definitely get you in the mood. Moreover, part of the charm that has attracted people here for decades is Carmel’s boutique size. Encompassing only one incorporated square mile, it is home to only 3,789 full-time residents.
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Although Carmel is a boutique town, it is chock full of historic structures dating back to the early-1700s.
Pictured here is the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. A National Historic Landmark Basilica Church, school, and museum, it is one of 21 missions built throughout California by Spanish Franciscan monks who settled in the Golden State. Other historic structures in town include the Harrison Memorial Library, Cottage of Sweets, City Hall, and the Seven Arts Building & Court, just to name a few. Leave your cell phone at home or in your hotel and lose yourself in the history and uniqueness as you meander through any of these significant places.
The Pine Inn Hotel is just one of the remarkable accommodation options here that simply and easily evoke a feeling of disconnection from the world and reconnection with your inner self.
Whether you prefer a boutique hotel, charming bed and breakfast inn, luxury hotel or resort, or yes—that perfect bohemian, off-the-grid spot, you will find it here.
Livability also notes what they call a dizzying array of restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and curated art galleries.
The gastronomic landscape in Carmel is truly amazing. Whatever your taste or desire, you’ll not only find it but can immerse yourself mind, body, and soul. Choose from amazing French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, seafood, steaks, and other cuisines...you simply can’t go wrong.
Another great way to detach and enter another realm is by perusing the over 100 art galleries gracing Carmel’s picturesque streets.
Talented artisans have long chosen Carmel as a place to create, share, and sell their multifarious works. Artistic expression is deeply ingrained in the cultural landscape here, drawing visitors from all over the state and country to enjoy and take part in art-themed events throughout the year.
This is just the beginning of what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of the best places in the country for off-the-grid living.
Have you been to Carmel-by-the-Sea? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about what to see, do, and experience there on the official city Facebook page.
One of the numerous fantastic places to eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the Treehouse Café.
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