This Travel Pro Swears By This Charming Coastal California Town For a Perfect Fall Getaway

"As someone who has spent decades in luxury travel-curating dream journeys to the far corners of the world-I can say with absolute certainty that my favorite destination is right where I live: Carmel, California, especially in the fall,"

"Tucked between the rugged Big Sur coast and the gentle hills of the Carmel Valley, it's where the country truly meets the sea, and where I've had the joy of raising my family. I cannot recommend it enough for travelers seeking a beautiful autumn vacation."

"There's a real calm to the season, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the area's natural beauty, exploring the scenic beaches, dramatic ocean cliffs, hiking trails, and redwood forests,"

"Even after decades spent traveling the globe with Classic Vacations, this is still my favorite place to be in the fall. It's authentic, scenic, and grounded in community-just how travel should feel."

Monday, Sept. 22 marked the autumnal equinox, the first official day of fall. Many travelers plan leaf-peeping trips to mountain regions such as Vermont, the Adirondacks, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California stands out as an attractive fall destination located between the rugged Big Sur coast and the gentle Carmel Valley hills. Fall brings thinner crowds, sunny warm days, and a few crisp evenings. The area offers scenic beaches, dramatic ocean cliffs, hiking trails, redwood forests, a local farmer's market, and award-winning restaurants, creating an authentic, scenic, community-centered autumn experience.

Read at Travel + Leisure