Carmel Beach, CA

Two hours south of San Francisco is the little, not so well hidden town of Carmel. This cute artist community, packed with second and third homes of the upper-elite, boasts great dining, galleries, and a phenomenal white sand beach planted by god (and an annual installment of fine white sand delivered by dump trucks) for the purpose of unadulterated (or adulterated) romance.

What one might find surprising about this town is it that the expansive beach offers one of the best beach breaks in Northern California. Just off-shore is a thick kelp forest which effectively grooms incoming swell and as the waves meet the sandy shallows a shallow, hollow wave is formed. The aqua marine water is of some of the clearest I've found in NorCal and the proximity to Big Sur and Santa Cruz keep the area from getting too much attention from surfers traversing the coast.

This past weekend I scored two late evening sessions, dishing up a substantial helping of both lefts and rights. While I didn't get completely barreled- I did have a hell of a time on the fast, playful waves. The video below shows Carmel Beach on a slightly bigger day than when I was there, but the wave quality is quite similar.

If the surf is no good here take a scenic drive north or south to one of the more exposed beaches in Monterey or Pfeiffer State Park in Big Sur.

For post-session relaxing and romancing-- enjoy some grog at one of the many beach bonfires blazing on the beach, or take a walk into the heart of the town to one of the many busy restaurants, such as Clint Eastwood's own Hog's Breath Inn.

Any other favorite spots out there that offer such quality culture and romantic atmosphere?