ABC’s of the Monterey Peninsula ~ “B” is for Beach
Carmel ~ Pebble Beach ~Pacific Grove ~ Monterey
Susan walking down Carmel Beach
A beach has always been a draw for most everyone and I’m no different. I’ve always loved the beach – the sound of the waves, the squawk of the sea gulls, the salt air, the feel of sand between my toes
Carmel Beach
. . . and yes, in my youth even enjoyed slathering on suntan lotion and baking in the sun – not recommended. Of course, our beaches in northern California are quite different that the ones I spent time at in my earlier years – Cape Cod, the Gulf Coast of Florida, and Hawaii.
Carmel Beach
Even though it is not “hot” here in the summer time residents and visitors alike throng to Monterey Peninsula beaches. The white sands of Carmel Beach with a backdrop of the Pebble Beach Golf Links attract hundreds of people any time of year.
Carmel Beach – kite flying is a fun activity at the beach!
When prospective buyers are thinking of purchasing a home here, a question I hear over and over again is, “How far is it from the beach?”
Roof top view of Carmel Beach ~ from this house it was just a block away!
For dog lovers it is heaven since this beach is famous for allowing dog owners to allow their pets freedom from the leash. It’s a great place for picnics or a beach party and beach fires at this time are still allowed in certain areas and certain days – though many people would like to change that.
Carmel River State Beach, Carmel CA
The other beach in Carmel is Carmel River State Beach and is also a beautiful long “walking” beach where you can enjoy fabulous views.
Carrmel River State Beach
Pacific Grove, also, has a wonderful beach on Lover’s Point that many flock to on a sunny day.
Lover’s Point Beach in Pacific Grove
When we have our warm spells, it tends to look like Coney Island with people sitting on their beach blankets packed together like sardines. The Recreation Trail between Lover’s Point and the Hopkins Marine Station is a favorite walk or bike ride for those who want to enjoy the rocky, rugged coastline – like me! I walk it almost every day.
Stanford Hopkins Marine
Every spring the harbor seals have their baby pups who hang out at either the Stanford University Hopkins Marine Station beach or the 5th Street beach where the babies can be safe in the protected cove.
5th Street Beach. A protected cove where baby harbor seals are born every spring.
Of course, the Pacific Grove coast in spring is special not only for the Harbor seal pups being born, but for the “Pink Carpet” that bursts into bloom in April and May!
“Pink Carpet’ blooming in spring along the Pacific Grove coast.
Pebble Beach has many wonderful beaches like Asilomar Beach (a lovely place to watch a sunset) on the boundary line of Pacific Grove
Asilomar State Beach
and Spanish Bay Beach complete with picnic tables.
Spanish Bay beach in Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach, also, has a phenomenal coastline.
Monterey boasts Del Monte Beach, the long walking beach that goes for miles. Whether you are walking, enjoying a sunset . . .
Sunset from Del Monte Beach
or hang gliding, this beach is a gem and not known by all visitors. I didn’t discover it until I moved here even though I had visited the Monterey Peninsula most of my life.
Hang glider about to take off from Del Monte Beach
Ok, ready to go to the beach? Pick one and have fun! Surf’s up!
I know many of us as young girls dreamed of meeting a knight in shining armor (or maybe even being a damsel in distress) and being whisked away to his castle on horseback – do you think our doggie friends have similar dreams? During “Car Week” which is just beginning Alain Pinel Realtors decided to do something different. Local architects, designers, and builders were invited to imagine and create “Canine Cottages” in different architectural designs pairing our love of both homes and our pets.
“The Tudor” designed by Helen Okada and built by Jim Yates Construction
These “doghouse masterpieces” are being auctioned off at Alain Pinel Realtors through Tuesday August 16th via a Silent Auction manned by SPCA volunteers. All monies collected go to the SPCA to help fund their efforts in caring for animals and currently they are very busy attending to animals misplaced by the Big Sur fire keeping them fed and safe and providing homes.
SPCA event chair (on right) and a volunteer
Today’s young women aren’t into fairytales so much so perhaps a more modern theme would work for today’s modern pooch!
Contemporary designed by Sterling -Huddelson & constructed by Carrol & Strong Builders, Inc.
You can bid on these Canine Cottages from 10am-4:00pm from Saturday August 13th – Tuesday August 16th. Then on Tuesday from 4:00pm-7:00pm there will be a grand reception at Alain Pinel Realtors where the Best of Show will be awarded and the results of the Silent Auction will be announced. Don’t miss this event of the Season! Entry fee is $50 ~ all proceeds benefit the SPCA.
Green/Smart home designed by Jeselnick architect & construction by Hare Construction
Then for the thoroughly modern and politically correct pooch we have the Green/Smart home complete with a natural roof and fountain.
Jeselnick Architect & Hare Construction
Colonial by Bakker Construction – modeled from a historic home in Pacific Grove
Our Monterey Peninsula is filled with history and historic homes and this next doggie abode has a history of its own. It is a colonial design and patterned off a real historic home in Pacific Grove on Central Avenue that was remodeled by Bakker Construction.
Doggie treats and playthings in the lid.Note the side door entrance for our doggie.
Ok, I guess you are all wondering which is my favorite? What can I say, I’m a “fairytale/castle girl”!
Susan Clark, Alain Pinel Realtors admiring the Castle.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to help the SPCA and have fun at our grand reception! Tickets available at our offices or online.
The following article tells about the First Annual Canine Cottages Fundraiser last year. We want to raise even more for the SPCA this year so please buy a ticket at www.CarmelCanineCottages.Com
It’s happening this weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the first annual Alain Pinel RealtorsCarmel Canine Cottages Competition! This event will benefit the SPCA with a silent auction of uniquely designed canine cottages. Local architects and designers and builders have teamed up and created some amazing “canine cottages” or as some people call them – doghouses. But these are no ordinary doghouses! We have one that is a “colonial” built by Bakker Construction, a “contemporary” designed by Sterling-Huddelston and built by Carrol & Strong Builders, and if that isn’t enough a “castle” — Yes, I said a castle, by Jeff Crockett Building & Design and J. Stepanek Construction. And, of course, the really discerning pooch will demand a “Green/Smart Home” so we have one of those too thanks to Jeselnick Architect and Hare Construction! And last but not least, being in Carmel we had to throw in a “Tudor”so Helen Okada and Jim Yates Construction created a “Tudor” for the event.
Many thanks to all our architects, designers and builders!
To bring one of these fabulous Canine Cottages home for your beloved pet, join us in a silent auction or just come and see these amazing structures at Alain Pinel Realtors on Junipero between 5th & 6th (across from Bruno’s) August 13th – 16th. All funds collected from the silent auction will go to the SPCA and there is no charge to view. As many of you know, the SPCA in addition to their usual good work is very busy saving all kinds of animals that have been displaced by the Soberanes fire. They need our support now more than ever!
Every event needs a fantastic finale so be sure to come to the reception on Tuesday, August 16th from 4:00-7:00pm after viewing the cars at Concours On the Avenue in Carmel. Entry tickets to the event can be purchased for $50 at Alain Pinel Realtors or online. All funds collected will go to the SPCA. On Tuesday the SPCA will have some wonderful doggies in front of Alain Pinel Realtors that are looking for a loving home so if you’re looking for a furry friend, we can help!
