Put simply, Carmel is paradise. The distant sound of the crashing surf, a foggy night with the smell of a pine fire rising from the chimney and twinkling lights transform Carmel into a village with European flair, known for its high standards in architecture, culture and cuisine. Bordered by Pebble Beach on one side and the ocean on the other, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts the sophisticated traveler. Throughout the year, the area hosts some of the world’s premier events: The Concours d’Elegance, The 2010 U.S. Open golf tournament, The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. Each of these events brings in between 80,000 to 130,000 people.

In 2009, the Carmel Art & Film Festival was added to that esteemed list. The combination of Carmel’s artistic heritage, the natural beauty of the area and the close proximity to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose metropolitan areas make it the perfect location for a premiere art and film festival.