Carmel, also referred to as Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town located in Monterey County, California. It is situated on the Monterey Peninsula and is known for its rich history in the arts. Various artists, writers and poets have been residents of the town and in 1910, most of the houses in the area were built by citizens who devoted their lives to the arts.

Carmel is the home of the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club which was founded in 1905 in the effort to foster the arts in the town. The Carmel Arts and Crafts Clubhouse was also built around that time where the poets, Mary Austin and George Sterling performed their works. Numerous recitals and plays were also performed in the clubhouse as well as the plays of the theater program that was initiated.

Carmel is also the home of the first outdoor theater, the Forst Theater with artists leading the endeavor. Plays and pageants were held in the area by several groups include the Western Drama Society and the Theater Society.

Several other theaters as well as missions and beachfronts can also be toured by visiting tourists.