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Carmel Car Week: Fast Cars and Coastal Charm

From vintage Ferraris to oceanfront homes, see how Car Week revs up life in Carmel for locals and tourists alike
Ryan Sherman  |  August 13, 2025

Every August, Carmel-by-the-Sea trades in its usual quiet coastal vibe for the rev of engines, the sparkle of chrome, and a parade of some of the rarest cars on the planet. Car Week—and its glamorous headliner, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—turn our charming seaside village into the epicenter of automotive luxury.

It’s an event that attracts celebrities, collectors, and car lovers from around the globe, and as someone who lives and works in luxury real estate in Carmel, I can tell you—it’s a week like no other.

Why Car Week Feels So Special in Carmel

Picture this: strolling down Ocean Avenue with an espresso in hand, admiring a row of vintage Ferraris parked in front of art galleries, while the Pacific glistens just a few blocks away.

Car Week transforms Carmel into an open-air showroom. You’ll find everything from one-of-a-kind concept cars to perfectly preserved classics—many worth more than the ocean-view homes in Carmel that surround them.

And then there’s the crown jewel: the Concours d’Elegance on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach. It’s part car show, part art exhibition, part fashion event. Even if you’re not a “car person,” it’s hard not to get swept up in the glamour.

The Good Stuff: Car Week’s Impact on Our Community

A Boost for Local Businesses
From boutique shops to fine dining, Car Week brings a wave of visitors who spend generously. For many businesses, this week can make a huge difference in their year.

Showcasing Our Lifestyle
The world’s eyes turn to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula during Car Week. People see our cobblestone streets, our world-class dining, and our breathtaking coastline—and for some, that sparks the idea of buying a second home here. Events like this put Carmel luxury homes on the global map.

Community Energy
Beyond the cars, there’s art, wine tastings, charity galas, and exclusive pop-up events. It’s a week where locals and visitors mingle, and the town feels alive in a whole new way.

The Challenges (Because It’s Not All Champagne and Chrome)

Traffic Gets… Interesting
Our quaint streets weren’t designed for thousands of extra visitors and their supercars. Parking becomes competitive, and getting across town takes a little extra patience.

Noise & Crowds
Between engine revs and pedestrian traffic, it’s not the week for a quiet Carmel escape. Locals know this is the time to either dive into the festivities—or retreat to a cozy backyard with a glass of wine.

Premium Pricing
Hotel rates, restaurant reservations, and even vacation rentals can skyrocket. While that’s great for the economy, it can make things trickier for residents.

Living in Carmel During Car Week

One of the best things about owning a home in Carmel is that you’re right in the middle of it all—if you want to be. Step outside and you’re part of the energy. Or, simply enjoy the view from your deck as the rumble of vintage Aston Martins echoes in the distance.

For many of my clients shopping for Carmel homes for sale, Car Week is actually when they fall in love with the lifestyle here. It’s a taste of how vibrant and connected our small community can be.

Final Thoughts

Car Week is a love-it-or-leave-it kind of week. For me, I love it. It’s an annual reminder of how special our town is—how we can welcome the world while still keeping our small-town charm.

If living in Carmel (with front-row access to world-class events and year-round coastal beauty) sounds like your dream, I’d be happy to show you what’s on the market. Because while the cars may only be here for a week, the lifestyle? That’s forever.

Thinking about making Carmel your home?

I’m a local Carmel-by-the-Sea Realtor with Compass, specializing in luxury properties on the Monterey Peninsula. Let’s talk about finding a home that’s as timeless and beautiful as the classics that roll through town every August.

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