On October 31, 1916 Carmel-by-the-Sea became the newest city on the California coast. The citizens of the town were originally artists, writers and poets. Notable writers from the time were Mary Austin, Sinclair Lewis, George Sterling and Upton Sinclair Legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson got his inspiration for Treasure Island at the beach near Point LobosThe town seeks to stay “authentic” and environmentally friendly. New buildings must be built around trees and new trees are required on lots with too few. In 1917 it became a misdemeanor to cut down, remove or injure any tree, shrub or brush. Carmel is known for its many wacky laws over the years, such as: Woman may not wear high heels in the city without a permit No street addresses anywhere in town Men can’t go out with a non-matching jacket and pants Most famously, ice cream was not allowed to be sold or eaten The ice cream law was abolished by Clint Eastwood when he became mayor in 1986. Eastwood still has a home in the city and owns the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant Carmel is famous for celebrities who live here and visit. You never know who you might see on the street. Doris Day lived in Carmel and co-owned the pet-friendly Cypress Inn The Central Coast has also been the backdrop to dozens of movies and TV shows, including... Play Misty for Me, Vertigo, Big Little Lies