Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque village nestled south of Monterey on California Highway 1, is renowned for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and charming boutiques. This quaint community, often simply called Carmel, boasts several distinctive quirks that set it apart. Notably, Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood served as its mayor for two years in the 1980s. A unique city ordinance, established in 1963, even mandates that individuals wearing high heels exceeding two inches obtain a permit, a rule designed to navigate the potentially treacherous yet undeniably charming cobblestone streets. While citations are not issued, these permits are freely available from City Hall. Within the village limits, there are no chain restaurants, yet visitors can find a plethora of dining options and over 40 inns and hotels.

Perhaps the most famous distinguishing feature of Carmel is its complete absence of traditional street addresses, a tradition that dates back to a 1926 ordinance. This same ordinance also prohibited street lights, sidewalks outside commercial districts, parking meters, neon signs, mailboxes, and high-rise buildings, all aimed at preserving the village's intimate, freewheeling spirit. For nearly a century, residents and visitors alike have navigated Carmel-by-the-Sea using descriptive cues such as street corners, house colors, specific foliage, or unique home names like “Neverland” or “Pinch Me.” The only entity with a formal address in Carmel is the U.S. Post Office, where all residents collect their mail centrally. Businesses are located by their names, which can be challenging given the concentration of more than 50 art galleries within a single square mile.

However, this deeply rooted tradition is now facing a significant challenge. In July 2024, the Carmel City Council voted to instate house numbers for the first time in the village's history. This motion was prompted by growing frustration among some residents regarding difficulties with emergency response teams locating properties, as well as chronic issues with timely and accurate delivery of items. California's building and fire codes technically mandate visible addresses, but Carmel had been uniquely grandfathered in over time. Conversely, a strong contingent of residents believes the century-old tradition should be maintained, arguing against changing something that has worked for so long.

The debate surrounding addresses continued into 2025. A council meeting in May 2025 deferred a proposed special advisory election that would have allowed residents to vote on the issue. As more inhabitants voice concerns about safety, including difficulties in obtaining insurance, and the practicalities of receiving postal items in the era of pervasive online shopping, it is widely anticipated that the city council will revisit this topic in the future. For the time being, Carmel remains address-free, encouraging visitors to sharpen their observation skills and keep a local street map close at hand, experiencing its unique charm firsthand.