Carmel’s visitor bureau counts more than 40 courtyards and outdoor covered walkways, and says they date back nearly a century to the days of Hugh Comstock’s fairy-tale houses and shops.
One of the oldest is the Court of the Golden Bough, described as a bit of Old Europe and Carmel’s first shopping center. Edward Kuster built the Theatre of the Golden Bough in 1923 and moved a curlicue-roofed building in to serve as its ticket booth. Others include the Pine Inn terrace, Su Vecino, Doud Arcade (completed 1961), Hampton Court and the Court of the Fountains.
The best way to see them is to wander off Ocean Avenue and look for gaps between buildings. They are public passages, but many lead to tiny shops and tables, so move quietly.