There are plenty of quirky laws out there, especially in small towns around the nation. One unique municipal law is still technically in effect today, just a few hours from San Francisco. Carmel-By-The-Sea is a charming coastal town well known for its fairytale-inspired cottages. It regularly draws tourists due to its proximity to Big Sur and unique downtown. One unique thing about Carmel is an antiquated municipal law, stating that people cannot wear high heels in the town without a permit. The law bans heels higher than 2 inches with a base of less than a square inch. The law requires anyone wishing to show off their heels to obtain a permit.
Unsurprisingly, local police do not enforce the code, so you can wear your heels around town without worry. Permits are still available at City Hall for free if you want to embrace the quirky law. The law is often mistaken as an urban myth and has become more of a fun fact for the town. The law was introduced to the town in 1963, intended to prevent potential lawsuits from people tripping and falling due to their heels. While the law is definitely weird, and never enforced, high heels may be a difficult shoe choice for walking around the town. With many cypress trees creating uneven sidewalks due to their expansive roots, walking in heels can be tricky in the small town.
This isn’t the only fun fact about the town. Hollywood royalty Clint Eastwood served as the city’s mayor for two years, from 1986 to 1988. The actor also owns a stunning ranch and hotel near downtown. Plus, the town has no street addresses outside of the downtown area. Instead, the famous cottages are given charming names (which can make directions a bit tricky). Finally, to maintain the small-town essence, Downtown Carmel has no chain restaurants.
If you want to visit the scenic town for yourself, it’s roughly a two hour drive from SF. Plus, you can explore Big Sur and Monterey while you’re in the area.