Best Walking Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Discover the beauty of Monterey & Carmel on foot with our curated walking tours. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to uncover hidden gems, exploring Monterey & Carmel by walking lets you experience its culture, history, and landmarks up close.

Top Walking Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (376 reviews)

From $ 149.00

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Discover the charming coastal town of Carmel and savor a series of tantalizing food tastings (which may include wine or a cocktail) on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Your passionate guide will share stories about the history, culture and architecture of Carmel as you stop at restaurants, stylish watering holes and food shops to meet business owners (when available) and sample different food items. You may visit places like a classic European Restaurant, a local tavern serving mixed fermentation brews and modern takes on classic dishes, purveyors of the freshest tortillas on the Monterey Peninsula, and a local producer of confections made from century-old recipes. In general, the tastings add up to an average lunch. Ideal for both tourists and Carmel residents, this tour is a leisurely and tasty way to learn more about this quaint town. This small group tour is generally limited to 16 people, ensuring more personal attention from your guide.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Old Monterey Walking Food Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (206 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out

From $ 164.00

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Discover Monterey Through Its Flavors Experience Old Monterey like never before on this leisurely, guided food tour that highlights the best local flavors and hidden culinary gems. Stroll through the historic downtown district as you taste your way through five diverse food and drink stops—from savory bites and freshly made crepes to locally brewed beer and small-batch ice cream. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating stories about Monterey’s rich history, colorful characters, and cultural landmarks. Along the way, you’ll support local restaurants and artisans while uncovering spots you may want to revisit later. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover your hometown, this tour offers a delicious and insightful way to spend the day.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Mist, Mayhem, & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (124 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 26.00

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the eerie streets of Monterey with our captivating walking ghost tour. Led by an experienced local guide and haunted history expert, this tour reveals chilling tales hidden in the shadows of Monterey's iconic buildings. As you stroll through the historic district, you'll hear spine-tingling accounts of ghostly encounters and tragic events that have shaped the city since before the Mexican-American War of 1846. This mile-long trek takes you to Monterey's most haunted locations, including the Larkin House, General Sherman Quarters, Colton Hall Museum & Jail, and the Monterey Public Library. While we won't enter privately owned buildings, you'll stand on haunted ground, surrounded by the echoes of the past. Whether you're a history buff, ghost enthusiast, or seeking a thrilling evening out, this tour will leave you with chills and a deeper appreciation for Monterey's mysterious heritage. Ready to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface?

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (118 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 40.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Your walk opens up a whole new vista of Carmel for you while our guides, who are skilled storytellers, weave together the tales of the arts and artists, architecture and history and the unbelievable stories of the people who created this unique village in a forest which is Carmel.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (62 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 54.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

This nature walk takes you through serene woodlands, along craggy cliffs and beautiful coves. You may spot otters, seals and sealions, deer and birds. This is a mecca for taking memorable photos. Hearing the amazing human history of this unique piece of land will be part of your experience.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Cannery Row is more than just the Monterey Bay Aquarium! in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (35 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.00

 

More than just the Monterey Bay Aquarium - discover the Cannery Row that most visitors never see, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours and local guides who make the tales of Monterey come alive! Journey back to the days when Monterey was "the Sardine Capital of the World" and experience the enchanting allure of the Monterey waterfront and Cannery Row, today the home of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the hidden gems of Cannery Row, immerse yourself in the wonder of the bay, view playful sea otters, and walk among the buildings and iconic John Steinbeck characters from a bygone era. Our highly rated tours provide an informative, entertaining, and fun-filled experience for every age, making your Monterey Peninsula adventure unforgettable.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (34 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 159.00

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

During your tour you'll enjoy visits to three hand-selected wine tasting rooms with carefully curated tastings at each one. You'll also learn from local sommeliers about the region’s unique climates that produce a variety of world-renowned wines. And when it comes to enjoying Carmel, while guide books and websites might steer you in the right direction, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Carmel through the eyes of a local. Our expert guides will bring the town’s storied history to life. Going beyond the standard highlights you will explore what lies off the beaten path. And if you’re looking to make the most of your visit after the tour, our walking concierges will share our best recommendations for restaurants, bars, shopping, hiking and more!

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Discover the real Monterey - historic adobes & fascinating tales in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (33 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Discover the Real Monterey! Visit historic adobes and hear fascinating tales on an adventure with the Original Monterey Walking Tours! Skip the tourist spots and explore what most visitors miss – the hidden heart of Old Monterey. Wander through peaceful garden courtyards, peek into historic adobes and see Monterey’s "Plymouth Rock." Stand on the spot where the State of California was born and thrill to the rousing tale of “Sloat's Landing” – when one bold action changed the fate of an entire country. The best way to really get to know Monterey? Up close an on foot, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (18 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 8.99

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Cannery Row in Monterey California and the surrounding area as well as a number of hotels and historic sites. There's a separate admission charge for entrance to Monterey Bay Aquarium. On this tour, you'll hear how the area served as the industrial heart of Monterey in the first half of the 1900s. Its seemingly inexhaustible number of Pacific sardine attracted fishermen, investors and inventors from around the world seeking their fortune. But, (spoiler alert!) overfishing would decimate the industry by the 1950s. You will also discover the connection between John Steinbeck and this area as you meet some of the colorful characters that were immortalized in his novel Cannery Row and its sequel Sweet Thursday. Finally, you'll discover the incredible story of how Cannery Row quite literally rose from the ashes to what is now a welcoming waterfront of world-class hotels, wine rooms, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Scenic Path Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (14 reviews)

From $ 11.99

 

This self-guided, self-paced GPS audio walking tour will explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s spectacular Scenic Road. We will walk along the bluff pathway above Carmel Beach and take in the magnificent view of Carmel Bay from Pebble Beach to Carmel Point and Point Lobos.  This tour will begin and end at the historic La Playa Carmel Hotel located at Camino Real and Eighth Avenue. Other attractions include the North Dunes Habitat Restoration Project and the Carmel Beach Overlook. We will also see the home where Clint Eastwood lived while he served as Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea between 1986 and 1988 and learn more about his connection to Carmel as well as learn about some of Carmel’s distinctive architecture and storied past. 

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Off the Beaten Path in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (10 reviews)

From $ 9.99

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

This self-guided walking audio tour explores off-the-beaten-path areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will walk through Carmel’s quiet and charming northwest side of town, which is home to artist Mary Austin’s Rose Cottage. Discover the hidden Jane Powers Walkway, named after an early Carmelite artist, and hear her fascinating story. You will visit Carmel’s historic Pine Inn where you might decide to visit the bar for a cocktail or a snack. There will be the opportunity to see First Murphy House, a museum of early Carmel history. Operating hours are Tuesday – Thursday 12pm to 3pm. Then the tour takes you to the north end of Carmel Beach where you will see the gorgeous Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tour passes by the early homes of Robinson and Una Jeffers where you will hear the story of this famous Carmel couple. The tour is ready whenever you are. It plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone’s GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which works offline.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Monterey State Historic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4 reviews)

From $ 8.99

 

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour explores Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey California. It includes the Portola Plaza & Hotel, Custom House Plaza & Museum, the Pacific House Museum & gardens, and more. During this tour, we will explore the Monterey's Fisherman’s Wharf and fishing industry history. You will be able to explore three museums in the Monterey State Historic Park. There will also be numerous opportunities for shopping or dining. And we will be showing you some of the filming locations for Big Little Lies season 1, including the Blue Blues Café. This tour is ready whenever you are. It plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone’s GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which works offline. The tour begins at the Monterey History & Art Association Salvador Dali Museum also known as the Stanton Center and ends at the Pacific House Museum. There is a fee for the Salvador Dali Museum, but all three other museums are free.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (2 reviews)

From $ 8.99

 

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore the rugged Carmel coastline where you will have stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach. The tour winds its way through the charming tree-lined streets of Carmel Point where you'll discover a number of the unique homes built on this one-time windswept treeless bluff. Along the way, you'll hear about Carmel's famous houses, its flora and fauna, the movies filmed on the point, and the first softball league in the US. You'll come across some colorful characters from the past such as Jean Arthur and Robinson Jeffers. The tour is ready whenever you are. The tour begins and ends at the Walker House Cabin on the Rocks. So start your tour with the VoiceMap app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel Point Walking tour. Happy Adventures!

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea in Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel , California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (2 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 40.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

As featured in the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, CARMEL WALKS is the premier walking tour voted "best of" by Trip Advisor in 2024. You'll embark on a delightful 2-hour adventure with a lively, well-informed local guide through the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea—a village celebrated for its storybook architecture, scenic coastal beauty, and vibrant artistic legacy. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, hear the stories behind the town’s most colorful characters, and gain fresh insights into the culture that makes Carmel truly one of a kind. Meander through charming streets and secret passageways, explore award-winning galleries, lush gardens, and historic landmarks steeped in legend. The listed itinerary is just the beginning—plenty of unlisted delights are in store. Well behaved dogs are most welcomed on this fun walk too. Let us show you the very best of this whimsical village! You’ll leave inspired, enchanted, and—dare we say—feeling like a local.

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.

Local Tips for Monterey & Carmel

Guided vs. Self-Guided Walking Tours

A guided walking tour offers expert insights, historical context, and often includes skip-the-line access to major landmarks. If you prefer flexibility, a self-guided route lets you explore Monterey & Carmel at your own pace using maps and mobile apps. Combining both options is ideal for a complete experience.

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. See our Privacy Policy.