Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Journey through time with The Original Monterey Walking Tours and experience the enchanting allure of Monterey and Cannery Row, the top things to do in Monterey. Stroll through historic Monterey, where stories of Spanish explorers and remarkable architecture await. In the morning, embark on a Cannery Row tour, immersing yourself in the wonder of the bay, playful sea otters, and the footsteps of John Steinbeck's iconic characters from a bygone era. Our highly rated tours provide an informative, entertaining, and fun-filled experience for every age, making your Monterey adventure unforgettable.

Enjoy sailing the Monterey Bay without engine noise. You will be offered a complimentary beverage after your captain hoists the sails and catches the wind to make for a peaceful and exciting cruise on the bay. On the way out of the harbor, look out for sea lions, sea otters, and harbor seals. Once you pass the breakwater, the sailing fun begins and you can relax with a beverage while your captain takes care of you. Be sure to be on the look out for whales and dolphins while you sail! Our spacious and comfortable catamaran is the perfect vehicle for exploring the bay and searching for wildlife! You have a chance to see sea otter, sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins and whales!

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Big Sur coastline with our exhilarating driving tour! Feel the ocean breeze caress your face as you journey through breathtaking cliffs, winding roads, and towering redwood forests. Explore hidden gems as you stop to marvel at jaw-dropping viewpoints, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Let the rhythm of the waves guide you as you savor delicious coastal cuisine and immerse yourself in the bohemian charm of quaint seaside towns. Commentary by Bill Devoe, a local legend! This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Big Sur.Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App. With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

Are you looking for a way to see Carmel’s famous Comstock Cottages without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable audio tour. • See 11 fairytale cottages, and find out about architect Hugh Comstock, who married a dollmaker here in the 1920s • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse who co-authored a book about Carmel's historic homes • Do it all in 40 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline. Please note that this is a hilly walk.

Fantastic ocean vistas at every turn. This is one of the best coast drives anywhere! Highlights include Monterey historical buildings, Fisherman's Wharf harbor views, Cannery Row, Lover's Point and many amazing view stops. Get up close with deer (providing they are out), sand dunes and cypress trees. Plus see Pacific Grove, including downtown and historic points of interest, butterflies permitting.

The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of this wetland for almost 30 years, and have an intimate knowledge of the area, its history, and it's wildlife. All our Naturalists have Marine Science degrees, and we are third party certified Wildlife Stewards, so you can be assured that we always conduct ourselves responsibly around the wildlife. Our stable, comfortable vessel is designed for unobstructed wildlife viewing, and we’ve been a preferred outfitter for many prominent wildlife photographers, like Frans Lanting and Suzi Eszterhas, to name a few. On our relaxing ride, no one gets sea sick, and our safety record is flawless. We also operate a large science and nature themed Gift Shop / Bookstore celebrating the Monterey Bay. Our shelves contain over 600 titles, many of which are 30-50% off the list price, plus attire, stuffed animals and souvenirs.

Embark on a captivating self-guided walk and discover the hidden gems nestled within this charming village. Steeped in artistic heritage, Carmel's fairytale architecture and quaint courtyards transport you to a world seemingly untouched by time. Unwind as you explore at your own pace, following whispers of the past and unearthing the stories etched in Carmel's unique shops, galleries, and enchanting corners. This self-guided tour promises a delightful adventure, leaving you with a taste of California magic and a newfound appreciation for Carmel's timeless allure.

Discover a new way to Mini Golf in Monterey a fun loving haven with a unique 9-hole course and fun indoor games. Perfect for friends and family, it promises thrilling rounds, cozy seating, and refreshments. Conveniently located with ample parking in the garage adjacent, it’s your go-to for indoor fun any day

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.

We are confident that the highlight of your trip to the central coast will be an electric bike ride along 17-mile drive. The views get better around each turn in the coastline. Start your ride with us!

GuideAlong's Audio Tour takes you on an incredible self-guided journey along this scenic 130 mile stretch of California’s coast. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including towering Redwood trees, an elephant seal observation deck, and an iconic seaside restaurant. This self-guided audio tour helps you discover more on your road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that plays automatically along the drive. With GyPSy Guide you have the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. ✅ Tour operate in both directions ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ No time limits or expiry, free updates Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Are you looking for a way to gallery hop around Carmel-by-the-Sea's art scene at your own pace? See 18 galleries and studios with this affordable self-guided walking tour. • Find out what makes this small seaside city a mecca for modern day Bohemian artists • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, who co-authored the book Historic Homes and Inns of Carmel-by-the-Sea • Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

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.

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and listen to a tour guide while you drive between San Francisco & Monterey! Follow the suggested route along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world! Start anywhere along the route between Monterey & San Francisco. Tour experience is the same in either direction. Tour highlights include El Granada, Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio, Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, Shark Fin Cove & more. We'll point out must-see sights, state parks, and tourist attractions and give a historical overview of the area and its original inhabitants. With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and explore. Tour guide commentary will play automatically as you drive. No data is used during the tour. This audio guide will keep your group entertained and engaged! Many points of interest also have a fun multiple-choice trivia question about the sights. Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 17,000+ happy customers.

Experience a spectacular driving tour that follows Highway 1 to Big Sur, often called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” You’ll be greeted by views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, in contrast with the jagged rock cliffs and churning seas. This section of Highway 1 is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world. It’s filled with unblemished natural scenery and dotted with four state parks, hidden beaches, rocky coves and rolling hills. On the tour, you’ll pass by the historic D.L. James House now owned by actor Brad Pitt, cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, pass by the prominent volcanic rock home of the Point Sur Light Station to the Big Sur River Inn and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant before we stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. All stops, visits to state parks and subsequent hikes are optional and parking fees for state parks are not included in the price of this tour.

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.

Our wine tasting tours are for those that wish to experience award winning California wines while travelling the Monterey Peninsula in a 1970 VW bus.

Looking for a little backcountry adventure with gorgeous views? Take an e-bike ride with us on the Old Coast Road Tour! From panoramic ocean views to the enchanted redwood forest, experience Big Sur on the pioneer’s wagon road. What once was a road for horses and wagons has evolved into a rough 4x4 dirt road that runs 10 miles through the hills and valleys of northern Big Sur. Much of the ride is through the middle of a 7,100 acre ranch that has been running cattle here since 1834. Depending on the season, there may be cows on the road! The hills are intense, so be ready to challenge your balance. Our powerful Pedego eBikes smooth out the daunting climbs. But riders over 180 lb should be prepared to pedal when climbing the hills. And be ready for some long descents on loose dirt (or mud in the winter). Local guides will make the ride come alive with fun info about the flora & fauna that we pass along the way. There's so much fun history that makes Big Sur special!

Explore Monterey Bay and the Central Coast in a GPS-guided talking GoCar, cruising through town or along the Pacific on this 3-hour self-drive tour. Hop into your own 2-seater convertible that navigates itself and provides narration about landmarks along the way, including Monterey’s historic buildings and beautiful ocean vistas. The talking GoCar tells you where to go, from downtown, Lake El Estero and Cannery Row all the way to Pacific Grove’s butterfly sanctuary and Asilomar State Beach.

This individual private day trip in a SUV for you, one to six persons. We go Monterey, Carmel, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. Beaches in Carmel and Carmel Mission. Then on Big Sur Highway one to Point Lobos, Garrapata State Beach, and Rocky Point at your own pace spending the time you want. With a chauffeur driven car, you don't need to worry about which roads to take and spending time looking for suitable parking, rest stops etc. These trips are not on a large vehicle with many participants, fixed timed stops and narration. Just you with family or friends. An experienced local resident would be the driver guide for your personal requirements. This trip can be customized and is ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive and personal unstructured experience. Other options: North of Monterey, Moss landing, past Santa Cruz is Henry Cowell Redwoods Park. San Juan Batista Mission, National Steinbeck Center, and wineries in Salinas Valley.

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.

Transportation by driver guide using full size sedan car on day 1 from San Jose area and by train on day 2. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer state park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe and many other places, spending a night in Monterey (Cost of the hotel room is not included. We can pick up and drop off at any hotels in Monterey, Carmel, Salinas where you have booked on your own) and then to Los Angeles by train in two days. Comfortable seating also can enjoy dinning on the train. Option to start from San Francisco, Emeryville, Oakland to Salinas by train is available.

Discover one of the most scenic rides in the world on our electric bikes. Famous for its beauty, Big Sur offers the ultimate experience to explore California's Central Coast. On this guided tour, we will meet at the start of the Old Coast Road, on Highway 1 directly across the entrance to the Andrew Molera State Park parking lot. Please note that there is no cell service in this area. Your guide will be reaching out to you the day before to confirm meeting place and answer any questions you may have. We use Specialized Tero electric mountain bikes as a default on this tour but are able to bring Super73 RX bikes at request of customer pending availability of bikes in our rental fleet.

Enjoy a 3 - 4 hour sailing cruise on the Monterey Bay. This Marine Mammal and Wildlife Safari is a private guided tour and can accomodate up to 6 people. Whale sightings are NOT garunteed. However, this tour is designed to give ample time to find and view whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and the many varieties of Marine Birds that call the Monterey Bay their home.