The historic heartland of California’s central coast comes alive through excellent guided walks in Monterey and Carmel. Two standout tours capture the essence perfectly: A comprehensive 3-hour food and culture walk through Carmel reveals local stories and flavors, while the 2-hour Monterey historical walk provides an efficient look at key landmarks like Portola Plaza and the Custom House. Love both for their expert local guides and manageable lengths. Self-guided options include informative audio tours of Cannery Row and 17-Mile Drive – practical choices for independent travelers who prefer flexibility. These essential tours make the region’s rich heritage accessible and meaningful. Let’s explore the best options…
Good To Know
- The Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour offers a 3-hour food and wine tasting adventure exploring Carmel’s rich history and cultural heritage.
- The Original Monterey Walking Tours provide a 2-hour guided exploration of Monterey’s historic sites and attractions, starting at the Statue of Portola.
- The Historic Cannery Row self-guided audio tour allows visitors to enjoy the legendary Monterey neighborhood made famous by John Steinbeck.
- The 17 Mile Drive self-guided audio tour offers a comprehensive experience highlighting the historical highlights of Pebble Beach.
- The Discover Monterey Bay’s Maritime History tour explores the region’s rich maritime history, including the fishing industry, whaling, and environmental conservation efforts.
Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour
For a delightful taste of Carmel’s culinary scene, join the Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour. You’ll enjoy a 3-hour food and wine tasting adventure with enough samplings for a full lunch. Your professional foodie guide will lead you to restaurants, watering holes, and food shops, where you’ll savor gnocchi, olive oil, seasonal risotto, wine/cocktails, truffles, and caramels.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the ‘locavore’ concept and explore Carmel’s rich history and cultural heritage. The total walking distance is over 1 mile, with several tasting breaks, making it suitable for adults of all fitness levels.
With a 4.9 rating from 346 reviews and 97% traveler recommendation, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Carmel. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. The meeting point is Carmel’s Sunset Cultural Center, and the tour ends at Carmel Plaza on Mission Street.
Read our full review: Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour Review
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The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Guided Tours of Historic Monterey
Discover the captivating history of Monterey through the guided walking tours offered by The Original Monterey Walking Tours. You’ll be led by knowledgeable and personalized guides on a 2-hour exploration of the city’s historic sites and attractions. The tour begins at the iconic Statue of Portola in Portola Plaza and concludes at the Monterey Custom House near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Monterey’s founding and uncover colorful stories from the past. The tours are highly rated, with a 4.7 out of 5 score from 27 reviews, and are recommended by 93% of travelers. The Original Monterey Walking Tours hold a Badge of Excellence, ensuring a top-quality experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging way to discover the city, these tours offer wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as the option to bring service animals. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can easily fit this activity into your Monterey itinerary.
Read our full review: The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Guided Tours of Historic Monterey Review
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Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbecks Monterey
Though Monterey’s Cannery Row has transformed from its gritty industrial past, this self-guided audio tour allows you to immerse yourself in the legendary neighborhood immortalized by author John Steinbeck. Using your mobile device, you’ll explore the history and literary significance of the area at your own pace.
The tour provides offline access to audio narration, maps, and location information, ensuring a seamless experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, this tour is available daily from February 2020 to October 2025. Explore Cannery Row’s rich past and Steinbeck’s iconic stories through this self-guided journey, a unique way to discover the heart of Monterey.
Read our full review: Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbecks Monterey Review
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17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights
The 17-Mile Drive self-guided audio tour invites you to uncover the captivating history of Pebble Beach. This lifetime access tour starts at the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey and ends at the SP+ Parking in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Using the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and headphones, you’ll embark on a journey through the area’s historical highlights.
The tour provides offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, allowing you to explore at your own pace. While it’s not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. The tour lasts an undisclosed duration, with access available 24/7 from January 20, 2023, to August 1, 2025.
Although the tour doesn’t include food, drink, transportation, or entry fees, it offers a comprehensive self-guided audio experience. Reviews suggest the tour provides good navigation and historical information, though it may not be suitable for visitors uninterested in golf.
Read our full review: 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Walking Tours?
There’s usually no strict dress code for walking tours, but you’ll want to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Layers are a good idea in case the weather changes during the tour.
Do the Tours Accommodate Guests With Disabilities?
Yes, most tours accommodate guests with disabilities. Be sure to inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure the tour meets your needs. Many offer options like wheelchair-friendly routes and guided audio tours for those with hearing or vision impairments.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tours?
Most historical tours don’t have age restrictions, but some may require parental supervision for younger children. Be sure to check the tour provider’s policies before booking to ensure the tour is appropriate for your family.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tours?
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your pet on the walking tours. Most tour companies don’t allow pets due to insurance and safety concerns. However, check with the specific tour operator to see if they have any exceptions.
Are the Audio Tours Available in Multiple Languages?
Many audio tours offer multilingual options, so you can enjoy the experience in your preferred language. Check with the tour provider beforehand to see what languages are available to ensure a seamless and engaging tour.
The Sum Up
If you’re interested in exploring the rich history of Monterey and Carmel, these tours offer a great way to do it. From walking food and cultural tours in Carmel to self-guided audio tours of Monterey’s Cannery Row and the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, you’ll uncover the area’s fascinating past. Whether you prefer a guided experience or a more independent exploration, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your interests.