Walking tours in Monterey and Carmel offer efficient ways to explore these charming California coastal towns. Most tours run 2-3 hours and cost $30-50 per person. We’re especially fond of two standouts: The Carmel Food & Cultural Tour combines local history with tastings at family-owned eateries, while the Monterey Historical Walking Tour brings Cannery Row’s fishing heritage to life through well-researched stories and historic sites. Both feature experienced guides who know their stuff. Other worthwhile options include the evening ghost tour of downtown Monterey and the naturalist-led walks at Point Lobos State Reserve. Let’s look at our favorite tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour offers a 3-hour guided exploration of gourmet fare and culture in Carmel.
- The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Cannery Row provides a 2-hour tour covering the history of Cannery Row, the sardine fishery, and literary heritage.
- The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Historic Monterey offers a highly rated 5.0 tour with engaging insights into California’s rich history.
- The Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour by US Ghost Adventures focuses on supernatural tales and haunted sites, providing an interactive experience with EMF detectors.
- The Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk showcases the diverse wildlife of the area, led by a knowledgeable guide and offering an enriching outdoor adventure.
Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour
For those seeking a delightful blend of gourmet fare and culture, the Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour is a must-try experience.
Over the course of 3 hours, this highly-rated tour takes visitors on a guided walking journey through Carmel, showcasing the town’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant culinary scene.
Theres some good a variety of local delicacies, from decadent chocolates to artisanal olive oils, while learning about the “locavore” concept from knowledgeable foodie guides.
With flexible dietary accommodations and wheelchair accessibility, this tour caters to diverse interests and abilities, promising an engaging and memorable exploration of Carmel’s unique charm.
Read our full review: Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour Review
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The Original Monterey Walking Tours : Guided Tours of Cannery Row
The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Guided Tours of Cannery Row offer visitors a captivating exploration of this iconic California landmark.
The 2-hour tour starts at 601 Wave Street and concludes at the Cannery Row Worker Shacks, providing an immersive experience for up to 10 travelers.
With a 100% traveler recommendation, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, like Shirley and Tom, share the fascinating history of Cannery Row, the sardine fishery, and Monterey’s literary heritage.
Priced at $35 per person, the tour is easily accessible, with a convenient meeting point near parking garages.
Customers rave about the personalized approach and the guides’ ability to bring the stories to life.
Whether you’re interested in the local culture or marine biology, this walking tour is a must-do for visitors to Monterey.
Read our full review: The Original Monterey Walking Tours : Guided Tours of Cannery Row Review
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The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Guided Tours of Historic Monterey
Original Monterey Walking Tours offers visitors a captivating exploration of historic Monterey.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 29 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, the tour provides an engaging and informative experience. Knowledgeable guides share insights into California’s history, including the significance of Monterey.
The tour covers the city’s rich heritage, from the meeting point at Portola Plaza to the end point near Fisherman’s Wharf. Accessibility features, flexible cancellation, and a price starting at $35 make the tour an attractive option.
Guests praise the guides’ storytelling abilities and the tour’s educational value for all ages, though some note a decline in the experience due to closed buildings and increased tourism focus.
Read our full review: The Original Monterey Walking Tours: Guided Tours of Historic Monterey Review
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Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Tucked away in the historic heart of Monterey, the Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour by US Ghost Adventures takes visitors on a captivating exploration of the city’s supernatural side.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the approximately 1-hour tour delves into chilling tales and well-researched history of allegedly haunted sites. Guests can expect an interactive experience, with the use of EMF detectors to enhance the spooky atmosphere.
The family-friendly tour is suitable for all ages, offering a mix of history and intrigue. While most guests praise the engaging guides and informative experiences, some have reported issues with tour organization and guide performance.
Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback to help improve the tour experience.
Read our full review: Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures Review
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Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk
Offering a captivating alternative to the haunting tales of Monterey’s past, the Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk invites visitors to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
Featuring a small-group experience limited to 14 travelers, this tour showcases the area’s diverse wildlife, from otters and seals to deer and sea lions.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Monica, who’s written a book on Point Lobos, the walk provides an engaging and informative exploration of the area’s history, woodlands, cliffs, and coves.
With 50 glowing reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, this is a perfect option for those short on time, seeking an enriching outdoor adventure in Monterey and Carmel.
Read our full review: Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk Review
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Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea
The Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea provides visitors with an engaging and informative exploration of this charming coastal town. Rated 5.0 by travelers, the tour is led by an expert guide, Monica Hudson, who brings Carmel’s rich history and culture to life through captivating storytelling.
Over the course of two hours, you will discover secret passageways, hidden gardens, and gain unique insights into the town’s architectural and artistic heritage. Ideal for both locals and first-time visitors, the tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, with convenient meeting and end points along Ocean Avenue.
With its excellent reviews and accessibility, this walking tour is a must-do activity for anyone exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Read our full review: Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea Review
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Carmel-by-the-Seas Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s collection of fairytale cottages designed by Hugh Comstock provides visitors with a whimsical self-guided walking tour.
Participants can download the VoiceMap app to access audio commentary, maps, and geodata for the 11-stop tour. The route takes about 40 minutes, starting at Le Petit Pali and ending at Hedis Shoes.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows flexibility in pace. However, the hilly terrain and lack of sidewalks in some areas may present challenges.
User feedback indicates mixed experiences, with some praising the historical insights while others faced technical difficulties and unclear directions.
Confirming the tour’s start time and being prepared for the moderate hiking are advised.
Read our full review: Carmel-by-the-Seas Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Monterey and Carmel?
The best time to visit Monterey and Carmel is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and you can enjoy the scenic coastline without the peak summer heat or winter storms.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals for the Walking Tours?
Many walking tour companies in Monterey and Carmel offer discounts and package deals. Visitors can often find combo tickets that include admission to multiple attractions or save by booking multiple tours. It’s worth checking with local tour operators for the best deals.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tours?
Unfortunately, most walking tour companies in Monterey and Carmel don’t allow pets on their tours. This is for the safety and comfort of all participants. However, some may make exceptions for service animals with proper documentation. It’s best to check with each tour operator beforehand.
Are the Walking Tours Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The walking tours generally cater to people with disabilities, with many offering wheelchair-accessible routes and guided tours tailored to the needs of participants. However, it’s best to check with the tour operators for specific accessibility details.
How Do I Get to the Starting Points of the Walking Tours?
To get to the starting points of walking tours, visitors can typically use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or drive and park near the designated meeting spots. Many tour operators provide detailed directions and parking information to make it easy for participants to access the tour locations.
Recap
The Monterey and Carmel area offers a variety of walking tours to suit different interests. Visitors can explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region through guided tours or self-guided walks. Whether you’re interested in food, haunted sites, or coastal scenery, there’s a walking tour that will provide an engaging and informative experience.