Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one time with guests while on deck. Professional photographers are often sent to capture the spectacular sights seen from on board and are available to offer tips for your own photography.

Looking to impress your date or just treat yourself to something unforgettable? Our Sunset Cruise is the most popular (and most romantic!) way to experience Monterey Bay. Departing daily, 90 minutes before sunset, this dreamy 1.5-hour sail includes complimentary drinks and a light snack.

Monterey Bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Your daily 3-hour, whale watch trip is narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist who provides educational and interesting information about whales, dolphins, and a wide variety of marine wildlife. In addition to teaching you about the wildlife, your marine biologists and naturalists will provide information about the natural history of the local area and talk about conservation. 

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?

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.

From fairy-tale cottages nestled in the trees to millionaire mansions along the beach, the charm and beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is unparalleled. While we take in the beautiful vistas, learn the history and stories surrounding some of our most famous buildings and residents. Conquer hills that you thought impossible with our powerful Pedego Electric Bikes! Hello fun.... The Carmel-by-the-Sea eBike Tour is a slow-paced tour covering approximately 12 miles. Part is focused on tree-lined streets in the sleepy neighborhoods of Carmel's "Golden Rectangle." When we ride the 3-mile Scenic Drive along the Ocean, it's hard to know which way to look.....gorgeous beach on on e side and gorgeous homes on the other! The variety of homes is stunning, including homes by Charles Sumner Green, and Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a favorite for architecture fans.

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!

You will be baking macarons with a macaron master who has been featured on the Cooking Channel. You will receive hands-on training and all the techniques, tips and tricks to create these gourmet treats at home!

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.

17-Mile Drive offers the ultimate experience to explore the peninsula. You will ride from our bike shop in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Your guide will take you to all of the best spots in Pebble Beach. You'll pass iconic landmarks such as The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Point Joe, Spanish Bay, and Crocker Grove, which is home to the largest and oldest Cypress trees in existence. The minimum for a non-private tour to operate is 4 riders. We reserve the right to cancel the tour with full refunds, or convert you to a private guided tour (additional rates apply), or combine your booking with another at a different time and/or day, or convert the tour to a standard rental reservation (no tour guide, freedom of route and timing). As necessary, these options will be reviewed with the customer for their approval 24 hours before the reservation. For parties of 1 or greater than 10, with dogs or children, or any other special requests, please call to inquire and book.

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.

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.

Monterey GoCar Tour: See it all from 1 to 3 hours. IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPARATE RESERVATIONS. Zip past traffic and dive into Monterey’s must-see sights at your own pace in a sleek, GPS-narrated GoCar—the fun, open-air vehicle that’s both guide and ride. Roll down historic Cannery Row, pause for unbeatable photo ops of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and cruise the coast toward Pacific Grove’s dramatic shoreline, all while the GoCar’s smart narration shares insider stories and turn-by-turn directions. Why Book: Skip crowded buses, park anywhere, and explore hidden gems most tours miss Perfect For: Families, couples, and adventurers looking for flexible, on-your-own-schedule fun Discover why a GoCar Tour is the most exhilarating way to experience the aquarium, the bay, and beyond—book today and make Monterey your playground!

Our powerful eBikes will let you climb the steep hills of Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea with ease! With over 40 miles of scenic coastline to explore, where the speed limit never exceeds 25 mph, Monterey Bay is one of the best cycling locations in the world. From our shop at 2106 Sunset Dr, bike lanes run adjacent to the road for miles in each direction! And there's lots of free parking nearby. In Pebble Beach, you'll see beautiful golf courses and stunning mansions all along the ride. Just after Bird Rock, in Pebble Beach, the bike lane cuts inland at the Spyglass Hill golf course, ending at the Pebble Beach Lodge. This is a great turnaround point for many.....after getting lunch or coffee and gelato at the Pebble Beach Market. If you are okay on a road shared with cars, then you can continue back on 17 Mile Drive along the ocean past the Ghost Trees and the Lone Cypress. More advanced cyclists can also explore further on 17 Mile Drive to Carmel!

IF BOOKING MORE THAN ONE CAR MAKE SEPERATE RESERVATIONS Swap crowded tour buses for the freedom of a bright-yellow, open-air GoCar and experience the entire Monterey Peninsula on your own schedule. This extended, three-hour route combines the region’s most searched-for highlights—Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove—with hidden coastal gems you’d never find on a conventional tour. Why You’ll Love It GPS-Narrated Storytelling – Your GoCar’s built-in narrator delivers turn-by-turn directions plus fun facts about marine life, maritime history, and local legends, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Stop Anytime, Anywhere – Pull over for sea-otter selfies, tide-pool hunts, or a bowl of clam chowder. Parking is a breeze in the compact vehicle. 360° Ocean Views – Feel the Pacific breeze as you hug coastal roads and photo-op viewpoints unreachable by larger vehicles.

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.

This individual private day trip in a luxury car for you, one to 12 persons. We go Monterey, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. Then on Big Sur Highway one to Point Lobos, Garrapata State Beach, Rocky Point, and Bixby Bridge at your own pace. 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.

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.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of 17-Mile Drive and explore the Monterey Peninsula’s dramatic coastal views, rugged cliffs, and famous landmarks. See the iconic Lone Cypress tree standing tall for over 250 years, spot shipwreck remains at Fanshell Beach, watch seabirds, sea lions and seals gather at Bird Rock, and visit pristine beaches and renowned golf courses. Along the way, hear stories on historic Cannery Row, Spanish explorers and shipwrecks play automatically as you discover one of California’s most scenic coastal routes. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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 & 25,000+ happy customers.

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.

Carmel by the Sea is a story of unmatchable beauty and history that can be explored on this self-guided audio drive. This one of a kind village of less than 5,000 was founded by writers, poets, artists and musicians over 100 years ago. It was that artist colony vibe, along with the beauty of the ocean, that brought multi-media producer Bob Hamilton here from LA and New York over 40 years ago. Over those years, he proudly took visiting friends to all the hidden story locations that the average tourist may never see.  Now, the VoiceMap app lets him take you on your own private trip through the town with over a hundred art galleries, wine tasting rooms, high-end restaurants and shops and then to the beaches and around the point, ending at the 230-year-old Carmel Mission. From start to finish the tour takes less than an hour, but you travel at your own pace. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Historic Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This 60-minute tour is designed to keep you on the move while walking at a reasonably slow pace, and still see all of the main sites. You can pause the tour at any time to get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. This tour will cover about 15 square blocks of the downtown Carmel to give you a “lay of the land”. You'll explore some of Carmel’s quaint courtyards and passageways and walk by a number of wine rooms, art galleries, restaurants and hotels. You'll also learn about Carmel’s founding fathers, distinctive architecture and storied past and provides numerous photo opportunities. The tour begins and ends at the Carmel Plaza. En route, you'll pass two public restrooms and four ATM’s. So start your tour with the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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!