Top Monterey & Carmel Cultural Tours

Follow a delicious trail of local treats through historic Monterey on a small-group food tour that includes plenty of tastings for a full lunch. Committing to lunch at a single restaurant means missing out on the diverse cuisines that make Monterey food so interesting; try a little bit of everything as you go from neighborhood restaurants to frozen treats and California wine, learning about Monterey history along the way.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Discover the seaside charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea—and enjoy an independent way to explore—with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the tour and set off at a time that works best for you. Your GPS-assisted tour works offline, and will guide you directly to the town’s top attractions, from local landmarks and art galleries to public parks and more. As you go, learn more about the town’s rich history.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Comfortably cover a lot of ground with this e-bike tour through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ride from the bike shop in downton to the town’s fairy-tale cottages and down the Carmel coastline along Scenic Drive. See landmarks such as the Tor House, Carmel River State Beach, Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch, and the Carmel Mission in under three hours.

Explore the stunning 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike, where the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula unfolds around you. This self-guided GPS eBike tour allows you to effortlessly navigate through picturesque coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and luxurious neighborhoods. As you ride, a GPS guide offers insights into local history and highlights iconic spots like Lovers Point and the Lone Cypress. Perfect for those seeking a unique outdoor experience, this tour provides the freedom to explore at your own pace while soaking in the fresh ocean air and breathtaking scenery. - Duration: Option of choosing between 2 hours or 4 hours - Ideal for individuals and groups without a driver’s license requirement - GPS audio guide included for enriching exploration - Visit renowned landmarks such as Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach

Experience one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world on this self-guided audio tour along California’s iconic 17-Mile Drive. Travel from Monterey to Pebble Beach as you explore dramatic ocean cliffs, windswept cypress trees, and stunning coastal viewpoints. Along the way, discover the stories behind the landscape—from Cannery Row’s fishing boom to the return of sea otters that helped restore Monterey Bay. Visit famous stops like Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and quiet beaches where seals and seabirds gather. With GPS-triggered audio, stories play automatically as you drive, letting you explore at your own pace. Stop for photos, walks, or simply take in the views. This tour transforms a beautiful drive into a deeper, more memorable experience.

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, Calif., with this self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour. Stop at three museums (with free admission) in the Monterey State Historic Park along the way, and learn about the area’s fishing industry history. Plus, visit filming locations for popular TV shows. The tour plays automatically at the correct location using your mobile phone’s GPS.

Experience Cannery Row on a guided walking food tour featuring local seafood, wine, artisan treats, and Monterey history. Step into the pages of Steinbeck and explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of Monterey’s most famous waterfront street. You'll meander through Cannery Row’s historic blocks, learn little-known stories of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts, and uncover fascinating glimpses into the area's past — from bustling sardine canneries to today’s vibrant marine life and kelp forests. Along the way, enjoy a curated lineup of tastings, including clam chowder, Baja fish tacos, local wine, artisan honey, handcrafted snacks, and sweet treats from beloved local businesses. You'll even raise a glass with a special toast to Monterey Bay. Whether you're a foodie, a history lover, or simply looking for a unique way to experience Monterey, this tour blends coastal charm, local culture, and unforgettable bites — all in one scenic afternoon.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to San Luis Obispo with a tour that plays from your phone as the coast unfolds. Choose when to start, where to stop, and how long to stay at each stop. Experience the dramatic beauty of Big Sur, one of California’s most iconic coastal regions, as you follow Highway 1 past towering cliffs, quiet beaches, redwood forests, and sweeping ocean vistas. Watch waves crash below Bixby Bridge, look for wildlife at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and take in the rugged coastline at Garrapata State Park and Soberanes Point. Stop at Hurricane Point for panoramic views, explore the redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and discover the purple sand and rock arches at Pfeiffer Beach before continuing south to San Luis Obispo Get stories, local tips, and easy GPS directions as you drive. It also works without cell service once set up, so you can enjoy Big Sur even when the signal drops. Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours

Guided tours are relatively expensive and follow rigid itineraries with tight schedules. This self-guided audio tour of Carmel’s three mission areas helps travelers save money and explore completely at their own pace. Follow your downloaded map app along Mission Ranch, Carmel Mission Basilica, and the Mission Trail Nature Preserve while learning about the early California and Carmel history

Stroll along Monterey’s Cannery Row, and learn about its significance on this guided walking tour. Walk from the breakwater to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, all along the waterfront, and learn about the city’s heyday as the “Sardine Capital of the World.” Step inside the shoes of John Steinbeck’s characters and enjoy beautiful views of the bay during this 2-hour experience.

Sophisticated and glamorous, Carmel-By-The-Sea sits on the Pacific just two hours south of San Francisco. The town isn’t all ritz, though—11 fairytale cottages line the hilly streets like something from a children’s book. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll escape the crowds and explore the houses at your pace, led by a knowledgeable guide right in your pocket.

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and drink walking tour. With a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll learn about the history and gourmet culture of Carmel, an upscale enclave known for its charming architecture and cozy, small-town vibe, as you visit local eateries to sample locavore and ethnic dishes, chocolate, and cocktails or spirits. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in Carmel, at your leisure! Commentary by Matt Chatta, a local legend! 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.

With the scenic 17 Mile Drive nearby and dozens of worthy sights between Pebble Beach and Point Lobos, Carmel-by-the-Sea might be best explored by car. This self-guided, app-based audio tour narrated by a well-known resident helps travelers take private trips through town, visiting hidden gems, beaches, downtown, the Mission Carmel, and other sights. The tour takes less than an hour, but travelers can explore at their own pace as the app syncs audio with smartphone GPS systems.

Enjoy a private walking tour through the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Discover the town's artistic heritage and fascinating history with a professional local guide. Explore landmarks that shaped this unique coastal village. Visit the Carmel Heritage Society and learn how the community began. Experience the creative spirit at the Carmel Art Association. Relax among the gardens of Devendorf Park while hearing stories of early Carmel life. Admire the historic Golden Bough Playhouse that continues the town's theatrical tradition. Finish beside the white sands of Carmel Beach where dramatic Pacific views create a memorable finale. This cultural walking tour combines history, architecture, art, and nature in just two hours. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Explore Pinnacles National Park with a tour that plays from your phone as you drive and hike. Start on the east or west side, follow clear GPS directions, and choose the stops that fit your day. This hidden California park feels wild and quiet. Walk past tall rock spires, dry hills, and giant boulders stacked in narrow canyons. Stop near the Pinnacles Visitor Center, Bacon Family Ranch, Peaks View Picnic Area, and Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Hike the Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop, step into cool talus caves, and look up for California condors soaring above the cliffs. Your phone shares stories about the old volcano that made these strange peaks. It also points out trailheads, picnic spots, rest areas, and local tips along the way. Once set up, the tour works without cell service, so you can keep exploring even when the signal drops. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Walk through the real Monterey behind John Steinbeck's novels. From Cannery Row and Ed Ricketts's lab to Fisherman's Wharf and the bay's wild shoreline, this self-guided tour blends literary history, sardine-boom drama, marine science, and colorful local characters in the landscapes that shaped Steinbeck's most memorable stories. Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.