Top Monterey & Carmel How to Get Around - page 3

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.

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

Discover the Real Monterey! Visit historic sites and adobes and hear fascinating tales of the people and events of Old Mexican California's Capitol. 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.

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.

****TOUR REQUIRES DRIVING TO LOCATIONS. FOLLOWING AND/OR MEETING AT LOCATIONS. Spend the day with a travel and adventure photographer touring Big Sur and Monterey County. As a world traveler and Instagram influencer, I bring a unique perspective to photography and want to share both the beauty and excitement of travel, adventure, and photography with you, one frame at a time.  Be sure to bring your walking shoes as we explore the area together and document our journey along the way. You can bring up to four people. This tour does include some driving. You will follow us along the beautiful California coast as we stop along Big Sur and walk along the coastal trails. We'll have the best time, and you'll have the pictures to remember it on both your camera and mine. This will be a fun adventure you won't forget.

Enjoy a 3 - 4 hour sailing cruise on the Monterey Bay. This Marine Mammal and Wildlife Safari is a private guided tour and can accommodate up to 6 people. Whale sightings are NOT guaranteed. 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.

Leave the mainland behind for the afternoon, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Monterey Bay, on this family-friendly whale-watching excursion. Grab a lifejacket and hop aboard: With your marine biologist guide’s assistance, you’ll look out for orca and humpback whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and much more as you cruise. As you go, take in the coastal views, and relax in the sea breezes.

Discover Monterey’s rich history on a self-guided audio tour that guides you from Cannery Row to Old Monterey. This immersive experience allows you to stroll the scenic waterfront, inspired by Steinbeck, while learning about the rise and decline of the sardine canneries. Explore significant landmarks like Colton Hall and the Custom House, and hear tales of the artists and seafarers who shaped this city. With GPS-triggered narration, you can uncover Monterey’s layered past at your own pace. - Self-guided audio tour with GPS-triggered narration - Explore historical sites like Colton Hall and the Custom House - Discover Monterey’s artistic and industrial heritage at your own pace

Book this group tour to spot whales breaching at sunset in Monterey Bay. Each tour is led by a naturalist or marine biologist who helps find the whales and shares facts about them. Sip provided coffee or tea while you cruise for around three hours looking for whales. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and snacks are not provided on this shared tour.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle for the US Pacific Coastline, featuring 16 tours including 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Sonoma & Napa Valley, Olympic, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, Oregon Coast, Redwood, and more. Discover coastal drives, redwood forests, volcanoes, alpine peaks, and national parks with GPS-triggered stories that play automatically offline as you explore by car and on foot. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. 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.

What makes this Big Sur tour truly unique is our over 25 years of unparalleled expertise in guiding educational adventures through the majestic Monterey County, offering you a deep dive into the natural wonders of the Big Sur coast and fascinating insights into the ancient redwood trees that define this region. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures you experience the best, from a brief stop at an iconic 1932 concrete bridge offering spectacular coastal views, to the quirky charm of The River Inn where you can refresh and see the famous chairs in the Big Sur River. Prepare for an awe-inspiring moment at the highest viewpoint on Highway 1 in California, providing a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the dramatic coastline, before culminating your journey with a visit to the historic Big Sur Lodge for an intimate, guided nature walk in an old-growth redwood forest, complete with a unique Big Sur River crossing.

This Carmel Valley wine trolley tour stands out by offering tastings at three wineries, lunch, and beautiful views. Take a scenic ride from Monterey to Carmel Valley Village aboard a vintage trolley or high-top van. Visit well-known producers and get an introduction to lesser-known gems in the area with an insider's perspective from your guide. Have lunch at one of two spots nearby before returning to Monterey.

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.

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

No more generic walking tours—it’s time to take on Monterey with your crew via scavenger hunt. Your smartphone leading you across this historic Californian spot, you’ll solve puzzles, complete wild challenges, and take some incredible snapshots along the way. You’ll rack up points as explore from landmark to landmark, treasure to treasure, but you really can’t lose: No matter what, you’ll go home with epic photos of it all.

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Embark on a journey to heavenly Carmel and discover the breathtaking wonders of the legendary 17-Mile Drive! Prepare for an unforgettable tour as you soar along stunning coastal cliffs, where the mighty Pacific Ocean crashes against rocky shores in a mesmerizing display of power. Marvel at the mesmerizing marriage of nature and luxury as you traverse the scenic route, passing world-renowned golf courses. Commentary by Bill Devoe, a local legend! This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Santa Cruz. We have the best beach in all of Northern California, the best views, and best food and drinks available! 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.

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: 2 hours with options for 4-hour extended tours - 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

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.

Have a blast exploring Monterey with this app-led scavenger hunt and enjoy the magic. You’ll get to see the most entertaining sights in town, while learning about its history and culture, but you’ll have to answer trivia questions and solve challenges to unlock each new prompt. Enjoy this with a group of 10 or fewer people.

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.

First you will be taken on a scenic drive through beautiful Carmel Valley in our 1970 VW bus. Once we arrive in the "Village" you will have 3 hours to explore and experience award winning California wines that are grown, produced and bottled within 25 miles. This is truly an experience you will tell your friends about.

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of USA as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Big Sur McWay Falls California Coast. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Monterey, marvel at the grandeur of Big Sur, and capture iconic moments at landmarks like Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, and many more. Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule. We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day. Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

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!

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We’re not just photographers, we’re storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Big Sur, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You’ll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We’re proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.