Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delightful escape on California’s Central Coast, famous for its fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, and stunning coastline. But beyond its charming streets, it offers a surprising variety of tours that make exploring even more enjoyable. Whether you want to sip local wines, pedal along scenic paths, or venture further along the coast, there’s a tour suited for your style.
One of our favorites is the Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which combines the town’s charm with carefully curated wine experiences. For a more active day, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Guided E-Bike Tour offers a relaxed way to see the sights, from fairy-tale cottages to the famous Carmel Beach. If you’re interested in a longer, scenic journey, the LA-San Francisco: 2-Day Tour with Train Ride and Highway 1 takes you along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, covering more ground and iconic sights. For those wanting a broader adventure, the Los Angeles: 7-Day Small Group Yellowstone Tour explores the American West, while the San Francisco: 4-Day VIP Tour with Coast Starlight Train combines the best of Northern California with VIP comfort.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule.
1. Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-The-Sea
This charming tour offers a perfect blend of Carmel’s scenic streets and its renowned wine scene. Over three hours, you’ll visit three carefully selected tasting rooms that feature curated wines paired with stories about the region’s unique vineyards. The tour is ideal for those who want to explore Carmel’s story-rich neighborhoods while sampling exceptional wines. An expert sommelier leads the group, providing insights into wine styles, tasting techniques, and regional differences, making this experience both educational and enjoyable.
Guests consistently praise this tour for its thoughtful curation—”The tastings were perfectly balanced and the stories made the wines come alive,” one reviewer noted. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the stops provide a chance to soak in Carmel’s quaint charm. The $159 price includes tastings and expert guidance, making it good value for anyone interested in wine and local tales.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for wine lovers who want a relaxed, guided tasting experience combined with scenic strolling through Carmel’s lovely streets.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea Guided E-Bike Tour
For those who prefer to cover more ground with less effort, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Guided E-Bike Tour is unbeatable. This two-hour ride on a 750-watt E-Bike allows you to comfortably explore Carmel’s most stunning sights, from whimsical cottages to luxurious mansions along the coast. Highlights include the Clinton Walker House—a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—and the expansive Carmel Beach, where the waves and ocean breeze make for a refreshing break.
The bikes make the journey accessible for a broad range of fitness levels, and the guide shares engaging stories about Carmel’s architecture and famous residents. With just three reviews, all rating it a perfect 5/5, this tour seems to deliver exactly what it promises: a fun, relaxed ride with plenty of interesting sights.
Guests love the ease of the e-bike and the chance to see areas that are hard to reach on foot. The $79 price provides excellent value for a quick yet rundown of Carmel’s highlights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a laid-back but informative way to see Carmel’s most photogenic spots.
3. Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus
This tour combines vintage charm with top-quality wine tasting. Riding in a restored 1970 VW bus, you’ll travel through scenic Carmel Valley, visiting several local wineries that produce award-winning wines. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, giving plenty of time to savor tastings of wines grown, produced, and bottled just miles from the coast.
Guests rave about the nostalgic ride—”It felt like stepping back in time,” one reviewer said—and the quality of wines sampled. The wineries chosen focus on California’s best varietals, and the relaxed pace allows plenty of time to chat with winemakers and learn about the winemaking process firsthand. The $139 fee includes tastings and transport, making it an enjoyable and reasonably priced experience.
The tour is perfect for wine aficionados who appreciate a fun ride and want to discover boutique wineries in a laid-back setting. Keep in mind, the vintage bus adds a bit of quirky charm, but some might find it less comfortable than modern rides.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for vintage lovers and wine enthusiasts who enjoy a relaxed, scenic day out.
4. LA-San Francisco: 2-Day Tour with Train Ride and Highway 1
This two-day trip is designed for travelers eager to see California’s coast in style. Starting in Los Angeles, you’ll ride the Coast Starlight Train, which offers spectacular ocean views—a highlight for many. Over the two days, you’ll explore Santa Barbara, with its Spanish-style architecture, and Solvang, a Danish-themed town full of bakeries and boutiques.
A key feature is the drive along Highway 1, considered one of the most scenic routes in North America. The tour also visits Hearst Castle, the opulent estate of William Hearst, and includes time on the 17-Mile Drive, famous for stunning golf courses, mansions, and panoramic views.
While reviews aren’t available, the itinerary suggests a well-balanced mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and iconic sights. The price of $498 offers a good value for a two-day, all-inclusive experience that combines train travel, guided visits, and scenic exploration.
Best suited for: travelers wanting an immersive, multi-day California coast experience without the hassle of planning individual connections.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a taste of California’s coast with a mix of luxury train comfort and sightseeing.
$498 per person
5. Los Angeles: 7-Day Small Group Yellowstone Tour Round Trip
This extraordinary 7-day adventure takes you beyond California, into the heart of the American West. Starting and ending in Los Angeles, the trip covers Zion, Antelope Canyon, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton, offering spectacular landscapes and geological wonders. The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a personal experience and plenty of opportunities for questions and insider tips.
Traveling in upgraded transportation, the group visits iconic landmarks and has optional wildlife viewing excursions, making this a flexible, immersive trip for nature lovers. The $2,037 price reflects the depth of the experience, including accommodations, transportation, and guided explorations.
Guests appreciate the personal attention—“It was like traveling with friends who knew everything about this incredible region,” one reviewer shared. While this tour is more expensive and longer, it’s ideal for travelers eager to see the West’s most dramatic scenery in a manageable, small-group setting.
Bottom line: For serious adventurers willing to invest in a comprehensive Western US experience, this tour offers a rare combination of comfort and adventure.
$2,037 per person
6. San Francisco: 4-Day VIP Tour with Coast Starlight Train
This four-day trip is perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, comprehensive exploration of California’s coast and cities. Starting in San Francisco, you’ll visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and iconic neighborhoods. The tour includes a scenic drive along Highway 1, stopping in Santa Barbara and Solvang, and the chance to explore Hearst Castle in style.
The highlight is the VIP experience, traveling in a group of 10-14 with a bilingual guide, ensuring personalized attention and a smooth itinerary. You’ll also enjoy a ride on the Coast Starlight Train, which offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean.
At $808, the tour balances comfort, convenience, and a focus on top sights, making it suitable for travelers who want to see the best of California with a touch of luxury. Reviewers note its well-organized schedule and engaging guides.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a premium, all-encompassing California coast tour with VIP treatment.
$808 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour in Carmel-by-the-Sea or beyond, consider your budget, interests, and time. If you love wine and walking, the Wine Tasting and Walking Tour offers a relaxed cultural experience. For an active day, the E-Bike Tour provides a fun way to see Carmel without breaking a sweat. If you want a scenic multi-day trip, the LA-San Francisco or the VIP California Coast tours are excellent options. Budget, travel style, and schedule will guide your choice.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the wine tastings or multi-day adventures, to ensure availability. Consider the season—spring and fall often offer ideal weather for outdoor activities and scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
Carmel-by-the-Sea isn’t just a pretty town—it’s a hub for engaging tours that suit a variety of interests. Whether you prefer sipping local wines, biking along coastlines, or embarking on extended trips through California and beyond, these options are designed to enrich your visit.
For relaxing wine tastings and scenic walks, the Wine Tasting and Walking Tour is hard to beat. Those seeking an active yet easy way to explore should consider the E-Bike Tour. And if you’re craving a broader California adventure, the 2-day coast trip or the luxurious VIP California Coast Tour will deliver.
No matter your preference, booking ahead will help ensure you get the experience that best matches your travel style—and make your Carmel trip truly memorable.