Monterey and Carmel are perfect for exploring on foot. Both towns offer scenic streets, compact historic districts, and vibrant local culture — all best experienced by walking. Whether you’re craving gourmet food, local wines, or a glimpse into their haunted past, these towns showcase their charm one step at a time. We particularly enjoy tours like the Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour, which combines culinary delights with fascinating stories about Carmel’s architecture and history, all in a cozy small-group setting.
While Carmel’s boutique shops and art galleries make it ideal for a leisurely stroll, Monterey’s rich past and scenic waterfront invite history and food lovers to explore in tandem. This guide highlights the best walking tours available, helping you choose based on your interests, time, and budget. From culinary adventures to ghost hunts, there’s something here for every curious traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list features eight top walking tours in the Monterey and Carmel area, each with its own flavor. You’ll find food and drink tours like Carmel’s gourmet tasting experience, Old Monterey Food Tour, and wine tastings—perfect for those who want to sip as they stroll. For history enthusiasts, tours like Discover the Real Monterey and Guided Carmel-by-the-Sea reveal the city’s stories. If you prefer the spooky side, Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour combines history with ghostly tales. Lastly, for nature lovers, Point Lobos Nature Walk offers a scenic hike along wild coastlines. Now, let’s get into the specifics.
1. Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour
At number 1, this Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour stands out for its combination of culinary samples and local lore. For 3 hours, a knowledgeable guide takes you through Carmel’s charming streets, visiting 6-7 local eateries, boutique shops, and specialty stores. You’ll sample everything from chocolates and pasta to honey, pastries, and farm-to-table dishes. The tour emphasizes locavore and ethnic foods, giving a well-rounded taste of Carmel’s gourmet scene.
What makes this tour unique is its small-group size — limited to 16 people — which ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed experience. The guide shares insights into Carmel’s architecture, history, and culture, making it more than just a tasting. Reviewers love how the tour weaves together storytelling and food, with one calling the guide “a masterful storyteller who wove local lore with excellent pairings.” All tastings are included, making this quite good value for a 3-hour experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who like a personal touch. It’s a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with Carmel’s culinary scene while learning about its history, especially if you enjoy small groups and personalized attention.
2. Old Monterey Walking Food Tour
Number 2 is the Old Monterey Walking Food Tour, which offers a full 3.5-hour immersion into Monterey’s diverse cuisine and history. This tour is especially appealing because it includes a full lunch of tastings, covering neighborhood restaurants, seafood, pasta, and even local cider and wine. The tour stops at historic sites and backstreet eateries, giving you a sense of local life beyond the tourist spots.
What sets this apart is the diversity of flavors—from Indian and Greek dishes to Italian and American favorites—and the inclusion of a handcrafted ice cream stop. The tour’s small size (max 12 people) means you’ll get plenty of tips on where to eat and drink later. The guide, Sonja, is praised for her enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both tasty and educational.
Guests say the tour offers “interesting stories about Monterey’s past and present,” and the included wines and beers add a nice touch. It’s ideal for those who want a full-day food adventure with historical context.
Bottom line: If you love trying many cuisines and want a leisurely, well-rounded meal with local stories, this tour offers excellent value for its length and variety.
3. Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea
Number 3 offers a quick, 2-hour introduction to Carmel’s most iconic sights. The Guided 2-Hour Carmel Tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the town’s key landmarks like the First Murphy House, Church of the Wayfarer, and Hog’s Breath Inn. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear stories about Carmel’s artistic roots and its quirky architecture.
What makes this tour attractive is its focus on Carmel’s unique character, including stories of how it became an artist enclave and its famous residents. Reviews highlight how engaging and well-paced the guide is, with many noting the personal insights shared that aren’t in guidebooks. The tour is ideal for first-timers seeking a brief but rich overview.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers who want a concise, friendly tour that covers Carmel’s highlights and local lore without a long commitment.
4. Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk
Number 4 is the Point Lobos Nature Walk, which offers a quick yet immersive way to experience one of California’s most stunning coastal parks. For 2.5 hours, a guide takes you through the park’s wooded areas, cliffs, and coves, sharing stories about its wildlife, geology, and ecology.
What makes this tour stand out is the wildlife spotting—seals, otters, deer, and sea lions often appear—and the expert guidance that helps you find the best vantage points. The tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the park’s highlights. Although some reviews mention the walk can be about 3 miles, most find it manageable with a good guide.
Bottom line: Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate the focus on wildlife and scenic vistas in a manageable timeframe; ideal if you want an active outdoor experience.
5. Discover the real Monterey – the Original Monterey Walking Tours
Number 5 is the Original Monterey Walking Tours, which takes you off the typical tourist trail. This 2-hour, 15-minute walk focuses on hidden corners, historic buildings, and local stories that most visitors miss. You’ll visit Plymouth Rock, see the site where California’s constitution was drafted, and explore quiet courtyards and old adobes.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on authentic Monterey rather than just the waterfront. Visitors praise the guide Shirley for her colorful storytelling and knowledge, which brings the city’s past alive. If you’re interested in California’s early days and want to see less-touristy sites, this tour offers great value.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and those wanting a meaningful, less commercialized experience of Monterey’s roots.
6. Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Number 6 combines two passions: wine and walking. The Carmel Wine Tasting and Walking Tour runs about 3 hours and introduces you to Carmel’s best local wineries and hidden spots. Led by a friendly sommelier, you’ll sample specific local varieties like Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, while learning about the region’s climate and soil that influence the wines.
What makes this tour special is its focus on less obvious areas of Carmel, often hidden behind the main streets. Plus, it’s a chance to get personalized advice on dining and shopping. Guests mention guide Toby’s knowledgeable and passionate approach, which makes the experience both educational and fun.
Bottom line: Great for wine lovers who want a relaxed stroll combined with tastings. It’s a solid choice if you’re interested in understanding more about California’s wine regions.
7. Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Number 7 is the Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour. This hour-long tour blends history and paranormal stories, taking you through historic sites like Colton Hall and the Larkin House. Led by a passionate guide, it’s designed to entertain and educate, especially if you enjoy spooky tales.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on Monterey’s dark side—from haunted houses to ghostly legends—delivered in a family-friendly manner. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthralling storytelling and the fun of walking through Monterey’s streets at night. It’s perfect if you want a brief, atmospheric experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for history and ghost enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of fun and spooky storytelling without a long commitment.
8. Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea
Rounding out our list, the Carmel Walk Guided Tour is a 2-hour exploration praised for its lively, knowledgeable guides and its focus on local stories and architecture. It’s a highly-rated experience, featured in major newspapers, that takes you from the historic Pine Inn to the Carmel Art Association, uncovering stories behind the town’s most iconic spots.
This tour excels at revealing Carmel’s artistic and literary history, making it attractive for those interested in culture. Reviewers love how the guide makes the town’s colorful characters come alive and how many hidden details are uncovered along the way.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for history and art lovers who want a guided, engaging stroll through Carmel’s best stories and sites.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour
When selecting your walking tour, consider your interests and time. Foodies should opt for the Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour or Old Monterey Food Tour, which combine tastings with local stories. If you love wine, the Wine Tasting and Walking Tour offers a relaxed, educational experience.
History enthusiasts may prefer the Discover the Real Monterey or Carmel Walk Guided Tour, both rich in stories and hidden spots. For a spooky twist, the Monterey Ghosts Tour delivers ghostly tales in a fun, family-friendly format.
Practical tips include booking early during peak seasons, especially for small-group experiences, and choosing tours that match your walking comfort level. For example, if you want a full day of culinary sampling, the Old Monterey Food Tour is a good investment, while a quick introduction to Carmel’s architecture is best suited for the Guided 2-Hour Tour.
Final Thoughts
Monterey and Carmel offer an array of engaging walking tours that cater to different tastes. Food lovers will enjoy the Carmel Small Group Food & Cultural Tour for its flavorful tastings, while history buffs can dive into Monterey’s past with Discover the Real Monterey. Nature enthusiasts should consider the Point Lobos Nature Walk for stunning coastal scenery.
For those who enjoy stories with a touch of mystery, the Monterey Ghosts Tour is sure to entertain. Whatever your interests, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your pace and curiosity will ensure a memorable experience. These towns are best explored on foot—so lace up your shoes and get ready to discover their stories one step at a time.