The 7 Best Walking Tours in Monterey and Carmel
Exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea on foot offers a way to see the towns in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and often more intimate than bus or car tours. These coastal gems are packed with history, stunning scenery, and quirky stories that are best appreciated at a leisurely pace. Whether you want to spot sea otters along rugged cliffs, walk through historic streets lined with art galleries, or sip local wines while learning about the region, there’s a walk for you.
Many tours highlight the area’s vibrant marine life, historic roots, and artistic spirit. Best of all, most tours run in small groups, so you get personal attention and plenty of interaction with knowledgeable guides. Here’s our list of the seven best walking tours—carefully selected for their balance of insight, uniqueness, and value.
1. Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk
At number 1 on our list, the Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk offers a quick yet comprehensive look at one of California’s most spectacular coastal parks. This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the best of Point Lobos. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore wooded areas, cliffs, and coves where you can often spot sea otters, seals, deer, and sea lions. The guide’s expertise helps you understand the area’s ecological and historical significance, making the experience more meaningful.
This tour limits itself to just 14 people, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of personal interaction. Reviewers praise the guide’s passion and knowledge, with comments like, “Monica’s knowledge and passion are infectious.” The tour covers a lot — from wildlife to the area’s history — in just about two and a half hours, making it ideal for those who want a taste of Point Lobos without dedicating an entire day.
Bottom line: If you want a focused, intimate experience with wildlife and scenic vistas, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially well-suited for travelers with limited time or mobility who still crave a rich encounter with this beautiful reserve.
2. Explore the Cannery Row most visitors never see!
Number 2 is the Explore the Cannery Row most visitors never see!. This 1.5- to 2-hour guided walk takes you from the breakwater to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, along the historic waterfront of Cannery Row. It’s an excellent choice for history and literary fans, as the tour captures the era when Monterey was known as the “Sardine Capital of the World”.
Led by a local guide, the walk reveals behind-the-scenes stories about the fishing and canning industry, and you’ll learn how the area inspired John Steinbeck’s writing. You’ll also observe local wildlife, such as sea lions, lounging on docks or swimming nearby. The tour’s central meeting point makes it easy to join, and the pace is relaxed enough for photos and questions.
Reviewers mention how “Shirley’s stories about Cannery Row made history come alive,” and “it was a fun, colorful walk with fascinating details about the culture and people.” It’s a great way to connect with Monterey’s past without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in maritime history and local stories, this tour offers an engaging walk with plenty of visual and historical details.
3. Discover the real Monterey – the Original Monterey Walking Tours
Number 3 features the Discover the real Monterey, a 2-hour 15-minute walk that uncovers hidden corners most visitors overlook. This tour focuses on historic buildings, quiet garden courtyards, and important sites like Colton Hall, where California’s constitution was drafted. You’ll also stand on the precise spot where California was born, deepening your understanding of the state’s origins.
Led by a passionate guide, the tour includes a visit to California’s “Constitution Hall” and stories about Monterey’s role in shaping the early statehood. The walk emphasizes local architecture, stories about Sloat’s Landing, and the city’s connection to broader California history. Visitors note how “John’s storytelling made the past feel immediate” and enjoyed exploring areas less traveled by travelers.
This tour balances education with entertainment, making it ideal for history enthusiasts who want a deeper dive into Monterey’s roots.
Bottom line: For those seeking a stroll through history and a chance to stand where California was born, this tour offers an insightful, well-rounded experience.
4. Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Number 4 is the Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a 3-hour experience blending wine education with exploration of Carmel’s charming streets. Led by experts like Toby, this tour combines visits to local wineries with a walk through the town’s art galleries and boutique shops. The guides are happy to share insider tips on where to dine, shop, and relax.
This small-group tour offers the chance to sample local wines, learn how they’re crafted, and discover hidden corners most travelers miss. Reviewers describe Toby as “fabulous,” and praise the “knowledgeable and passionate” approach. The tour is particularly suited for people who want to enjoy cultural enrichment alongside wine tastings.
While $159 per person might seem steep, the experience’s depth—small group, expert guides, and tasting opportunities—makes it a strong value. It’s best for those who want to indulge in both a city walk and wine education.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers and culture seekers, this tour combines Carmel’s scenic streets with tasting sessions in a relaxed, intimate setting.
5. Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Number 5 takes you into Monterey’s spooky side with the Ghosts Walking Tour. This one-hour tour explores haunted sites like Larkin House and Colton Hall, where stories of spirits and paranormal activity are shared with a theatrical flair. Led by a passionate guide, the tour balances dark history with fun ghost stories that appeal to both adults and older children.
Reviewers mention the guide’s storytelling talent, noting, “Louie’s passion and detailed stories made the dark past come alive,” and the tour is considered family-friendly. The route covers Monterey’s haunted landmarks, providing a different perspective on the city’s history.
This tour is ideal if you’re interested in history with a supernatural twist or just looking for something a little different after a day of sightseeing.
Bottom line: For those intrigued by paranormal tales and historic mysteries, this lively walk offers a spooky yet educational experience.
6. Monterey: Ocean Paradise, Trolley and Walking Tour
Number 6 combines trolley rides with walking in the Monterey Ocean Paradise tour, but with only four reviews, it ranks lower for depth. The three- to four-hour tour includes a trolley ride around downtown, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and San Carlos Beach, ending with a walk along the scenic coastline.
While it offers a broad overview with stops at fishing wharves and beaches, many reviews suggest the pace is more leisurely and less focused. It’s suited for those who prefer a broader sightseeing experience combined with some walking but not necessarily looking for in-depth stories.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, scenic overview of Monterey’s highlights with some walking, this tour fits the bill, especially for families or first-timers.
7. Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour
Finally, our number 7 is a private walking tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For just $17, you’ll explore quaint streets, cottage gardens, and art-filled alleyways. It’s a flexible, personalized experience that can include stops at the First Murphy House, Cottage of Sweets, and the Church of the Wayfarer.
While reviews are mixed—some mention the app was “easy to use,” but others found the stops not to their taste—this tour is perfect for those who want a tailored experience and are comfortable with a modest budget. It’s especially suitable for couples or small groups seeking a quick, customizable walk.
Bottom line: If you prefer a private, budget-friendly tour with the flexibility to choose what interests you most, this option is worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour
When picking your walking tour, consider your interests, budget, and available time. For wildlife and scenic views, the Point Lobos Nature Walk is unbeatable. If you’re a history buff, the Discover Monterey or Old Monterey Tours will satisfy your curiosity. Wine enthusiasts should look into the Carmel wine-tasting walk, while those seeking a thrill or spooky stories will enjoy the Ghosts Tour.
Think about your energy level—some tours last over two hours, others are shorter or more relaxed. If you’re pressed for time, the guided Point Lobos hike or Cannery Row walk offer quick yet memorable experiences. For an in-depth plan, check the Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk, or if you want a bit of everything, the Monterey Ocean Paradise Tour could be perfect.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to guarantee your spot and lock in any special rates.
Final Thoughts
From wildlife hikes and historic walks to ghost stories and wine tastings, Monterey and Carmel offer a variety of walking tours tailored to different interests and energy levels. For a quick dose of nature, the Point Lobos tour stands out. History lovers will appreciate the depth of the Old Monterey and Discovery tours, while those in search of a fun, spooky experience might prefer the Ghosts walk.
If you’re planning a trip, consider what excites you most—whether it’s wildlife, history, wine, or a mix—and pick the tour that best suits your style. Remember, booking in advance ensures you don’t miss out on these engaging local experiences.