Top Monterey & Carmel Arts & Design

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.

If you’d like to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Scenic Road but don’t want to be stuck in a group tour, try this Carmel-by-the-Sea Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour. This tour allows you to download the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and listen to the tour as you walk along the road at your own pace. Highlights include the Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright, Carmel Beach Overlook, and La Playa Carmel Hotel.

Experience 17-Mile Drive in a whole new way with this affordable driving tour from Monterey to Carmel by the Sea. • Venture off of the main road to explore some of the rewarding sights found along this stretch of Monterey’s peninsula including some of the oldest Cypress trees in existence • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, a California native with a penchant for telling stories • Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Explore the Carmel coastline on this self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour. Wind your way through the charming tree-lined streets of Carmel Point where you'll discover unique homes built on the one-time windswept treeless bluff. Take in stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach, and Carmel River State Beach. Along the way, learn about Carmel's famous houses, its flora and fauna, the movies filmed on the point, and the first softball league in the U.S.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California's most famous whale-watching destinations.

Discover the natural and manmade beauty of 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike tour from Pacific Grove. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground without getting worn out. The tour is great for the whole family, with the option to ride tandem with children weighing up to 120 lbs (54 kgs). Along the way, learn about the area from your guide and make stops at impressive viewpoints.

Discover a new side of Monterey—and get up close and personal with its wetlands and wildlife—on this family-friendly boat tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and hop aboard your electric-powered catamaran. The boat offers up-close views of the Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that’s home to animals ranging from sea lions and otters to bird species and more. Learn more as you go from your naturalist guide.

Enjoy an independent sightseeing tour by Sea Car to discover Monterey Bay and the Central Coast at your own pace. Aboard a 2-seater, GPS-guided convertible that navigates itself, you can cruise along the Pacific shoreline or through town. Listen to recorded commentary about attractions like Monterey’s historical center, and admire views of the ocean. The scooter car tells you where to drive, from Cannery Row and more.

Look for whales during a boat tour from Monterey, the premier destination in northern California for winter whale watching. Learn about the majestic animals from a marine biologist or naturalist guide who shares detailed commentary about the whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and natural history of the region.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and wine 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 wine. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

Drive through the streets of Monterey and Pacific Grove in a Sea Car, a 2-seat vehicle with GPS-enabled tour narrative. Skip renting a car and make your own way around Fisherman's Wharf, Lover's Point, and Cannery Row.

Explore so many wonderful spots in Big Sur with this self-drive audio tour that goes down the Pacific Coast Highway, California’s Highway 1. Just download the app, then get the map and password, and your route is all there, marked for you. You get to keep this information forever- it does not expire. You can go at your own pace, and choose where you want to stop and spend a little extra time.

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.

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.

Leave behind the awkward group walking tours and explore Carmel-by-the-Sea on your own, off the beaten path—but with a guide in your pocket. Using just your smartphone (the guide works offline), you’ll travel from Mary Austin’s Rose Cottage to the First Murphy House to the hidden Jane Powers Walkway and beyond. Stop and start as you like, learning about every nook and cranny you pass along the way.

Are you looking for a way to gallery hop around Carmel-by-the-Sea's art scene at your own pace? See 18 galleries and studios with this affordable self-guided walking tour. • Find out what makes this small seaside city a mecca for modern day Bohemian artists • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, who co-authored the book Historic Homes and Inns of Carmel-by-the-Sea • Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.