Top Monterey & Carmel Pop Culture

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.

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.

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.

Hop on our chilling top rated ghost tour. The premier Monterey Bay Ghost tour! Hidden in the mists of Monterey Bay, nightmares of Old Cali’s past roam free. Take a Monterey ghost tour to uncover the deadly truths lurking in the depths of California’s First City. Walk through areas where real killings and unexplained activity have been consistently researched and recorded. Experience the utter horror of ghastly stories from old jails, abandoned theaters, and haunted hotels that remain home to more than just unexplained terrors. If you’re looking for a night of fear and fun, this experience is one you’ll never forget, in your wildest dreams or most chilling nightmares.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.