Top Monterey & Carmel Tours by Duration

Book this group tour to spot whales breaching at Sunset in Monterey Bay. Each tour is led by a naturalist or marine biologist who will help to find the whales and tell you all about them. Sip provided coffee or tea while you cruise for around three hours looking for whales. You’ll also keep costs down by booking this shared tour.

California’s Highway 1 is a scenic and beautiful route that many visitors and locals alike enjoy driving, mainly for the views alone. Skip a crowded bus tour and book this Big Sur PCH Highway 1 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour instead that allows you to explore the area at your own pace in the comfort of your own vehicle. Listen to the audio guide as you drive and take in fun stories, too.

Price starting at $129 per person for party of 6, $198 per person for 3, $278 per person for 2. This is a 6 hour private charter excursion by local driver guide using full size SUV. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer state park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe and McWay Falls and many other places. This is not a group tour.

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.

Travel around California’s central coast in a GPS-guided Sea Car on this tour. Go for a spin in a self-drive 2-seater convertible that not only navigates itself, but talks to you along the way. Cruise through areas of Monterey and Pacific Grove as you hear fun facts about major landmarks, and see well-known spots such as Cannery Row, Lake El Estero, and Asilomar State Beach.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Explore one of America's most iconic coasts on a 2-day tour from San Jose to Los Angeles. On day 1, we'll drive through Northern California redwood country to see Big Sur, Monterey and Santa Cruz, stopping at Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer State Park and Nepenthe and other stops of interest. On day 2, we'll take the train to Los Angeles from your Monterey, Carmel or Salinas hotel (room expense not included).

Our private wine/brew tours are for those that wish to experience award winning California wines and unique craft beer while travelling in a 1970 VW bus.

Get the full California experience while you listen to this ultimate bundle of narrated audio Golden State drives. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe, seek celebrities in LA, and take a cruise down the rugged Pacific Coast Highway. In the Bay Area, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and hear stories of start-up success in Silicon Valley. For the best experience, stick to the route and suggested speed limit. Check opening hours before your visit.

See great white sharks in their natural habitat from the safety and comfort from the Sea Goddess. An elevated deck will provide the best viewpoint for spotting these amazing creatures. This 3-4 hour tour heads towards the Shark Rookery while you search for humpback whales, killer whales and dolphins along the way!

This Carmel Valley wine tasting tour stands out by offering tastings at three wineries and lunch. Take a ride from Monterey to Carmel Valley Village and two more venues for tasting renowned wines and lesser-known gems. Have lunch at one of two spots nearby before returning to Monterey, taking home wine glass and wine opener souvenirs.

Looking for a little backcountry adventure with gorgeous views? Take an e-bike ride with us on the Old Coast Road Tour! From panoramic ocean views to the enchanted redwood forest, experience Big Sur on the pioneer’s wagon road. What once was a road for horses and wagons has evolved into a rough 4x4 dirt road that runs 10 miles through the hills and valleys of northern Big Sur. Much of the ride is through the middle of a 7,100 acre ranch that has been running cattle here since 1834. Depending on the season, there may be cows on the road! The hills are intense, so be ready to challenge your balance. Our powerful Pedego eBikes smooth out the daunting climbs. But riders over 180 lb should be prepared to pedal when climbing the hills. And be ready for some long descents on loose dirt (or mud in the winter). Local guides will make the ride come alive with fun info about the flora & fauna that we pass along the way. There's so much fun history that makes Big Sur special!

Explore the famous 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, Monterey, with a self-guided audio tour! Learn about iconic landmarks like Lone Cyprus, Seal Rock, and Spanish Bay as you drive past. Discover the history behind Cannery Row, Monterey's Aquarium, and Fisherman's Wharf. This self-guided driving tour allows you to explore 17 Mile Drive with maximum flexibility and value. Do you plan to add more travel to your Monterey trip — perhaps cruising down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), visiting SF, exploring LA, or checking out any of California’s famous national parks? Then my California Tour Bundle is right for you! California’s a huge, beautiful state, so why limit yourself to just one part of it? California Bundle includes: • Joshua Tree NP • Big Sur • Pacific Coast Highway • Silicon Valley • Lake Tahoe • La Jolla • San Francisco • LA filming locations • Hollywood celebrity homes • Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP • Death Valley NP • Yosemite NP • Hoover Dam • 17 Mile Drive