Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea

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From $35.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee

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Adult (17-100) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15

Child (5-16) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15

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Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: German, English, French, Spanish
Local guide

Overview

Your walk opens up a whole new vista of Carmel for you while our guides, who are skilled storytellers, weave together the tales of the arts and artists, architecture and history and the unbelievable stories of the people who created this unique village in a forest which is Carmel.

Meeting points

Garden Courtyard of the Pine Inn Hotel, Ocean Avenue & Lincoln Street

End point

Open in Google Maps

In front of the Carmel Art Association Gallery on Dolores Street.

Itinerary

First Murphy House

Have you wondered why and how the unique Village of Carmel-by-the-Sea was created? Join us and hear the story of the artist village which has charmed visitors from all over the world. Have you ever heard of the Milk Shrine or of a teenager building a home and becoming a master builder, way back in 1902?

15 minutes
Golden Bough Playhouse

We stop at our first of many charming courtyards. Here is the site of the original theater of the Golden Bough and we become acquainted with the fascinating story of Ted Kuster, the man who realized his dream of building "one of the most beautiful and best equipped small theaters in America". We will share some of the personal experiences of the people who used to attend the fabulous performances.

10 minutes
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On our way to L'Auberge we will pass City Hall. Do you remember which famous film star and film director was once mayor here? Enjoy the interesting story of what prompted this little town to incorporate in 1916. Right next door is L'Auberge Carmel with its amazing European architecture. Hear the unlikely story of the young man who's dream this was. You will think you are just stepping into historic Prague. There is even a token of that heritage incorporated in the building. Can you guess what that might be?

15 minutes
Church of The Wayfarer

Entering through the beautiful biblical garden we arrive at the quaint church of the Wayfarer. With it's slate roof and small bell tower it resembles a chapel in a forest. In historic fashion the bell is still rung by hand and the stained glass windows are worth a visit. You will find that dogs are everywhere and you will hear the story of the unique place dogs occupy in Carmel.

10 minutes
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Architecture and Hollywood fame come together here. One of films most loved darlings, Doris Day, was invested here and the Inn is testament to her lasting fame. A visit here evokes California's Spanish past through the architecture and beautiful glazed tile work.

10 minutes
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No visit to this charming village would be complete without a stop at one of it's many fairytale cottages. Whimsical and intriguing buildings with a fun story of how this style evolved completely by chance. Here is a hint: "What would a young man in love not do for the girl of his dreams?" We find our way in an out of hidden passage ways and gardens, among amazing shops and fabulous galleries, all while being entertained with tidbits of Carmel's history.

20 minutes
Devendorf Park

Our walk will take us past a couple of unique artist studios where, if we are lucky, we have a chance to meet the artist. The smell of fresh coffee and bakery goods accompanies us as we enter Devendorf Park which is well guarded by an immense California Live Oak tree.

10 minutes
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A bit of lore about actor and film director Clint Eastwood brings us to the wonderful restaurant, the Hog's Breath Inn, next to the Eastwood Building. Its many little fireplaces are keeping diners warm in the patio, and the bar sports wild boar heads, hunting trophies, and a reminder of the man who said: "Go ahead, make my day!"

10 minutes
The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden

If you are a book lover you will want to come back here for a visit after the tour. This unique independent books store also is host to the Secret Garden. Here, in this serene and peaceful atmosphere we find ourselves inside an authentic geodesic dome from the 1970's. If you are old enough to remember the hippy era you will feel right at home!

10 minutes
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Are you wondering what there is so special that we would stop at the post office? Like "everything Carmel" the post office was the common gathering spot where you collected your mail and met your new neighbors. However, Carmel and its people do not take themselves too seriously and, so they shall never forget, a steady reminder greets them every time they pick up their mail. You will enjoy their sense of humor.

5 minutes
Carmel Art Association

No surprise that our last stop is at a veritable Carmel institution. The Art Association was founded at the very beginning of Carmel's existence and has survived in various forms over a century. It is still owned by dozens of talented artists. A rotating offering, a fabulous variety of high quality sculptures and paintings are on display and for sale. If you love art, this is a "Must See" .

5 minutes

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

February 05100% refund

February 06No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

92 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

91
4 stars

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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 91 reviews with 5 stars

Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide

Published on Feb, 2025

Our tour guide, Monica, was a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of Carmel by the Sea. Our tour path circled the downtown area and touched on numerous historical sites and personalities. Monica is a talented storyteller with a deep knowledge of Carmel and the surrounding area. She is friendly and interacted with all the Carmel regulars who crossed our path. She was generous with her time and knowledge. We highly recommend this tour. If we are in the area in the future, I would enjoy taking the other tours she offers.

10 out of 10!

Published on Jan, 2025

Monica was an amazing story teller with so many amazing facts about the area. I wasn't sure what to expect but her tour far exceeded any expectation! 10 out of 10! Would HIGHLY recommend!

Carmel History Comes Alive

Published on Jan, 2025

Monica is warm, witty, insightful, and well researched with personal interviews of historically influencial Carmel figures. She has a unique ability to bring it all together in story form..

Carmel Walking Tour

Published on Jan, 2025

Great tour experience with Monica our tout guide. Long time resident of the area,. She knows how to show Carmel with flourish to visitors

No brainer. This tour is worthwhile.

Published on Jan, 2025

Monica, you are charming, delightful, knowledgeable and too fun. Thank you for an unforgettable time.

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