Things to do in Carmel, California (CA): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore the rugged Carmel coastline where you will have stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach. The tour winds its way through the charming tree-lined streets of Carmel Point where you'll discover a number of the unique homes built on this one-time windswept treeless bluff. Along the way, you'll hear about Carmel's famous houses, its flora and fauna, the movies filmed on the point, and the first softball league in the US. You'll come across some colorful characters from the past such as Jean Arthur and Robinson Jeffers. The tour is ready whenever you are. The tour begins and ends at the Walker House Cabin on the Rocks. So start your tour with the VoiceMap app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel Point Walking tour. Happy Adventures!

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap App for Android and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food and drink

This self-guided walking audio tour explores off-the-beaten-path areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will walk through Carmel’s quiet and charming northwest side of town, which is home to artist Mary Austin’s Rose Cottage. Discover the hidden Jane Powers Walkway, named after an early Carmelite artist, and hear her fascinating story. You will visit Carmel’s historic Pine Inn where you might decide to visit the bar for a cocktail or a snack. There will be the opportunity to see First Murphy House, a museum of early Carmel history. Operating hours are Tuesday – Thursday 12pm to 3pm. Then the tour takes you to the north end of Carmel Beach where you will see the gorgeous Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tour passes by the early homes of Robinson and Una Jeffers where you will hear the story of this famous Carmel couple. The tour is ready whenever you are. It plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone’s GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which works offline.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to Carmel-by-the-Sea: Off the Beaten Path tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/Drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Historic Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This 60-minute tour is designed to keep you on the move while walking at a reasonably slow pace, and still see all of the main sites. You can pause the tour at any time to get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. This tour will cover about 15 square blocks of the downtown Carmel to give you a “lay of the land”. You'll explore some of Carmel’s quaint courtyards and passageways and walk by a number of wine rooms, art galleries, restaurants and hotels. You'll also learn about Carmel’s founding fathers, distinctive architecture and storied past and provides numerous photo opportunities. The tour begins and ends at the Carmel Plaza. En route, you'll pass two public restrooms and four ATM’s. So start your tour with the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap App for Android and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food and drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Explore the Historic Hill District of Carmel-by-the-Sea and enjoy a self-paced, self-guided audio tour of Carmel’s famous Comstock Fairy Tale cottages. This walking tour will lead you past eleven of the more famous fairy tale style homes in Carmel. You will learn about the history behind these homes, the architectural style and the builder, Hugh Comstock. This walking tour, which offers numerous photo opportunities, is less than one mile and will take under one hour to walk. The tour begins and ends at the Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue and Junipero Street, where you will find the Carmel Visitor’s Center, an ATM, a public restroom, numerous unique shopping options, restaurants, as well as three wine tasting rooms. So start the tour, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of the Fairy Tale Homes of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The tour plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone’s GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app works offline. Please note: Gretel is currently undergoing renovation, so unfortunately for the time being, the view of both Hansel and Gretel is blocked by fencing.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to Fairy Tale Houses of Carmel-by-the-Sea tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/Drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

This small-group tour to spectacular Monterey, iconic 17-Mile Drive, and glorious Yosemite National Park, allows you to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Northern California in just two days. Cruise along California’s unforgettable coastline through Highway 1, pass the mansions on the iconic 17-Mile Drive, and explore Monterey and its famous Aquarium on the first day of your tour. On your second day, walk through the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, enjoy the stunning views of Half –Dome and El Capitan, and swim or bike around the base of Yosemite Falls. Your tour of the Northern California Essentials includes one night of accommodation either in the heart of Yosemite Valley or at a nearby lodge.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, 17-Mile Drive entrance, Yosemite National Park entrance, Complimentary hotel pick-up / drop-off from select San Francisco hotels, 1 night accomodation inclided in or near Yosemite National Park

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Food and beverage

Experience a spectacular driving tour that follows Highway 1 to Big Sur, often called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” You’ll be greeted by views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, in contrast with the jagged rock cliffs and churning seas. This section of Highway 1, which opened in 1937, is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world. It’s filled with unblemished natural scenery and dotted with four state parks, hidden beaches, rocky coves and rolling hills. On the tour, you’ll cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, pass by the prominent volcanic rock home of the Point Sur Light Station to the Big Sur River Inn and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant before we stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. All stops, visits to state parks and subsequent hikes are optional and parking fees for state parks are not included in the price of this tour.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata , VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Exclusions: Food and drink, Smartphone and headphones, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Transportation