Private Tour
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Are you looking for a way to see Carmel’s famous Comstock Cottages without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable audio tour.
• See 11 fairytale cottages, and find out about architect Hugh Comstock, who married a dollmaker here in the 1920s
• Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse who co-authored a book about Carmel's historic homes
• Do it all in 40 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 pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Please note that this is a hilly walk.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
The tour takes place in Carmel by the Sea.
Fairy Tale Cottages of Hugh Comstock
The tour explores Hugh Comstock's Fairy-Tale Cottages.
What‘s Included
Lifetime access to Fairy Tale Houses of Carmel-by-the-Sea tour
VoiceMap Application
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone
Transportation
Food/Drink
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Options
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Reviews
92 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun / Informative Walking Tour
scottwatanabe,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun and informative walking tour of the cottages of Carmel! Loved the clear walking directions and the interesting historical and architectural facts. The narrator also had a very pleasant voice. The only thing it would have been nice to know before starting is that the tour takes you up and down steep hills, and there aren’t any sidewalks for a good portion of the tour. All in all, a great experience and would recommend!
Self-guided fairytale houses Carmel by the Sea
claire t,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The GPS technology allows us to explore the beautiful neighborhood at our own pace. We learned many stories behind these quaint Victorian cottages! It’s a great way to spend time away from the usual Ocean Ave crowds and an enjoyable way to pack in some exercise! Love it!
Great for a couple
Lauren P,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a bit of an effort to get it started & figure it out, but overall it was worth it! Learned enough and saw everything we needed without the burden & time suck of a group tour.
Terrible experience!
Reeta M,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00It was terrible. We were unable to use the app and saw no cottages. The app should give you directions and voice as soon as you click on the cottages. Worst experience ever.
Voicemap app sucks! Didn’t get to tour the cottages
tameera94,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I didn’t even get to do the tour because the app wouldn’t work. I created an account and entered my code but the app never downloaded the info so I could listen.
Whimsical Architecture
JeffH847,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great walking tour of a neighborhood we hadn't seen before. It's pretty hilly, but short in distance. Saw some very quirky little houses and the commentary was just the right length for each point of interest. The app worked perfectly, Android phone.
Excellent
Tourist02146851936,,Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The self guided tour was great. Clear directions and easy to follow along. The architectural content was perfect, just enough, not too overwhelming. I loved it!
A pleasant walk while learning something new
RetroFan,,May 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00As a first time user of this app, we had a slow start but ultimately we enjoyed the walk and the commentary. There are TWO hotels with the same name so the street associated with it is important! We found free parking in a lot not too far away and the public restrooms were close by. We capped off our Hugh Comstock adventure by having lunch at The Tuck Box which is in a cottage he designed. It’s lovely to see the continuing care of this unique area.
Do Not Be Fooled
Cynthia P,,May 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00This app was horrible. We wanted to visit “Fairytale Houses” and instead, the map was taking us from art gallery to art gallery. What do art galleries have to do with fairytale houses!?! Such a waste of time and money! I’ve used Viator many times. Was so disappointed this time.
Beautiful walk
BoardingPass672664,,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great audio tour. Enjoyed the stroll at our pace. Very informative and fun for our group. Highly recommend this easy to use tour and ap.
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