Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
As featured in the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, CARMEL WALKS is the premier walking tour voted "best of" by Trip Advisor in 2024. You'll embark on a delightful 2-hour adventure with a lively, well-informed local guide through the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea—a village celebrated for its storybook architecture, scenic coastal beauty, and vibrant artistic legacy. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, hear the stories behind the town’s most colorful characters, and gain fresh insights into the culture that makes Carmel truly one of a kind.
Meander through charming streets and secret passageways, explore award-winning galleries, lush gardens, and historic landmarks steeped in legend. The listed itinerary is just the beginning—plenty of unlisted delights are in store.
Well behaved dogs are most welcomed on this fun walk too.
Let us show you the very best of this whimsical village! You’ll leave inspired, enchanted, and—dare we say—feeling like a local.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We'll embark on your journey at The Pine Inn, nestled on Ocean Avenue, where you're invited to experience Carmel’s timeless charm in the comfort of its historic elegance. Just steps from Carmel Beach, allow yourself to delight in the fresh sea breeze as you learn how the original Hotel Carmelo was carefully moved down Ocean Avenue—on actual pine logs—and how that remarkable journey gave rise to its current moniker. It’s a story of ingenuity, charm, and the spirit that helped shape Carmel’s character.
The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
We’ll step into The Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden and you’ll feel as though you’ve discovered Carmel’s best-kept secret. Cherished by locals and visitors since 1969, this warm and independent bookstore has been more than a place to find books—it’s a community haven, a cozy gathering spot where literary curiosity and creativity flourish. Tucked behind the shop, a tranquil garden awaits your discovery. Fountains, statues, crystals, and handmade treasures—each thoughtfully chosen to uplift the spirit—come together to create a sanctuary and oasis for the curious soul.
What‘s Included
Award winning, 2-hour guided tour through the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea!
Options
Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gail knows the ins and...
Steven h,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gail knows the ins and outs of Carmel. We explored more in 2 hours than we would have in a week on our own.
Gael brings a sleepy town alive
Debbie L,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gael is a very lively and engaged guide...and even tho I am a local, I took 4 friends visiting from out of town, we all learned something new facts about Carmel and its history. My guests all say they would take the tour again but only with Gael
Fantastic experience
Excursion03852899293,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience !!! Gael was so energetic and fun. I would recommend this walking tour to everyone ! She was so informative as she gave us glimpses of back alleys and passageways with charming stories that only a resident of Carmel for over 55 years could.
Carmel Walking Tour
Angeline R,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely afternoon spent with Gail showing us the ins and outs of beautiful quaint Carmel. We've been to Carmel many times but Gail introduced us to the best kept secrets!
Walking Tour
544paigea,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great time! Gael was wonderful and very informative! Highly recommend! Carmel is beautiful and there is so much to see. Thank you!
Gael’s tour is hands-down the BEST!!
robeM1922QT,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gael was wonderful (once again)!! This was my second time booking a tour with Gael. My family was in town visiting and they were absolutely blown away by how fun, knowledgeable, and personable Gael is during her tours. She also has more than one route so even when you book a second or third time, you see lots of things you weren’t exposed to in previous tours. I will be booking a private tour with her in a few months when some friends will be visiting. Gael is truly a “landmark” worth visiting while you’re in Carmel-by-the-sea … she’ll show you more in 2 hours than you would find on your own in 2 weeks. Can’t say enough good things about this tour and specifically Gael!! Thank you Gael for the very memorable experience!!!
Finding Carmel’s Hidden Treasures!
automan1919,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great walking tour of the many hidden gems of downtown Carmel! Our guide Gale was very informative and funny. Learned a lot and had fun doing it. Highly recommended.
Carmel walking wonderment!
Laura K,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gael made the tour MAGICAL with her knowledge, kindness and wit. We have been visiting Carmel for 30! years and didn’t know most of the hidden treasures she shared with us. I HIGHLY recommend Gael’s tour to anyone wanting to learn more about this gorgeous sea village
Wonderful tour with an amazing guide!
jillcI9777ME,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the tour with Gail on our first day in Carmel and are so thankful that we did! She was so knowledgeable about the town and her love for the area was evident. She provided us with so many tips and ideas of places to eat, attractions to see and local shops to browse. We fell in love with Carmel and wish we could have stayed longer because there was still so much we wanted to see. We will definitely be back and will look Gail up! She even provided us with her number to text in case we had any questions during our stay.
Great walking tour
genec958,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gael was great!. She showed us the back courtyards that we would never have seen and the best ways in and out of hisoric buildings. Lots of history and anecdotes. Highly recommend Gael to be your guide
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