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‘s Included
Award winning, 2-hour guided tour through the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea!
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.
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Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
It was nice to go with a...
Bob G,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was nice to go with a local in order to experience several of the hidden courtyards throughout Carmel by the Sea. It was very informative with good knowledge.
Unique fantastically beautiful and charming little town, with proud nice residents. Incredibly clean, well planned and picturesque
Zara N,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful elderly lady as a real was part of Carmel’s history. Told wonderful stories and anecdotes about this amazing little town, Took us to little favorite places we never found ourselves.
Six Stars
W63AXbillg,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A walking tour that fits the village. Whimsical, energetic, fun, educational, informative and 100% delightful. Gael is a local treasure. Don't miss this tour.
Don't miss this tour.
traveltheworld222,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had the honor of a tour with Gael Gallagher. I say honor, because we expected a group and it was just the three of us. Also, Gael is witty, sharp and passionate and it felt like an honor to have her guide us through Carmel-by-the-Sea. We have taken many tours all over the world. Gael's was our favorite guide ever! We had never been to this charming city. My husband planned the trip and his research led him to Gael at Carmel Walks. It was perfect planning that this tour was the first thing did on the first day of our trip. Gael's enthusiasm set the stage for a spectacular vacation. Her knowledge of literature (she quoted Steinbeck so beautifully, I was almost in tears), history and nature made the city come alive. She led us through alleys, courtyard and hidden paths that we never would have discovered on our own. I cherish the experience we shared. Gael is one in a million.
Gael was great! Very...
Annie C,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gael was great! Very knowledgable and kept the tour fun. We made it to spots in Carmel we never would've stumbled upon on our own.
Informative Tour!
elizabethbC6543PK,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour all be it not exactly what we expected. Come to find out, there are only a handful of the fairytale cottages, which we did get to see and learn about. The remainder of the tour was learning about galleries, restaurants and shops in Carmel which was great too!
Excellent, interesting and fun tour!
Mary K,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gael is an excellent, enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide. We live locally and brought our out of town family on the Carmel Walk tour. We all learned so much interesting history and enjoyed exploring many hidden courtyards. Thanks Gael! We appreciate you sharing yourself with us for a very enjoyable few hours.
A must go!
Jari J,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Gael was A FABULOUS PERSON TO TAKE TOURS WITH! Very knowledgeable, smart, wise, very funny, welcoming, kind, sweet, awesome, positive and over all a joy to have been with 2 hours. Found many gems around the town, history, more yummy places to try and walk ways that had some of the most BEAUTIFUL scenes! Highly recommend! Thank you ms. Gael!
Gail is the best!
241mercedc,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide-Gail was wonderful!. She is so knowledgeable and gave our little girl a fantastic experience. I would recommend her all the tours in the Monterey area.
From $40.00
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