Things to do in Monterey & Carmel
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Monterey: 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Tour & Lone CypressYou ride 16 miles along Monterey's most scenic coastal road on an electric bike, stopping at the Lone Cypress, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Asilomar Beach, and several wildlife lookouts where you'll spot sea otters and seals. The motor handles the hills, your guide handles the stories, and you handle the camera. Three hours, all fitness levels, includes the bike, helmet, water, and a guide who knows the place.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the entire 17-Mile Drive without driving it, and without the strain of a regular bike on the hills — the electric motor and a knowledgeable guide turn three hours into a real tour instead of a workout.
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with Heated Cabins & BiologistYou’ll step onto Monterey Bay’s biggest whale watching boats with heated cabins and 360-degree decks, guided by marine biologists who spot whales year-round. Feel ocean spray on your face, hear excited shouts when dolphins appear, and share small moments with fellow travelers. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s being part of something wild and communal.
Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour: 3-Hour Narrated TripA three-hour whale watching tour on Monterey Bay with a live English-speaking captain who narrates the trip through the sanctuary and surrounding waters. The boats range from 53 to 70 feet, all USCG inspected with indoor seating and onboard restrooms. Parking is available at 201 Washington Street.Is it for me?The experienced captains and three-hour narrated format mean you're not just watching whales—you're learning what you're seeing as it happens, which is what separates this from a simple boat ride.
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Electric Catamaran Tour: Custom-built for local watersAn Elkhorn Slough wildlife tour by electric catamaran from Moss Landing carries up to 32 passengers on a 90-minute narrated cruise through a tidal wetland between Santa Cruz and Monterey. The vessel is custom-built and fully electric, designed specifically for these waters. A live guide in English narrates the route while you scan for otters, sea lions, birds and other wildlife in the slough's peaceful waters.Is it for me?The electric hull is what makes the wildlife visible — no engine noise means otters and sea lions stay put long enough to spot, and the guide's voice carries across the water instead of competing with a motor.
Carmel & Pebble Beach: 17-Mile Drive E-Bike TourYou ride an electric bike along the 17-Mile Drive from Carmel, stopping at Pebble Beach, Point Joe, sea lion colonies, and Cypress Point with a guide who identifies wildlife and shares the geology and history. The e-bike motor handles the climbs, so you can focus on the views and the 30-minute free time at Still Water Cove. Minimum group size is four riders; if your party is smaller, the operator will contact you 24 hours ahead to discuss options.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the 17-Mile Drive's best stops without driving yourself and stopping at random — the e-bike and guide handle the logistics and pacing, leaving you free to look and listen.
Carmel Food Tour: 5 Tastings & Wine with Local GuideYou walk through Carmel-by-the-Sea for three hours with a local guide, stopping at five restaurants and specialty shops for tastings that amount to lunch. Wine or a cocktail is included, along with all beverages and food. Groups stay small — under 16 people — so the pace stays unhurried and the guide can actually share the stories behind each stop. Book with any dietary needs noted in advance.Is it for me?Book this if you want to eat well in Carmel without spending the afternoon researching restaurants or figuring out where to go next — the guide's decade-long relationships with local owners is what makes each stop feel like an insider's secret rather than a tourist stop.
Monterey Bay Whale Watching from Moss LandingYou board at Moss Landing, skip the longer Monterey wharf commute, and head straight to the canyon where marine life congregates. A marine biologist narrates what you're seeing as the boat circles humpbacks, grays, blues, and orcas. The guarantee of year-round sightings and premium upper deck seating mean you're not gambling on weather or luck. You return after three to four hours with restroom access and free parking included.Is it for me?Book this if you want guaranteed whale sightings without arranging your own boat or timing — the canyon location and year-round marine life mean you're not betting on migration season or luck, and the marine biologist guide tells you what you're actually looking at.
Monterey Walking Food Tour: Five Tastings DowntownA guided food tour through Old Monterey's historic downtown that stops at five local restaurants and artisans over three and a half hours. You'll taste savory bites in a historic setting, handcrafted ice cream straight from the kitchen, traditional Indian or Greek dishes, pasta and pizza, local beer or cider, and wine paired with cheese, while your guide shares stories about Monterey's history and cultural landmarks. The tour covers about 1.5 to 2 miles on foot, includes gratuities at each stop, and ends at a wine and cheese venue where you can linger afterward if you choose.Is it for me?Choose this if you want a guide to set the pace and sequence of stops—you'll taste at five different spots while learning the neighborhood's history, rather than planning the route yourself.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Walking Tour of Courtyards, Cottages & ArtYou’ll wander Carmel-by-the-Sea’s winding courtyards with a local guide, peek inside whimsical cottages built for love stories, meet working artists if you’re lucky, and hear tales behind familiar names like Clint Eastwood or Doris Day. Expect laughter over odd traditions—and maybe leave wanting to stay longer than you planned.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Electric Bike Tour with Architecture & Ocean ViewsYou’ll cruise through Carmel-by-the-Sea on an electric bike tour with a local guide—past fairy-tale cottages and oceanfront mansions, stopping for stories at places like Carmel Mission and along Scenic Drive. Expect salty air, quiet neighborhoods, and plenty of quirky history along the way. You’ll leave with sandy shoes—and probably a craving for fresh bread.
Carmel-by-the-Sea walking tour: architecture and hidden gemsA 2-hour guided walking tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea led by a local guide in English, moving through the village's storybook architecture, hidden gardens, galleries and historic landmarks. The tour covers eight stops including The Pine Inn, The Pilgrim's Way bookstore and garden, the Carmel Art Association, the First Murphy House, the Tuck Box, the Church of the Wayfarer, and two of Hugh Comstock's whimsical cottages. Children are welcome from age 6; dogs are welcome too. The itinerary is a starting point—your guide will reveal unlisted stops and stories along the way.Is it for me?Choose this if you want a guide who knows Carmel's architectural history and can point out which buildings shaped the town—rather than figuring out a route and landmarks on your own.
Point Lobos: Guided Nature Walk with Wildlife & HistoryYou’ll walk coastal trails at Point Lobos with a guide who knows every hidden cove and story. Watch for sea otters drifting in kelp beds, hear tales of whalers and divers, breathe in pine-salt air. The pace is gentle but you’ll leave with sandy shoes — and maybe a new favorite place stuck in your head.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Wine Tasting Walking Tour & Local StoriesYou’ll wander hidden alleyways in Carmel-by-the-Sea with a local guide, taste regional wines at three unique tasting rooms, and hear quirky stories about artists and winemakers along the way. Expect laughter over new flavors, personal recommendations for what to do next, and small moments you’ll remember long after you leave.
Monterey Bay: Kayak Rental with Otters, Seals & Sea LionsYou’ll paddle through Monterey Bay at your own pace, watching playful otters and curious sea lions right from your kayak. With all gear included and a friendly intro from locals, you’ll feel safe even if it’s your first time on the water. Expect salty air, laughter, and those small moments where you forget everything else for a while.
Monterey 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Tour with Pebble BeachYou’ll ride an electric bike from Monterey along 17-Mile Drive with a local guide, stopping for sea otters at Pacific Grove, stories at John Denver’s memorial, and views at Pebble Beach Golf Course. Expect ocean air in your hair, easy riding even if you’re rusty, and a few unexpected moments that stick with you after you’ve gone home.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Electric Bike Tour: Scenic Drive & MissionAn electric bike guided tour through Carmel-by-the-Sea takes you along Scenic Drive—a one-way, 15-mph coastal road—to the Carmel Mission, historic cottages, and landmarks including the Tor House, Butterfly House, and Mrs. Clinton Walker House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The guide leads a small group (minimum 4 riders) through downtown architecture, the town's origins, and stops at Carmel River State Beach. Helmet, ebike and phone holder are provided; the tour runs 2.5 hours and welcomes riders 16 and older of any fitness level.Is it for me?The electric bike handles the hills and the distance, so this tour works for any fitness level—you're riding at 15 mph on a coastal road, not climbing on your own power. Book this one if you want to cover Carmel's landmarks and coastline without the planning: the guide, the route, and the stops are all arranged.
