Monterey: Old Town Walking Food Tour with Local Tastings

Summary

Sample Monterey’s history with every bite on this relaxed walk

You’ll taste your way through Old Monterey with a local guide—sampling everything from flaky pastries and deep dish pizza to artisan ice cream made right before your eyes. Expect friendly faces at every stop, stories about Monterey’s past, and a relaxed pace that lets you actually enjoy each bite. It’s not just lunch—it’s a memory you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the start of our Old Monterey walking food tour because I got distracted by the sea lions barking down by the wharf. When I finally caught up to the group—right in front of that old wooden archway—I was a little out of breath and probably smelled like salt air. Our guide, Maria, just grinned and handed me a tiny pastry from the first stop (she called it “Monterey’s answer to empanadas,” but I’m still not sure what was inside). It was warm and flaky and kind of sweet-savory at once. Not what I expected, but good.

We wandered off Alvarado Street into these back alleys where you’d never think to look for food. Maria seemed to know everyone—she waved at a guy unloading crates behind an Indian place, then ducked us into a spot with deep dish pizza so cheesy it nearly slid off my plate. The cider we tried next had this crisp apple smell that stuck to my hands after I set down the glass. Someone in our group tried to pronounce the name of the Greek dish we sampled; Li laughed when I tried too—probably butchered it. But nobody cared much about getting things perfect.

The best part might’ve been watching ice cream churn in this tiny kitchen—vanilla beans everywhere, cold air blowing out as they opened the freezer. We tasted a scoop right there: creamy and just barely sweet, nothing like supermarket stuff. Maria told us stories about old Monterey as we walked past adobe buildings; she pointed out one that used to be California’s first theater. By then my legs were tired but I didn’t really want it to end yet. The last stop was wine and cheese in this sunlit room where everyone lingered longer than planned. Even now, sometimes when I open a bottle at home, I remember that light slanting across the table.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Monterey's culinary gems

• Meet guide at Old Fisherman's Wharf
• Enjoy small bites in historic setting
• Walk to Alvarado Street and back streets
• Taste Indian, Greek, cider, pasta, and pizza
• Visit artisan ice cream shop and sample
• Pass historic Monterey buildings and hear stories
• Sip local wine and savor cheese
• Farewell guide and group; stay if desired

Top questions

How long is the Old Monterey walking food tour?

The tour covers 1.5 to 2 miles at a leisurely pace through downtown Monterey.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you email the host in advance.

Is this walking food tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, children can join and infants or small children can ride in strollers or prams.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine—just dress in layers as Monterey weather can change quickly.

What foods are included on the Old Monterey food tour?

You’ll try savory bites, deep dish pizza, global dishes (Indian or Greek), artisan ice cream, local wine, cider or beer, and cheese.

Is transportation included for this Monterey food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Are gratuities included at each food stop?

Yes, gratuities for all tastings are already covered in your booking price.

Can people with mobility needs join this walking tour?

The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings (from pastries to pizza to artisan ice cream), alcoholic beverages like wine or cider where offered, lunch portions along the way, gratuities at every stop so you don’t need cash out mid-tour, plus stories and guidance from a local expert as you stroll through historic downtown Monterey together.