Off the Beaten Path in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Tour

Monterey & Carmel , United States

Off the Beaten Path in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Tour

Active

(11 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This self-guided walking audio tour explores off-the-beaten-path areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will walk through Carmel’s quiet and charming northwest side of town, which is home to artist Mary Austin’s Rose Cottage. Discover the hidden Jane Powers Walkway, named after an early Carmelite artist, and hear her fascinating story.

You will visit Carmel’s historic Pine Inn where you might decide to visit the bar for a cocktail or a snack. There will be the opportunity to see First Murphy House, a museum of early Carmel history. Operating hours are Tuesday – Thursday 12pm to 3pm.

Then the tour takes you to the north end of Carmel Beach where you will see the gorgeous Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tour passes by the early homes of Robinson and Una Jeffers where you will hear the story of this famous Carmel couple.

The tour is ready whenever you are. It plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone’s GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which works offline.

Available options

Off the Beaten Path in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Tour

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Carmel-by-the-Sea: Off the Beaten Path tour

Detailed itinerary

M. J. Murphy was born in 1885 in Utah. In 1902, M.J., his mother Emma, and his sister Myrtle traveled to Carmel to meet with Frank Devendorf. He had promised M. J. work, building homes in the village. That same year, at the age of 17, Murphy built his first home for his mother and sister and by 1904, he was an associate with Frank Devendorf as a builder for the Carmel Development Company.

The Harrison Memorial Library was one of Carmel’s first public works projects. The library was constructed in 1927 and is named for Mrs. Ella Reid Harrison and her husband California Supreme Court Justice, Ralph Chandler Harrison.

The bronze sculpture figure by George Wayne Lundeen is called The Valentine. It was purchased by the City of Carmel for $40,000 and installed in First Murphy Park in 1994. The man with his bow tie and sweater vest gently rests his hands on his cane and his head on the woman next to him. In her hand she holds a valentine, and the two are frozen in time, possibly daydreaming of days past.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Meeting point

Begin your tour from the red-brick courtyard of the Pine Inn.
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Monterey & Carmel

Monterey and Carmel are coastal gems in California, renowned for their stunning natural beauty, rich marine life, and artistic heritage. This area offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxed coastal charm.

Top Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most renowned aquariums in the world, featuring a wide array of marine life and educational exhibits.

Nature 2-4 hours $54.95 for adults, $42.95 for children

Carmel-by-the-Sea

A picturesque town known for its fairytale-like cottages, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

A stunning coastal reserve with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Cannery Row

A historic waterfront district made famous by John Steinbeck's novel, featuring shops, restaurants, and museums.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions vary

17-Mile Drive

A scenic drive through Pebble Beach, offering stunning views of the coastline, golf courses, and natural landscapes.

Scenic 1-2 hours $10.50 per vehicle

Must-Try Local Dishes

Abalone

A local delicacy, often served grilled or in cioppino, a seafood stew.

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Monterey Bay Sardines

Freshly caught and often served grilled or smoked.

Snack Not vegetarian or vegan

Carmel Artisan Cheese

Locally made cheeses, often paired with wine and crackers.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing Kayaking Beach lounging Spas Scenic drives Art gallery visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Peak season offers warm weather and vibrant activities, but also larger crowds and higher prices. Ideal for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

15-22°C 59-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Monterey and Carmel are generally safe destinations with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.