Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Monterey & Carmel , United States

Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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(15 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Historic Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This 60-minute tour is designed to keep you on the move while walking at a reasonably slow pace, and still see all of the main sites. You can pause the tour at any time to get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink to quench your thirst.

This tour will cover about 15 square blocks of the downtown Carmel to give you a “lay of the land”. You'll explore some of Carmel’s quaint courtyards and passageways and walk by a number of wine rooms, art galleries, restaurants and hotels. You'll also learn about Carmel’s founding fathers, distinctive architecture and storied past and provides numerous photo opportunities. The tour begins and ends at the Carmel Plaza. En route, you'll pass two public restrooms and four ATM’s.

So start your tour with the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Available options

Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

This self-guided audio tour takes place in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The tour begins at the Ocean Avenue entrance to the Carmel Plaza. On this one-hour tour you'll pass many of Carmel-by-the-Sea's popular stores, restaurants, wine rooms and art galleries.

The tour takes you through the Devendorf Park where you'll discover how the park got it's name.

The tour passes Chef Kurt Grasing's namesake restaurant. Its lounge bar is extremely popular with locals as is the dog-friendly patio with cushy dog beds outback. If you have the time then and feel like it, you can pause the tour for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

The tour passes Hog's Breath Inn which was once owned by actor Clint Eastwood. If you have the time and want to, you can pop inside and check it out.

The tour passes the Carmel Art Association and sculpture garden.

The tour passes the Pilgrim's Way Book Store and Secret Garden. If you have the time its worth exploring.

The tour passes Steven Whyte's Sculpture Studio. You'll discover more about the internationally acclaimed figurative sculptor known for producing large sculptures including life-size characters.

The tour passes a small museum run by the Carmel Heritage Society. It's in the First Murphy House. It's open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12pm until 3pm.

The tour passes the Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery which specializes in Contemporary and Modern sculptures. It's a spectacular gallery well worth a visit if you have the time.

The tour passes the Weston Gallery that is owned by master photographer Edward Weston's grandson. They exhibit a wonderful collection of photographs by Weston and another legendary local, Ansel Adams.

The tour passes the Harrison Memorial Library where you'll discover who it's named after.

The tour passes by the charming Cottage of Sweets building.

While you pass by the church you'll discover it's origins.

The tour briefly stops at Piccadilly Park where you'll discover more about it's origins.

The tour passes the fairytale-like tea room where if you have the time you can pose for a picture or two, or even enquire about having a cup of tea.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

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

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your tour begins at the Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue. 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.