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

Monterey & Carmel , United States

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

Active

(9 reviews)

30m

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Carmel by the Sea is a story of unmatchable beauty and history that can be explored on this self-guided audio drive. This one of a kind village of less than 5,000 was founded by writers, poets, artists and musicians over 100 years ago. It was that artist colony vibe, along with the beauty of the ocean, that brought multi-media producer Bob Hamilton here from LA and New York over 40 years ago. Over those years, he proudly took visiting friends to all the hidden story locations that the average tourist may never see.

Now, the VoiceMap app lets him take you on your own private trip through the town with over a hundred art galleries, wine tasting rooms, high-end restaurants and shops and then to the beaches and around the point, ending at the 230-year-old Carmel Mission. From start to finish the tour takes less than an hour, but you travel at your own pace. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Available options

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

What's included

Lifetime access to Carmel by the Sea tour

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The Mission is a National Historic landmark and it’s where Carmel began. Father Serra was the head of the California Mission. He built the mission in 1771 and is buried there too.

This stands out as one of the best shorelines you'll ever get to see. You can bring your dog, it's gigantic, and it's really clean. The colors are amazing from the white sands to the shifting blue shades of the ocean.

These two houses are named Hansel and Gretal and were built by Hugh Comstock. He set the tone of this fairy land town and it all started with the houses he built here.

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

7 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

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. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

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.