Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Monterey & Carmel , United States

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

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About this experience

Discover the charming coastal town of Carmel and savor a series of tantalizing food tastings (which may include wine or a cocktail) on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Your passionate guide will share stories about the history, culture and architecture of Carmel as you stop at restaurants, stylish watering holes and food shops to meet business owners (when available) and sample different food items. You may visit places like a classic European Restaurant, a local tavern serving mixed fermentation brews and modern takes on classic dishes, purveyors of the freshest tortillas on the Monterey Peninsula, and a local producer of confections made from century-old recipes. In general, the tastings add up to an average lunch. Ideal for both tourists and Carmel residents, this tour is a leisurely and tasty way to learn more about this quaint town.

This small group tour is generally limited to 16 people, ensuring more personal attention from your guide.

Available options

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Includes all tastings

What's included

All beverages

All food samplings (enough for lunch)

Professional foodie guide

3-hour food and wine tasting tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is the meeting place for Carmel Food Tours. Look for the tall, Gothic-style arch and huge windows. It looks a little like a church, but it's not. When you descend into the courtyard, which is located EXACTLY at the intersection of 9th & San Carlos, you'll be greeted by your tour guide.

Carmel Food Tours is a guided 3-hour, walking, cultural, and tasting tour of beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll spend time meandering through passageways and corridors, tasting your way along 6-7 restaurants and specialty shops. You will hear local insights and lore from your tour guide, and the afternoon will fly by while you discover new tastes and experiences that range from a honey company started by a 5th grader, to the only restaurant in Carmel that offers tableside preparation.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

116 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

275 reviews

5★

251

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

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

Comfortable shoes recommended

Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking; we are unable to provide substitutions without advance notice

Minimum age is 21 years for alcohol consumption.

Adult pricing applies to all travelers age 3 and up; tour is geared towards adults but well behaved children are welcome

Children under the age of 3 should be discussed with tour operator as to the appropriateness of attending.

** We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten- and lactose-free diets with advance notice ONLY. Please inform us of any food allergies at time of booking. We are unable to provide substitutions without advance notice, so please note any special restrictions on your reservation.

Not recommended for travelers who are unable to walk without difficulty or pain

Meeting point

The tour meets in the courtyard in front of the main entrance to Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center. The Sunset Center is located on San Carlos Street, and the entrance is at the intersection of 9th Avenue, across from the Carmel Woman's Club. The courtyard is located at the bottom of the stairs.

Important notes

Important Notice: Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand to park & find the meeting location. Wear comfortable shoes and consider wearing layers. You may want to bring a bottle of water, though beverages are available at almost every tasting stop. Participants 21 & older should bring a valid ID to participate in the wine tasting. If you are lost or running late, please call (831) 216-8161.

Meeting Location: The tour meets in the beautiful courtyard in front of the main entrance to Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center. The Sunset Center is located on San Carlos Street, and the entrance is located exactly at the intersection of 9th Avenue, across from the Carmel Woman's Club. The courtyard is located at the bottom of the stairs. GPS users can enter "Sunset Cultural Center" as a "Point of Interest" along with the zip code 93921.

** Special Note for VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, LACTOSE-INTOLERANT, and low-FODMAPs (low-carb) Guests: This tour is designed to showcase the foods of Carmel and Monterey County and is not an a la carte type of setting. We have carefully selected food tastings in partnership with our vendors that reflect the uniqueness of our area and its food scene, and these selections sometimes include meat, wheat, and dairy products. Substitutions made for those adhering to a Vegan, Gluten-Free, lactose-intolerant, or low-FODMAPs diet may not reflect these selections. We can easily accommodate vegetarian/pescatarian diets. We are unable to provide substitutions without advance notice, so please note any special restrictions on your reservation.

• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. Minimum drinking age is 21 years

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.