Carlsbad Food Tours, Carlsbad

Encinitas is a seaside city, known for its pristine beaches—and, thanks to Encinitas Food Tours, its burgeoning restaurant scene. On the company's walking trips, participants sample dishes at seven or eight of the city's eateries, which have been carefully curated by company owner Cherimarie Poulos. Her decades of experience in the food service industry mean that none of her choices are arbitrary. Instead, Cherimarie uses her insider status to pick the spots with the freshest ingredients and roundest plates. Additionally, when participants aren't mingling with local chefs, they're listening to the guide's anecdotes about Encinitas history, culture, and architecture.