Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea

California Legacy Tours
5.0
Select Option:
Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
TarynSh
24 days ago
Our tour guide Monica was extremely knowledgeable and a great storyteller. She also actively engaged the participants. Our teenage granddaughter begrudgingly joined us on the tour. At the end she said it was the best tour she had ever been on.

Your walk opens up a whole new vista of Carmel for you while our guides, who are skilled storytellers, weave together the tales of the arts and artists, architecture and history and the unbelievable stories of the people who created this unique village in a forest which is Carmel.

Departure Point

  • Garden Courtyard of the Pine Inn Hotel, Ocean Avenue & Lincoln Street
Return Details
  • In front of the Carmel Art Association Gallery on Dolores Street.
Duration2 hoursLanguages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Golden Bough PlayhouseMonte Verde, 4 SW 8th Ave, Carmel, CaliforniaHave you wondered why and how the unique Village of Carmel-by-the-Sea was created? Join us and hear the story of the artist village which has charmed visitors from all over the world. Have you ever heard of the Milk Shrine or of a teenager building a home and becoming a master builder, way back in 1902? Duration: 15 minutesStop At: L'Auberge Carmel7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923We stop at our first of many charming courtyards. Here is the site of the original theater of the Golden Bough and we become acquainted with the fascinating story of Ted Kuster, the man who realized his dream of building "one of the most beautiful and best equipped small theaters in America". We will share some of the personal experiences of the people who used to attend the fabulous performances.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Church of the WayfarerLincoln Street & 7th Avenue, Carmel, CaliforniaOn our way to L'Auberge we will pass City Hall. Do you remember which famous film star and film director was once mayor here? Enjoy the interesting story of what prompted this little town to incorporate in 1916. Right next door is L'Auberge Carmel with its amazing European architecture. Hear the unlikely story of the young man who's dream this was. You will think you are just stepping into historic Prague. There is even a token of that heritage incorporated in the building. Can you guess what that might be? Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Cypress InnCarmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921Entering through the beautiful biblical garden we arrive at the quaint church of the Wayfarer. With it's slate roof and small bell tower it resembles a chapel in a forest. In historic fashion the bell is still rung by hand and the stained glass windows are worth a visit. You will find that dogs are everywhere and you will hear the story of the unique place dogs occupy in Carmel. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Tuck BoxCarmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921Architecture and Hollywood fame come together here. One of films most loved darlings, Doris Day, was invested here and the Inn is testament to her lasting fame. A visit here evokes California's Spanish past through the architecture and beautiful glazed tile work. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Devendorf ParkJunipero St and Ocean Ave, Carmel, CaliforniaNo visit to this charming village would be complete without a stop at one of it's many fairytale cottages. Whimsical and intriguing buildings with a fun story of how this style evolved completely by chance. Here is a hint: "What would a young man in love not do for the girl of his dreams?" We find our way in an out of hidden passage ways and gardens, among amazing shops and fabulous galleries, all while being entertained with tidbits of Carmel's history.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Hog's Breath InnSan Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921Our walk will take us past a couple of unique artist studios where, if we are lucky, we have a chance to meet the artist. The smell of fresh coffee and bakery goods accompanies us as we enter Devendorf Park which is well guarded by an immense California Live Oak tree. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: The Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore and Secret GardenDolores Street, Between 5th and 6th, Carmel, CaliforniaA bit of lore about actor and film director Clint Eastwood brings us to the wonderful restaurant, the Hog's Breath Inn, next to the Eastwood Building. Its many little fireplaces are keeping diners warm in the patio, and the bar sports wild boar heads, hunting trophies, and a reminder of the man who said: "Go ahead, make my day!"Duration: 10 minutesStop At: United States Postal Service56b 5th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921If you are a book lover you will want to come back here for a visit after the tour. This unique independent books store also is host to the Secret Garden. Here, in this serene and peaceful atmosphere we find ourselves inside an authentic geodesic dome from the 1970's. If you are old enough to remember the hippy era you will feel right at home!Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Carmel Art AssociationDolores Street Between 5th &, 6th Ave, Carmel, CaliforniaAre you wondering what there is so special that we would stop at the post office? Like "everything Carmel" the post office was the common gathering spot where you collected your mail and met your new neighbors. However, Carmel and its people do not take themselves too seriously and, so they shall never forget, a steady reminder greets them every time they pick up their mail. You will enjoy their sense of humor. Duration: 5 minutesStop At: First Murphy HouseSixth and Lincoln avenues, Carmel, CaliforniaNo surprise that our last stop is at a veritable Carmel institution. The Art Association was founded at the very beginning of Carmel's existence and has survived in various forms over a century. It is still owned by dozens of talented artists. A rotating offering, a fabulous variety of high quality sculptures and paintings are on display and for sale. If you love art, this is a "Must See" . Duration: 5 minutes

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Inclusions
  • Local guide
Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the California Legacy Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

5.0
based on Groupon 126 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
TarynSh
Our tour guide Monica was extremely knowledgeable and a great storyteller. She also actively engaged the participants. Our teenage granddaughter begrudgingly joined us on the tour. At the end she said it was the best tour she had ever been on.
LeezaGibbstown
We enjoyed our tour of Carmel. Monica provided us with lots of interesting history and showed us the neat little alley ways that we were not aware of. She kept the tour interesting.
Zara N
An amazing lady who told Carmel’s unique and exciting story with compassion. She took us to places we would have missed if she hadn't shown us
Cookscajun
My wife and I were grateful to have Monica H. all by ourself. What an incredible wealth of historical knowledge. She literally wrote the Carmel history book!!! We had such a memorable time learning about the history from someone who not only has lived in the area for many years but also personally knew many of the residents…There were tidbits of history only Monica could share. We would highly recommend you taking this tour upon arrival. Thank you for great memories Monica!!
Jaclyn E
5 stars! Monica was a fantastic tour guide. My mom and I were lucky enough to have her all to ourselves, and she gave us such a special experience. She showed us not only the main highlights but also the hidden corners of Carmel that we never would have found on our own. Her knowledge of the city is impressive, and her love for it is contagious. I highly recommend booking a tour with Monica. Thank you for such a memorable day!

Explore more