Top Monterey & Carmel Arts & Design

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and wine walking tour. With a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll learn about the history and gourmet culture of Carmel, an upscale enclave known for its charming architecture and cozy, small-town vibe, as you visit local eateries to sample locavore and ethnic dishes, chocolate, and wine. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Discover the seaside charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea—and enjoy an independent way to explore—with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the tour and set off at a time that works best for you. Your GPS-assisted tour works offline, and will guide you directly to the town’s top attractions, from local landmarks and art galleries to public parks and more. As you go, learn more about the town’s rich history.

If you’d like to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Scenic Road but don’t want to be stuck in a group tour, try this Carmel-by-the-Sea Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour. This tour allows you to download the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and listen to the tour as you walk along the road at your own pace. Highlights include the Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright, Carmel Beach Overlook, and La Playa Carmel Hotel.

Leave behind the awkward group walking tours and explore Carmel-by-the-Sea on your own, off the beaten path—but with a guide in your pocket. Using just your smartphone (the guide works offline), you’ll travel from Mary Austin’s Rose Cottage to the First Murphy House to the hidden Jane Powers Walkway and beyond. Stop and start as you like, learning about every nook and cranny you pass along the way.

Experience 17-Mile Drive in a whole new way with this affordable driving tour from Monterey to Carmel by the Sea. • Venture off of the main road to explore some of the rewarding sights found along this stretch of Monterey’s peninsula including some of the oldest Cypress trees in existence • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, a California native with a penchant for telling stories • Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Have a blast exploring Monterey with this app-led scavenger hunt and enjoy the magic. You’ll get to see the most entertaining sights in town, while learning about its history and culture, but you’ll have to answer trivia questions and solve challenges to unlock each new prompt. Enjoy this with a group of 10 or fewer people.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Explore the Carmel coastline on this self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour. Wind your way through the charming tree-lined streets of Carmel Point where you'll discover unique homes built on the one-time windswept treeless bluff. Take in stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach, and Carmel River State Beach. Along the way, learn about Carmel's famous houses, its flora and fauna, the movies filmed on the point, and the first softball league in the U.S.

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, Calif., with this self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour. Stop at three museums (with free admission) in the Monterey State Historic Park along the way, and learn about the area’s fishing industry history. Plus, visit filming locations for popular TV shows. The tour plays automatically at the correct location using your mobile phone’s GPS.

Are you looking for a way to gallery hop around Carmel-by-the-Sea's art scene at your own pace? See 18 galleries and studios with this affordable self-guided walking tour. • Find out what makes this small seaside city a mecca for modern day Bohemian artists • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, who co-authored the book Historic Homes and Inns of Carmel-by-the-Sea • Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.