Top 5 Monterey & Carmel Sightseeing Tours: A Detailed Review
Planning a trip to California’s gorgeous Monterey and Carmel areas? You see, a guided tour might be just the ticket to soaking in all the cool things these coastal towns have to offer! It’s almost overwhelming picking one, that is, given how many choices there are. So, I thought, a review of some top tours might be pretty helpful! I hope that helps you to find one that’s just your speed.
1. Monterey & Carmel: A Comprehensive City Tour
Alright, first off, this particular tour is kind of great if you’re up for getting the lay of the land. Actually, what it does is packs in key spots in both Monterey and Carmel into a single, reasonably paced outing. It tends to be more or less, like, three to four hours long, just about right, that, to keep your attention without, you know, leading to total exhaustion.
What’s Included: This one will take you through Monterey’s historic district, down Cannery Row that John Steinbeck kinda put on the map, plus over to the iconic 17-Mile Drive, where that Lone Cypress lives. You’re likely going to see all the beautiful homes and art galleries Carmel’s known for too. It seems like a pretty good deal if you want a bit of everything!
Why it stands out: I mean, so, a nice thing about it really, is that you get a narration all throughout the thing. In other words, what you’ll get is stories and historical facts to go along with each site. This helps you join the dots and see how these towns became what they are now.
Who’s it great for?: I think if you don’t really know the area, or you just don’t have too much time, this may well be a fantastic choice. You see, that first-time experience tends to make people want a feel for what makes Monterey and Carmel special, and quick.
2. The Scenic 17-Mile Drive Tour
Now, If you are interested in seeing the views specifically, consider this: A tour focused exclusively on the famous 17-Mile Drive. So, this trip focuses on the coastal wonders and gorgeous houses along this famous route. It can often take a good half-day so it gives you time to just enjoy it and take pictures.
What’s included: The route is going to snake you around, like your car just runs past Pebble Beach. After that it probably stops to gawk at that famous Lone Cypress tree. Basically, what people say, is you will not believe just how beautiful the meeting point of the land and sea actually can be!
Why it stands out: The best part is this. Often they have tour guides who have lived in the area for quite a while. Like your neighbors, maybe? So, really, you will get those little, insider facts and local points of view you wouldn’t read about on a travel website!
Who’s it great for?: Okay, this one? Is that it suits those landscape photography buffs, just so you know. Even folks that would just generally rate “taking it easy” as an interest, and those of us who could spend days gazing at waves would probably find it pleasant.
3. Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour
Okay so, if the land views start to seem not that exciting for you, maybe think of this, and go by sea! As a matter of fact, a whale-watching expedition on Monterey Bay can deliver the wildlife experience that makes everyone else green with envy! Really!
What’s included: Here, you are going to have, on a small vessel, usually, what I think is just a memorable experience searching out orcas. Or maybe it’ll be grey whales if it’s migration period. There’s sometimes also dolphins, otters, seals hanging out; it can almost be a full on nature parade!
Why it stands out: Most boats go equipped with expert guides, basically someone like a marine biologist. That way, you, get what’s happening in view through facts or what everyone feels in the atmosphere!
Who’s it great for?: This sounds great if you’re bringing the family since pretty much all ages enjoy this. It tends to, anyway. Then that sea dog who lives in all of us really, so this one’s pretty awesome for them.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea Walking Tour
Okay, do you want a closer look at Carmel specifically? Maybe a relaxed-pace stroll to appreciate its appeal more closely. Well, now a walking tour can maybe achieve this, so keep that in mind, too, so you feel how it goes at your own pace!
What’s included: These jaunts around town basically are like slow meditative wanders which brings, more or less, Carmel’s little courtyards. Also art galleries, the one and only old Mission buildings and possibly even those super-cool “hideaway” spots that exist in town will be spotted along these tours. Often it includes bits about history.
Why it stands out: A super-local tipster often takes the lead here to share the insights with you and sometimes lets you in on quirky stories only residents would know.
Who’s it great for?: This thing sounds good in case you have anyone with an affection for fine art because it’s there by loads. Still this tour style has lots of plusses to slow things a tad! You might be among these very groups that will value this particular thing!
5. Big Sur Full-Day Tour from Monterey or Carmel
You know, why stay put around town? If the call of the untamed side whispers softly towards you, now Big Sur day excursions from Monterey could give access to Mother Earth’s grand design herself.
What’s included: Usually this whole day affair probably contains popular stops like the Bixby Bridge maybe along with Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (an ideal position to observe our sea life) and quite honestly untouched stretches along the coast with lots of open space to photograph to one’s pleasure
Why it stands out: The ease: basically, letting the pros guide things from town while having those gorgeous landscapes just laid on to you seems good. I think some trip coordinators keep stuff easy so one just simply kick it and watch things go by! That’s why I suggest it!
Who’s it great for?: Naturally landscape photographers might possibly appreciate these kind excursions just a little bit. But any kind people having nature based hobbies could get good benefits from this full experience.