Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

About this activity

Carmel-by-the-Sea's original and only locally owned food tour, rooted in this community since 2012. Discover the village's best-kept culinary secrets on this 3-hour guided walking tour featuring five tastings — including wine or a cocktail — at beloved local restaurants, tasting rooms, and specialty shops. Your local guide — someone who lives in this community — shares the history, architecture, and insider stories that make Carmel unlike anywhere else on the California coast, with stops built on relationships we've cultivated with local businesses over more than a decade. You may visit a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning restaurant, a honey company started by a local fifth grader, a celebrated bistro known for its chilaquiles and champagne cocktail, a local producer of confections made from century-old recipes, and more. The tastings add up to a generous lunch. Over 850 five-star reviews. Limited to 16 guests for a more personal, intimate experience.

Itinerary

1. Sunset Cultural Center · 10 min

   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.

2. Stop 2 · 180 min

   Discover Carmel-by-the-Sea one bite at a time on this 3-hour guided walking tour through one of California's most beloved coastal villages. Locally owned and operated, Carmel Food Tours was built by people who know and love this town — and it shows. Wander hidden passageways and sun-dappled courtyards as your expert guide shares the stories, secrets, and lore woven into every corner of this iconic seaside community. Along the way, you'll taste your way through 5 hand-picked restaurants and specialty shops — from a honey company founded by a fifth-grader to Carmel's only restaurant offering tableside preparation. It's a leisurely afternoon that's equal parts delicious, charming, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: We end 2-3 blocks from the starting point, depending on the day's itinerary. Our guides are happy to give you specific return instructions, or walk you back if you're not comfortable with navigation.

Good to know

• 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

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

• 5 star386
• 4 star26
• 3 star8
• 2 star3
• 1 star0

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