As featured in the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, CARMEL WALKS is the premier walking tour voted "best of" by Trip Advisor in 2024. You'll embark on a delightful 2-hour adventure with a lively, well-informed local guide through the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea—a village celebrated for its storybook architecture, scenic coastal beauty, and vibrant artistic legacy. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, hear the stories behind the town’s most colorful characters, and gain fresh insights into the culture that makes Carmel truly one of a kind.
Meander through charming streets and secret passageways, explore award-winning galleries, lush gardens, and historic landmarks steeped in legend. The listed itinerary is just the beginning—plenty of unlisted delights are in store.
Well behaved dogs are most welcomed on this fun walk too.
Let us show you the very best of this whimsical village! You’ll leave inspired, enchanted, and—dare we say—feeling like a local.
We'll embark on your journey at The Pine Inn, nestled on Ocean Avenue, where you're invited to experience Carmel’s timeless charm in the comfort of its historic elegance. Just steps from Carmel Beach, allow yourself to delight in the fresh sea breeze as you learn how the original Hotel Carmelo was carefully moved down Ocean Avenue—on actual pine logs—and how that remarkable journey gave rise to its current moniker. It’s a story of ingenuity, charm, and the spirit that helped shape Carmel’s character.
We’ll step into The Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden and you’ll feel as though you’ve discovered Carmel’s best-kept secret. Cherished by locals and visitors since 1969, this warm and independent bookstore has been more than a place to find books—it’s a community haven, a cozy gathering spot where literary curiosity and creativity flourish. Tucked behind the shop, a tranquil garden awaits your discovery. Fountains, statues, crystals, and handmade treasures—each thoughtfully chosen to uplift the spirit—come together to create a sanctuary and oasis for the curious soul.
As we enter the Carmel Art Association, you'll discover a living gallery where creativity has flourished for nearly a century. More than a gallery, the Carmel Art Association is a storybook of California’s artistic legacy—founders like Jennie V. Cannon, Mary DeNeale Morgan, and even Salvador Dalí helped champion its spirit—and today, that creative lineage still hums in every brushstroke and sculpted curve. You may even find yourself in conversation with one of the 100 juried artists who bring the gallery to life! Find inspiration or pick up a thoughtful gift as your guide shares insights and the fascinating history of this artist-run haven.
You will make your own way to the meeting points