James Valkenburg
May 12, 2026
A real and delightful surprise. We decided at 9am to see if there was an opening at 11am. there was. We are so glad we did. The guide (Rusty) was great and each restaurant was unique and wonderful. It would take weeks to find these places by yourself. Do yourself a favor and take this tour. thanks.
Nancy K
Jun 30, 2026
My husband and I joined this tour on June 25, 2026, as part of my June 26 birthday celebration. We enjoyed it very much and learned many things about Carmel we didn't know, even though I lived in the Carmel in March 1987 and he lived in Monterey when we met each other in front of the Monterey Bay Aquarium on our first date in March 1987. We enjoyed the walking to the restaurants which included many alley ways we didn't know about. We also enjoyed the different foods and drinks we were served. It was a wonderful selection of the different choices available in Carmel. Our favorite was the Honey Shop in the Carmel Plaza! My only suggestion would be to allow 20 minutes per site, instead of 15 minutes per site. 5 more minutes would give time for people to finish their snack before moving on to the next place. Thank you. n
Jere
Jun 29, 2026
We had an amazing time! The food stops were all unique, and delicious. We were so Surprised at the large portions of food and drinks were served. Bonnie did a lovely job with sharing g about each stop and about Carmel.
824clairen
Jun 28, 2026
We had a terrific time. 5 very different venues, each well prepared for the group, and a thoughtful walk through the downtown area. Bonni, our host, shared history and insider tips, as well as keeping us on time. Really appreciated our various hosts and especially those who took the time to share information about their restaurants and dishes. Loved seeing all the "secret" passages throughout downtown Carmel. A bonus was meeting and chatting with other participants throughout our time together.
Anita T
Jun 14, 2026
The food tour was excellent! Every stop provided wonderful taste treats. Some with interesting back stories and always fun facts. Our guide (Rusty) was friendly yet professional and always helpful and interesting. One tip - go hungry! A LOT of food to eat - but oh so yummy!!
Faruq Hossain
Jun 9, 2026
Had a fantastic experience at Del Monte Grill & Cafe! The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and welcoming, making it a great place for a comfortable and enjoyable meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared, with generous portions that really satisfy.From breakfast to lunch options, everything tasted homemade and full of quality ingredients. The service was friendly, attentive, and efficient, making the whole visit smooth and pleasant.A great local spot for delicious comfort food and a casual dining experience. Highly recommended!
remo payson
Jun 3, 2026
Took the tour on 1 June and had a fabulous time! Rusty, the guide, was terrific, and we really bonded with the other folk on the tour. The stops on the tour had delicious food and drinks. Not sure which restaurant was my favorite, but I'll be here for a bit and will probably go back to all of them for a full meal!
Ernie G
May 21, 2026
Our Carmel food tour was very enjoyable! Bonnie was very informative and kept us organized and moving along. We loved the foods and drinks we were served at each of our 5 stops. They were all top notch and delicious! Thanks for a great afternoon Bonnie!
Elvia Villalobos
May 18, 2026
It was an excellent intro to the various food gems in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Our guide, Rusty, was engaging and knowledgeable.
Cheryl Carr
May 18, 2026
I have done many food tours across the U.S. This tour was fantastic and well worth the money!! Randy was our guide and she was very knowledgeable and provided excellent recommendations for food options in the area. BOOK this tour, you will not be disappointed!
James Valkenburg
May 12, 2026
A real and delightful surprise. We decided at 9am to see if there was an opening at 11am. there was. We are so glad we did. The guide (Rusty) was great and each restaurant was unique and wonderful. It would take weeks to find these places by yourself. Do yourself a favor and take this tour. thanks.
Nancy K
Jun 30, 2026
My husband and I joined this tour on June 25, 2026, as part of my June 26 birthday celebration. We enjoyed it very much and learned many things about Carmel we didn't know, even though I lived in the Carmel in March 1987 and he lived in Monterey when we met each other in front of the Monterey Bay Aquarium on our first date in March 1987. We enjoyed the walking to the restaurants which included many alley ways we didn't know about. We also enjoyed the different foods and drinks we were served. It was a wonderful selection of the different choices available in Carmel. Our favorite was the Honey Shop in the Carmel Plaza! My only suggestion would be to allow 20 minutes per site, instead of 15 minutes per site. 5 more minutes would give time for people to finish their snack before moving on to the next place. Thank you. n
Carmel Food Tours® gives you an insider's taste of Carmel-by-the-Sea through guided food tours featuring tastings at top restaurants, local wine experiences, and visits to the specialty shops and hidden gems that define this stretch of the California coast. Whether you're visiting for the first time or planning a group getaway, we have a tour for you.
The Carmel Classic is where it all started — a three-hour guided walking tour through the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea featuring five tastings at beloved local restaurants and specialty shops. With 850+ five-star reviews, it's the original Carmel food tour and still the essential way to experience the village. Open to the public and available year-round.
Vine & Village is the wine lover's walk through Carmel-by-the-Sea — a private group experience featuring four curated wine (or other adult beverage) tastings paired with local bites. Perfect for corporate retreats, friend getaways, and golf groups looking for an afternoon that feels effortless and unforgettable.
Curated Carmel is our most exclusive private tour — a fully curated experience featuring food and beverage tastings, an upscale boutique visit with an insider discount, and a specialty shop finale with a custom shipping option. Designed for incentive groups, VIP entertainment, and bucket-list trips, this is your all-access pass to the best of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Looking for something more interactive? Our Carmel Scavenger Hunt is a fun, engaging team activity that gets your group exploring the village together — perfect for team-building, celebrations, or anyone who likes a little friendly competition with their Carmel experience.
Every tour is led by an expert local guide who brings Carmel's history, food culture, and coastal charm to life. Let us help you find the perfect experience.
Discover the culinary delights and hidden gems of Carmel-by-the-Sea with our Classic Food Tour. This three-hour walking tour takes you through the charming streets of Carmel, where you'll enjoy five tastings at local eateries and shops. Along the way, you'll learn about the town's unique history, architecture, and culture, making it a truly immersive experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour offers a delicious and insightful look into the heart of Carmel.
Experience Carmel-by-the-Sea like never before with our exclusive Private Tours. Tailored to your group's interests, these tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the charming town at your own pace. Whether you're interested in culinary delights, historical insights, or scenic vistas, our private tours provide a personalized experience that caters to your preferences. Our Private Tours are perfect for groups looking to enjoy a customized itinerary. You can choose the start time, duration, and specific tastings or activities that interest you the most. With the flexibility to deviate from standard tours, you can create a truly unique adventure that suits your group's needs. Led by knowledgeable local guides, our Private Tours ensure you get the most out of your visit to Carmel. Discover hidden gems, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this picturesque town. Book your private adventure today and make unforgettable memories with your group.
Since 2012, Carmel Food Tours has hosted Bay Area and Silicon Valley corporate groups looking for an offsite that doesn't feel like an offsite. Just 2 hours from San Francisco and 90 minutes from San Jose, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the perfect mix of world-class food, coastal charm, and team-building experiences — no flights, no hotels required. Unlike a typical resort offsite, Carmel itself is the activity: a walkable village where exceptional food, local history, and coastal beauty do the work of bringing people together naturally. Whether you're planning an intimate leadership retreat or an energetic group event for 100+, Carmel Food Tours has a curated experience for your team. Beyond our 5-star food tours, we offer a guided wine tasting afternoon, a scavenger hunt with both destination missions and creative challenges, and a Curated Carmel experience that is more customizable and geared toward high-touch executive experiences. Not sure which is right for your group? We'll help you find the perfect fit.
The Carmel Caper Team Building Scavenger Hunt is an exciting and interactive experience designed to bring teams closer together. Set in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this scavenger hunt uses a customized app to guide participants through a series of creative challenges and location-based clues. Teams will explore the town's art, architecture, and hidden courtyards while competing to earn the most points and claim victory.
Carmel Food Tours® offers the only experience of its kind for wine and food tastings at local restaurants that represent Carmel's cultural and culinary traditions. Focused on much more than food, our tours are led by entertaining local guides ready to share insights about the history, architecture, and culture of Carmel.
Your great guide will ensure that you're nourished by the perfect blend of interesting attractions and amazing food that can only be found here in Carmel! Be prepared to walk away as a newly minted Carmel foodie expert!Ready to experience some of the best food in Carmel? From off-the-beaten-path food gems to iconic eateries, there's something for everyone on our highly rated food tours. Tasting experiences cover lig...
Ready to experience some of the best food in Carmel? From off-the-beaten-path food gems to iconic eateries, there's something for everyone on our highly rated food tours. Tasting experiences cover light bites, wine tastings, and sweets! This is the ultimate experience if you want to be introduced to the best foods, libations, and desserts on the Carmel food scene. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings and ask questions of the chef. Each experience is perfectly paced to ensure that your samplings leave you feeling satisfied.
Carmel Food Tours® brings you to the most interesting locations in Carmel! Our tours are carefully curated by our expert team to blend incredible views with exceptional food. Tour options bring you to...
Carmel Food Tours® brings you to the most interesting locations in Carmel! Our tours are carefully curated by our expert team to blend incredible views with exceptional food. Tour options bring you to places situated along the beach, the West End Arts District, and Carmel's most enchanted streets. Our entertaining local guides will chime in to discuss the history and fun facts of the areas you're exploring while you take in your surroundings with awe, wonder, and appreciation!
From our scavenger hunts for work teams to our mural photo tours crafted specifically to help you fill your Instagram wall with beauty, Carmel Food Tours® prioritizes your engagement at every step! Ou...
From our scavenger hunts for work teams to our mural photo tours crafted specifically to help you fill your Instagram wall with beauty, Carmel Food Tours® prioritizes your engagement at every step! Our interactive tours ignite your taste for adventure. However, there's plenty of time to stop along the way to rest while taking in the scenery and ambiance! Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions once you're on the road with your knowledgeable, friendly tour guide.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most extraordinary places for a tasting tour! Nestled on California's Monterey Peninsula, this charming beach village is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Its enchanting scenery and vibrant culinary scene make it a true gem on the Central Coast.
With its proximity to world-class vineyards in Monterey County—boasting more wine-growing acreage than Napa or Sonoma—Carmel attracts celebrated chefs, talented sommeliers, and artisanal bakers who elevate the local dining experience. Visitors from around the globe come to explore attractions like the Scenic Bluff Path, Carmel River State Beach, and the historic Carmel Mission, all while soaking in the timeless charm of one of America’s most picturesque coastal destinations.
Most frequent questions and answers
It's probably cooler than you think it will be. We hover around 50 in the winter, and 60 or so in the summer. Layers are your friend.
Yes, private group tours are available. Visit our Private Tours page to learn more.
Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours often sell out so we recommend purchasing your tickets early to guarantee your desired tour day.
There is a waiting list option through our reservation server FareHarbor. Look for that option if your preferred date is not available. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sure! Our gift cards are the perfect way to give your special someone the gift of a great experience, and still give them the freedom to choose the date and activity for themselves.
Our tour prices are subject to change (infrequently, but it occurs every few years). We will always honor the VALUE of your e-certificate, and you’ll be responsible for any balance due when you decide to see if it still works after finding it in your drawer from eight birthdays ago.
July 8, 2026
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June 12, 2026
Drive time: ~2 hours from San Francisco | Distance: ~130 miles | Best for: food lovers, couples, weekend explorers Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the mo...
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June 4, 2026
By Carmel Food Tours | Updated June 2026 | 8 min read People come to Carmel-by-the-Sea expecting a nice beach town and leave wondering why they do...
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