Monterey County offers a wealth of bookable experiences that cater to groups of all sizes. From intimate wine tastings at boutique vineyards to guided tours through historic sites and scenic coastal excursions to explore the diverse wildlife, these experiences ensure everyone will have an unforgettable experience in Monterey County.
FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCES
1. A Taste of Monterey
A Taste of Monterey provides distinctive wine experiences that combine the region’s rich wine heritage with engaging, educational workshops. Groups can challenge themselves to recreate a winemaker’s signature Bordeaux-style blend, with the winning group taking home their own bottle of Meritage. Alternatively, groups can compete to create the best Bordeaux blend, complete with a custom label, catchy slogan and sales pitch.
2. Food Tours
The Classic Food Tour from Carmel Food Tours is a guided tour including five to six food and drink tastings at some of Carmel-by-the-Sea's locally owned restaurants and specialty food shops. Participants can enjoy the hidden passageways and discover the beautiful scenery of this charming town. Monterey Bay Food Tours is another great food tour experience that offers great tours including a local seafood tour, which is Monterey’s first and only seafood tour that takes participants around Cannery Row to taste local seafood, wine and tasty bites along the way. This tour only occurs on Saturdays at 11 a.m. but it will be memorable for all.
3. Wine Tasting
Monterey County has a variety of boutique vineyards and tasting rooms each surrounded by stunning views and landscapes. CRŪ winery, nestled in the Santa Lucia Highlands, offers a couple of different tasting options along with the opportunity to learn more about CRŪ, their vineyard sourcing and winemaking practices. Holman Ranch has a unique tour that takes participants on an ATV ride for an extensive tour through their scenic upper vineyards along with a tasting of Reserve and Library Wines.
4. VineCycle Tours
For those interested in history, private tours are available for groups 4-10 with VineCycle Tours through historic Ford Ord. The tour features an e-bike ride that stretches through a 12-mile loop on dirt and paved roads and riders can experience all the native plants and wildlife along the way. Tours are available on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 10 am.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
5. Go Car Tours
Explore the scenic beauty of Monterey in a two-seater scooter car! These tours are self-guided through GPS and are equipped with a voice narration system, acting as if there were a local tour guide along for the ride. Riders can also choose to explore on their own. This is a great and unique way to explore Monterey to learn about history and cruise along the beautiful coastline.
6. Explore the Wildlife
Monterey Bay Eco Tours offers an immersive, eco-friendly experience to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Monterey County. The tour takes place on the Elkhorn Slough aboard the El Cat, an electric catamaran that provides a quiet, environmentally conscious way to enjoy the surroundings without disturbing the wildlife. Additional opportunities to encounter wildlife include booking a Whale Watching tour or setting sail with Shearwater Sailing.
7.Big Sur Guides and Hiking
Big Sur Guides and Hiking offer tours that go through the redwoods, mountain streams, waterfalls coastal trails and ocean coves. Multiple hiking options are available such as a private hiking excursion and half and full days specialty hikes are also an option, like the secluded ocean trail nature walk or the wild mushroom foraging hike.
8. E-Bike Tours
Monterey County offers numerous e-bike rental options to ensure you don't miss any of its beauty. Mad Dogs and Englishmen have two locations, in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering premium e-bikes for an unforgettable, dog-friendly adventure—your pup can ride along in their famous sidecars. Big Sur Adventures also provides e-bike rentals, with guided tours available to explore spots like 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
ARTS AND CULTURE
9. Gael Gallagher Tours & Carmel Walks
Carmel Walks offers a custom tour that immerses groups in the rich history and charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Participants will explore the town's artistic legacy, visiting spots that inspired famous poets and authors, alongside storybook cottages, quaint shops and delightful restaurants.
10. Museum Tours
There are museums in Monterey County that highlight almost every aspect of rich history including indigenous, agriculture, maritime, art and more. The California Welcome Center Salinas is a great stop to learn about the region's history and find accessible literature and items that capture the essence of the region. Also, The National Steinbeck Center is an interactive museum that gives visitors an inside look at the famous author’s world and the Monterey Museum of Art showcases galleries and exhibitions of California paintings, photography and contemporary art.