Official Tours Begin Fall 2026 • Explore Our Upcoming Experiences.
Experience Art in the Places that Inspire It!
Explore one of four artist-curated routes, each offering a unique blend of artists, stories, and hidden places.
Discover working artist studios in charming seaside villages, scenic valleys, and coastal communities.
Historic Artist Colony
Carmel Valley Collection
Seaside Village Studios
Creative Beach Towns
Choose Your Route
The Historic Artist Colony
Carmel-by-the-Sea Village Walking Tour
A guided walking tour through historic Carmel-by-the-Sea, featuring artist-owned galleries, working studios, historic art buildings and landmarks, and the stories that shaped one of America's most celebrated artist colonies.
Along the way, your artist host will point out favorite cafés, restaurants, hidden courtyards, scenic walks, and historic landmarks — sharing local recommendations and stories that help you experience Carmel beyond the guidebooks.
History • Artist-owned galleries • Working studios • Local stories
Offered as:
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Small-Group Tours
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Private Tours
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Dog-Friendly Private Tours
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Guided Village Walk
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Historic Art Buildings
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Working Artist Galleries
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Hidden Courtyards & Local Favorites
Reservations Open in September
The Carmel Valley Collection
Carmel Valley Artists' Studio Tour
A scenic driving tour through the sunlit vineyards and rolling hills of Carmel Valley. Visit a curated collection of private working artist studios, from tucked-away village settings to sophisticated country retreats.
Along the way, discover local stories and the distinctive landscapes that continue to inspire artists throughout the valley.
As you travel between studios, your artist host will share favorite local discoveries — from wineries and roadside farm stands to charming cafés, scenic stops, and other hidden gems that capture the unique character and relaxed elegance of Carmel Valley.
Private Studios • Wine Country Scenery • Rustic Elegance • Local Favorites
Offered as:
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Small-Group Tours
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Private Tours
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Dog-Friendly Private Tours
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Private Working Artist Studios
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Rolling Hills & Vineyards
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Personal Artist Demonstrations
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Sophisticated Wine Country
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Scenic Back Roads & Local Favorites
Reservations Open in September
Seaside Village Studios
Monterey & Pacific Grove Artists' Studio Tour
A scenic driving tour including the picturesque seaside communities of Monterey and Pacific Grove, where breathtaking coastal vistas, charming neighborhoods, and a vibrant arts community come together. Visit a curated collection of artist-owned galleries, collaborative studios, and creative spaces while discovering the beauty and stories that have inspired generations of artists along the Monterey Bay coastline.
As you travel between studio stops, your artist host will share favorite local discoveries—from spectacular ocean overlooks and scenic shoreline walks to hidden gardens, neighborhood cafés, and memorable coastal places that capture the timeless beauty and creative spirit of the Monterey Peninsula.
Ocean Vistas • Seaside Villages • Artist Collaboratives • Local Favorites
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Private Working Artist Studios
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Rolling Hills & Vineyards
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Personal Artist Demonstrations
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Sophisticated Wine Country
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Scenic Back Roads & Local Favorites
Offered as:
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Small-Group Tours
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Private Tours
Reservations Open in September
NEW Route COMING IN NOVEMBER 2026
Creative Beach Towns
South Santa Cruz County Artist Studio Tour
A curated driving tour through South Santa Cruz County, exploring an eclectic collection of working artist studios nestled within relaxed beach towns and coastal communities. From the colorful seaside village of Capitola to the open coastal landscapes of La Selva Beach, discover diverse artists, inspiring creative spaces, local stories, and memorable places that reveal a side of the coast few visitors experience.
Along the way, your artist host will share favorite local discoveries, from hidden beaches and scenic coastal trails to cafés, restaurants, and neighborhood treasures that reflect the authentic character and creative spirit of South Santa Cruz County.
Eclectic Art Studios • Beach Towns • Hidden Trails • Local Places
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Eclectic Creative Spaces
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Coastal Villages
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Hidden Beaches & Trails
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Local Favorites
Offered as:
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Small-Group Tours
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Private Tours
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Dog-Friendly Private Tours
Reservations Open in October
Whether you’re drawn to Carmel’s renowned art history, the scenic beauty of the Monterey Peninsula and Valley, or the diverse studios and creative communities of South Santa Cruz County, each Art Tours by the Sea experience offers a unique way to discover California’s coast through the eyes of the artists who call it home.