Oceanside Private Afternoon Tea Tours

If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing activity that combines the sensory pleasures of tea with a touch of creativity, the Oceanside Private Afternoon Tea Tour might be just what you need. Offered exclusively through Viator, this experience takes you behind the scenes at Bliss Tea & Treats in Carlsbad, where you’ll blend your own tea, sample exquisite teas, and enjoy light bites—all in an intimate setting.

What we love about this tour is how it balances hands-on activity with serene relaxation. The focus on scent memory and personalized blending makes it more than just a tasting; it’s an active wellness ritual. Plus, the inclusion of vegan and gluten-free options ensures that a variety of dietary needs are accommodated.

One possible consideration is that the tour is relatively short—about three hours—and doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll want to plan your arrival accordingly. Still, for those seeking a calming, engaging experience that leaves you with a new skill (and a delightful jar of custom blend), this tour offers genuine value. It’s a perfect fit for tea enthusiasts, wellness aficionados, or anyone eager to try something truly unique in a peaceful setting.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Guests love the intimate setting, with groups kept small to ensure everyone feels seen and relaxed.
• Hands-On Blending: The highlight is creating your own tea blend, which is a fun, sensory activity based on scent memory.
• Quality Tasting: A guided flight of four teas introduces you to different aromas and flavors, elevating your appreciation of tea.
• Light Bites Included: The tour pairs your blend with a trio of finger sandwiches and petite desserts, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
• Wellness Focus: The experience promotes mindfulness through breathing rituals and sensory activities, making it more than just a tasting.
• No Transportation Included: You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, as hotel pickup isn’t offered.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting: Bliss Tea & Treats

The tour begins at 1033 Boulder Pl in Oceanside, in a cozy, welcoming venue known as Bliss Tea & Treats. From the moment you step through the gate, the bustle of everyday life is left behind. Inside, the ambiance is warm, inviting, with a vintage touch—think old-fashioned hats and parasols that create perfect photo moments.

The host greets each guest with a welcome pour of house-made tea, setting the tone for a relaxed and personalized experience. This initial gesture hints at the care and craftsmanship that go into every aspect of the experience.

The Sensory Warm-Up

Before jumping into tasting, the tour includes a two-minute breathing ritual. This isn’t just a mindfulness exercise; it primes your sense of taste and smell, enhancing your overall experience. We loved how this simple ritual helped us slow down and become more aware of our senses, something many of us forget amid busy travel schedules.

Tea Flight Tasting

Next, you’ll sample a flight of four teas, each about 3 ounces. This guided tasting introduces you to different aromas and flavor profiles, helping you learn what to notice in each brew. Many reviews mention how helpful this step is in deepening appreciation for tea. One guest noted, “The tasting made me realize how much nuance there is in each cup—it’s like wine tasting, but gentler.”

Scent Memory & Custom Blending

The highlight of the tour is the Smart Sip blending activity. Guests use scent memory—matching ingredients in glass sensory tubes to their mood or taste preferences—and then blend their own 1-ounce jar of tea to take home. This process is engaging and playful, but also educational, teaching you how scent influences flavor and mood. Comments from past participants say they appreciated the ability to craft something truly personal and that the activity was “a fun way to connect with tea on a deeper level.”

Light Bites & Photo Opportunities

After your blend is complete, you’ll enjoy a pairing of finger sandwiches and petite desserts. The menu is flexible, with vegan and gluten-free options available—something that many travelers find thoughtful and inclusive. The food, while simple, complements the tea flavors nicely, and the presentation adds to the overall enjoyment.

Along With the tasting, there’s time for photos in the vintage hat & parasol corner, making this a charming, Instagram-worthy stop. The Smart Sip activity book adds a creative element, encouraging you to reflect on your sensory journey.

End of the Tour & Practicalities

The experience concludes back at the starting point. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your arrival and departure accordingly. The tour runs every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM between July 2025 and October 2026, giving you flexibility in scheduling.

Evaluating the Value and Overall Experience

At $88 per person, this tour is a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys tea, mindfulness, or creative activities. The price covers the guided tasting, the blending ingredients, your personal jar, and the food, so it offers a nice balance of value and experience.

We see this tour appealing most to those looking for a calm, meaningful activity that offers something more than just tasting. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates wellness rituals or enjoys crafting, this could be a highlight of your trip.

While some might find the duration brief, it’s enough to leave you feeling relaxed and inspired. Keep in mind, it’s a private activity, so your group will be small, making it easy to ask questions and engage at your own pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits tea lovers, wellness seekers, and those interested in sensory activities. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer personalized, intimate settings and enjoy combining education with relaxation.

It’s also a great choice for gifting or special occasions, thanks to the bespoke nature of the custom blend. If you’re after a lively, bustling activity, this might not be your best fit—it’s all about slow, mindful enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

The Oceanside Private Afternoon Tea Tours deliver an authentic, calming experience that emphasizes mindfulness, sensory awareness, and personal creation. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, learn about tea, and take home a unique souvenir crafted by your own hand.

For travelers who value quality over quantity, appreciate a touch of creativity, and want a break from typical sightseeing routines, this tour offers genuine value. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and the simple pleasure of a well-made cup of tea.

If you’re visiting Carlsbad and looking for a memorable, wellness-oriented activity that fosters both relaxation and skill-building, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Bliss Tea & Treats.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour provides vegan and gluten-free options for the finger sandwiches and desserts, making it accessible for various dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 3 hours, including tasting, blending, and enjoying light bites.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed environment.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers a guided tea flight of four teas, all blending ingredients and a souvenir jar, a trio of finger sandwiches and desserts, and the Smart Sip activity book.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but the activity’s sensory nature makes it best suited for adults or older children.

What is the best way to prepare for the tour?
Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point, and come with an open mind and curiosity about tea and sensory experiences.

Can I upgrade to include alcohol or mocktails?
Yes, non-alcoholic mocktail upgrades are available on-site, but alcohol isn’t included in the standard package.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund through Viator’s system.

What should I expect at the venue?
The setting has a vintage charm with photo-worthy hats and parasols, creating a cozy, nostalgic ambiance ideal for relaxing and taking photos.

This private tea experience in Oceanside mixes sensory discovery, creativity, and light gastronomy into a charming package—perfect for those seeking tranquility and a bit of personal indulgence.