Old Monterey Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Old Monterey
Popular places to visit
Waterfront
Enjoy a trip to Waterfront and popular activities such as golfing in Monterey. Discover the area's seafood restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Colton Hall Museum
Find out about the early days of Californian state rules via the displays and guides in this historic 19th-century building.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
Loved!
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Great location, huge room.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Excellent service, amazing employees and exemplary guest environment overall.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Great place to stay. Close to everything. Staff very nice.
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The rooms were kept very clean and had very helpful and nice staff for the whole trip. The hotel is beautiful in and out with plenty of areas to enjoy the Ocean and has Very good food.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Amazing experience over a long weekend. Lots of activities and things to do in and in and around the ranch. The rooms are great, actually more like an apartment with living room, terrace, and walk in closet. And, it's the most dog friendly hotel we've ever stayed in! We could take our labradoodle ...
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Old Monterey
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
Oak Grove
While Oak Grove may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Del Monte Golf Course.
Lighthouse District
Lighthouse District is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium, and you might also want to make a stop by Cannery Row, a top sight in the neighbourhood.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.
