Monterey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views
Discover one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities, known for its fabulous aquarium and for being the setting for a famous John Steinbeck novel.

Located along the rugged coastline of California, the oceanfront settlement of Monterey exudes seaside charm. Play on the dunes at public beaches, observe sea lions at the wharfs and embark on scenic walks along the coastal cliffs.

Get acquainted with the history of this coastal city, which was originally founded by the Spanish in 1770. Wander around Old Monterey and be on the look out for the Path of History plaques, which are placed along the sidewalk and point toward the landmark historical buildings.

During the earlier half of the 20th century, Monterey made its money from sardine canning, an industry that Steinbeck wrote about in his novel Cannery Row. Although the sardine canning businesses have closed, Cannery Row still exists. Stroll down the street and look for a bronze bust of Steinbeck and the old workers’ shacks, which show the harsh living conditions the workers here would have endured.

Take a stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf, browsing souvenir shops, seafood markets and admiring the 360-degree harbor views along the way. Sea lions and seals can often be seen in the waters here.

Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium its tanks are filled with kaleidoscopic marine creatures. The aquarium is right next to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins can all be spotted. Of particular note is the aquarium’s kelp forest and the surreal jellyfish exhibit.

For visitors who want to see the California coast’s signature crashing waves and oceanfront cliffs, head for Garrapata State Park. Follow hiking trails along steep coastal bluffs and through towering redwood forests. Point Lobos State Reserve is another good place to get back to nature. Rent a kayak and paddle through coves, looking for orcas, sea lions and seals. The 18-mile (29-kilometer) long Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is open to walkers and cyclists.

From San Francisco, reach Monterey by car in about 2.5 hours. Buses are also available from San Jose, while internal flights touch down at Monterey Regional Airport. In downtown Monterey, make use of the free trolley service check the Monterey-Salinas Transit website for the schedule.

Where to stay in Monterey

Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Monterey
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New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
Golden State Theatre showing a city and theatre scenes

Old Monterey

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Perry House while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
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Monterey Vista

While visiting Monterey Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Don Dahvee Park.

Monterey Vista
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Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada.

Alta Mesa
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Lighthouse District

4/5(9 area reviews)

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.

Lighthouse District
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
The price is ₹16,598 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹16,598
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,377 reviews)
"Great location Nice staff Clean"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹21,689 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
₹21,689
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,906 reviews)
"very nice place, near with our destination at Monterey Bay Aquarium. will recommend to friends."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is ₹18,260 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
₹18,260
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Very nice and accessible. I received a welcome text the morning before check in. The staff was available and answered all of our questions. The hotel is very well located. About an 8 minute walk from the wharf and an old downtown area. Lots of food, bars, desserts, and breakfast. The grounds are ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (277 reviews)
"Very convenient location with within walking distance of metro and other public transport. Walking distance to a lot of great sights within the city. The actual location though had a lot of vagrants within the area. Would not recommend walking around at night alone."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,081 reviews)
"Great location and great beach town The hotel was excellent except that housekeeping was not available on a regular basis. One fault: Housekeeping only seems to occur in the late afternoon and required several calls to the front desk"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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