Monterey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Monterey

Monterey Travel Guide Video

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
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views

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 Colton Hall Museum 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 Del Monte Shopping Center.

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
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 Rp3.378.252 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
Rp3.378.252
Rp4.001.220 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,308 reviews)
"Great location and amenities"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is Rp4.941.421 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
Rp4.941.421
Rp5.693.883 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,332 reviews)
"Gorgeous property and ocean view suite. Well worth the money. The staff is super friendly and the restuarant on site (Schooners) was amazing food, overlooking the ocean."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is Rp3.052.008 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
Rp3.052.008
Rp3.543.827 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,418 reviews)
This hotel is a little gem!
"The location is excellence if you want to walk to restaurants and entertainment. The Hotel staff was very responsive and polite. The restaurant on site was delicious with great service. Shrimp appetizers and oysters are solid. 200 years and still a going. This hotel is a gem."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (467 reviews)
"Great place loved it only thing is the area!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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 eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,788 reviews)
"Every thing was great"

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
7 Springs Inn & Suites
7 Springs Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
950 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Palm Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,611 reviews)
"I had my renter stay due to condo rental is on major repair and they liked the place so much they said"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

7 Springs Inn & Suites
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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