Monterey

Travel Guide
Monterey
Monterey
Monterey featuring heritage architecture and general coastal views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a beach
Monterey showing general coastal views, a bridge and rugged coastline
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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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
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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
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is HK$1,426 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
HK$1,426
HK$1,695 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Book a 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 our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,347 reviews)
"The hotel is centrally located in Monterey, within walking distance of attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman's Wharf. While the on-site restaurant provides convenient dining, the surrounding area boasts a diverse array of eateries. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly, ..."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 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 HK$2,639 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$2,639
HK$3,038 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,322 reviews)
"Great location and excellent food and services"

Reviewed on 22 Nov 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 HK$1,238 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
HK$1,238
HK$1,443 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,415 reviews)
"Fun day soaking."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 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.
Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
Monterey
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Laguna Seca ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Golfing Heaven
"A fantastic, well located and well kept place that was perfect for 4 golfers looking to enjoy one of the greatest meccas of golf in the world...Pebble Beach!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2024

Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
3836 Popi's Place - Bay Front, Pools, Hot Tubs, Available for Extended Stays!
3836 Popi's Place - Bay Front, Pools, Hot Tubs, Available for Extended Stays!
Monterey
Book a stay at this beach condo in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
3836 Popi's Place - Bay Front, Pools, Hot Tubs, Available for Extended Stays!
Monterey Bay Get-Away 3 Bed 2 Bath with Putting Green & Air Conditioning
Monterey Bay Get-Away 3 Bed 2 Bath with Putting Green & Air Conditioning
Del Rey Oaks
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Great place
"Really liked the inside of the house, ease of entry into the house and garage, and the backyard was fantastic. I love golf, fireplaces, and hanging outside. I also appreciated the fact that the property manager was very responsive when we had questions or comments. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Monterey Bay Get-Away 3 Bed 2 Bath with Putting Green & Air Conditioning
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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