Monterey

Travel Guide
Monterey
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
The price is HK$1,687 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
HK$1,687
HK$1,998 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
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! (2,312 reviews)
"Clean close to everything and gorgeous"

Reviewed on 1 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$2,443 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
HK$2,443
HK$2,815 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 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! (1,335 reviews)
"Property was georgious. Room was a little inconvenient to get to due to location after checking in. Easy access to everything in area. Staff was great"

Reviewed on 31 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 HK$1,509 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
HK$1,509
HK$1,752 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (1,418 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.
3896 Gather and Rest - Mountain Views, Large Patio, Available September!
3896 Gather and Rest - Mountain Views, Large Patio, Available September!
Del Rey Oaks
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Thank you so much for our little Sanctuary
"My family and I truly enjoyed our stay at your property. From the location to the views to the staff...everything exceeded expectations. The kitchen was so well appointed and the amenities add to our comfort. The house was immaculate something my wife was very pleased about. The maintenance team ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2024

3896 Gather and Rest - Mountain Views, Large Patio, Available September!
Updated Del Rey Oaks Haven | Outdoor Living | Walk to Park & 5 Min to Beach
Updated Del Rey Oaks Haven | Outdoor Living | Walk to Park & 5 Min to Beach
Monterey
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Well-designed home
"The open floor plan worked well for the five of us. The hall bathroom and shower are beautiful! Contactless check-in and check-out are very efficient: there is a code to unlock the front door. The home was very clean and comfortable. Overall, a great stay."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2024

Updated Del Rey Oaks Haven | Outdoor Living | Walk to Park & 5 Min to Beach
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Beautiful, spacious home-even the deer like it!
"The home comfortably accommodated six adults. Everything was in great shape; the host, Jeff, promptly responded to any questions and, yes, there were a few deer in the beautiful backyard. The home’s location offers easy access to many of the local sights. We had a great stay!"

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2024

Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
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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