Downtown Monterey Travel Guide

Monterey

Downtown Monterey
Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city
Monterey featuring general coastal views, mountains and a bridge
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views
Carmel featuring street scenes, night scenes and a city

Popular places to visit

Golden State Theatre showing a city and theatre scenes

Golden State Theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.

Golden State Theatre
Dennis the Menace Park showing a playground as well as children

Dennis the Menace Playground

Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground.

Dennis the Menace Playground
Monterey State Historic Park featuring a garden and signage

Monterey State Historic Park

Find out about California’s Spanish, Mexican and American past with a tour of this park’s restored historical houses and museums.

Monterey State Historic Park
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo featuring a monument, religious elements and flowers

San Carlos Cathedral

Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.

San Carlos Cathedral
Maritime Museum showing interior views

Maritime Museum

Follow the story of this fascinating area from the first inhabitants 6000 years ago, to the days of Cannery Row and beyond.

Maritime Museum

Monterey Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Monterey Convention Center during your trip to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Monterey Convention Center

Things to do

If you stay around long enough, you may feel a tug at your pant leg at Colton Hall Jail.

Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures

฿852
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

฿3,112
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Monterey & Carmel Tour with optional Monterey Bay Aquarium

San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour

฿4,553
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour
Monterey: Surfing Rental Package

Monterey: Surfing Rental Package

฿819
per adult
Monterey: Surfing Rental Package
Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package

Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package

฿6,867
per adult
Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package
Monterey: Private Surfing Lessons

Monterey: Private Surfing Lessons

฿4,913
per adult
Monterey: Private Surfing Lessons
See all activities in Monterey

Top hotels in Downtown Monterey

The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,296 reviews)
"It was nice"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Get rates
The Monterey Hotel
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 ฿8,721 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
฿8,721
฿10,312 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,696 reviews)
"Great property with very convenient location. Two queen room was great for family."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

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 ฿10,014 per night from 12 Sept to 13 Sept
฿10,014
฿11,561 total
12 Sept - 13 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,600 reviews)
"Great location to waterfront. Minutes from good cafes, Trader Joe’s, historic mission-style architecture. Friendly staff here! Will return for sure."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Hotel Pacific

Hotel Pacific

3.5 out of 5
300 Pacific St, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,354 reviews)
"Staff was lovely. Space was large and you could walk anywhere"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Get rates
Hotel Pacific
Monterey Marriott

Monterey Marriott

3.5 out of 5
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The price is ฿8,232 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿8,232
฿10,503 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Monterey. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Valet parking service. Knowledgeable staff. Clean and updated nicely."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Monterey Marriott
The Stevenson Monterey

The Stevenson Monterey

2.5 out of 5
675 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is ฿4,054 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿4,054
฿4,628 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The location was great as it was near downtown monterey which made it convenient."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

The Stevenson Monterey
See all 1,394 properties in Downtown Monterey
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown 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 Monterey State Historic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
Default Image

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 Monterey State Beach.

Oak Grove
Default Image

Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.

Alta Mesa
Default Image

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
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
Default Image

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.

Monterey Vista

Downtown Monterey Travel Guide