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

5/5(1 review)

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
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
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

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

฿778
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

฿3,078
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Monterey & Carmel Tour with optional Monterey Bay Aquarium

San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour

฿4,504
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

฿6,919
per adult
Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

฿1,944
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
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! (1,225 reviews)
Loved
"Loved the hotels esthetic. The room was clean and the staff super friendly. Every one of them at the front desk. Parking was so easy to get. The only thing I was bummed about was the exercise room. If it had weights and treadmill it would have been perfect. I chose the hotel partially for that reason. ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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
The price is ฿8,007 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿8,007
฿9,482 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (2,643 reviews)
"Good location for restaurants."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
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! (1,288 reviews)
Great stay on the Bay
"Room was huge - dining area, living area, sleeping area and both tub and shower. It's an older building so the floors are a bit creaky and uneven but it was clean and all the staff we met were welcoming and pleasant. Breakfast was basic but it was a continental breakfast. Coffee was good though."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Get rates
Hotel Pacific
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is ฿7,429 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
฿7,429
฿8,619 total
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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! (1,572 reviews)
"The price was right for a sizable room for 2-3 people (2 queen beds). Service was responsive and friendly! The room was a little dark and slightly dated in the Mission style. Great if you love that. We appreciated the fridge but would have also liked a microwave. The restaurant did not appeal to ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
The Stevenson Monterey
The Stevenson Monterey
2.5 out of 5
675 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is ฿4,148 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿4,148
฿4,734 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf and lots of restaurants. Great location!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Stevenson Monterey
Monterey Marriott
Monterey Marriott
3.5 out of 5
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿8,726 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
฿8,726
฿11,079 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Great location
"Great location, attentive staff, good food, but dirty plates at the buffet and limited selection on the television. Certainly expensive stay."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Monterey Marriott
See all 1,393 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