Lighthouse District Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Lighthouse District
Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
17-Mile Drive
Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
Golden State Theatre
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.
Things to do
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Lighthouse District
Victorian Inn
Great staff! Super accommodating and helpful. We enjoyed our stay and will be coming back!
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Cannery Row Inn
Well cleaned
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Wave Street Inn
Customer service was good. Parking was tight. No breakfast options. Room was decently clean.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Excellent service, amazing employees and exemplary guest environment overall.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Staff was friendly and very efficient!
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The rooms were kept very clean and had very helpful and nice staff for the whole trip. The hotel is beautiful in and out with plenty of areas to enjoy the Ocean and has Very good food.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Lighthouse District
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
Old Monterey
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.
Downtown Monterey
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.
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 Del Monte Golf Course.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
