Old Monterey Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Old Monterey
Popular places to visit
Waterfront
Enjoy a trip to Waterfront and popular activities such as golfing in Monterey. Discover the area's seafood restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Colton Hall Museum
Find out about the early days of Californian state rules via the displays and guides in this historic 19th-century building.
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.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Things to do
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
Fireplace and location
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Easy parking, good breakfast, very walkable
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The place was good and clean but they charged me for something they don’t even know what it’s about. I called and said i was not charged for anything extra but my credit card was charged extra for 2 rooms that I booked. They said it will be reimbursed after 10days but it’s been more than that and ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
We loved this hotel. It was so nice and our room faced the ocean. What a gorgeous view. Loved the food and would definitely stay here again.
Reviewed on 2 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The rooms could use some updating. The carpet smelled musty. The reception staff was very friendly.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
The hotel is very convenient and very nice. Our room was a tiny one but it had what it needed, clean linens and a clean bathroom. The public parking lot a half a block away was surprising easy to get in and out of. Maybe we got lucky finding a space there when we needed one since it was easily the ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Old Monterey
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
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.
Lighthouse District
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.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Munras Avenue and Waterfront are some notable places to visit nearby.
