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.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
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
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
"The room was surprising nice for the price!"
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Beautiful place!! Can’t wait to come again"
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Beautiful hotel with incredible views! The staff was incredibly attentive."
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Very clean hotel and nice workers. I enjoyed my stay very much and will definitely go again. Thank you !!! The pool is beautiful and they play great music"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"Positives: great location, convenient parking Cons: there is a very obvious musty smell throughout the entire hotel (worse on the historic side) including the rooms; fitness area is incredibly small with very poor equipment"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Where to stay in 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.
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, Cannery Row and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
