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.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
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.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Explore Big Sur: Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey or Morro Bay
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
"Get a room off the street, very noisy on the street."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Merritt House Hotel
"Merritt House was very clean and a lovely, well-appointed hotel with a beautiful balcony and fireplace, vaulted ceilings and very comfortable beds and pillows. The breakfast was lacking a little bit. Very minimal choices. Skip breakfast there, and go to Alta Bakery instead! It was amazing!"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Room was great! And it was ready when we arrived early so we were able to check in which was a plus."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The view from my room was great. The dinner was okay; good but not great. Staff at the restaurant were very friendly and polite. Hotel staff were very professional and polite."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"It was a nice hotel within a short drive to Cannery Row and within walking distance to fisherman's wharf. Cute street, friendly staff. Parking was easy and right down the street. You pay $8/day with in/out entry privileges. You don't have to pay parking from 6pm to 9 am. The coffee was very good!! ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"No microwave"
Reviewed on 20 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 Golden State Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
