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
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
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
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
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
"Large, well-appointed rooms with nice amenities like vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and balconies and separate living/dining areas."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Merritt House Hotel
"Always love staying here…"
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"The room was very clean. It was a little run down. The door in the bathroom was repaired not very well a few times on the bottom which was unappealing. Also we were at a loss about the amenities provided by the hotel. They do have a refrigerator in the room. Staff was professional but no one told ..."
Reviewed on 25 Jun 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Beautiful hotel and very well maintained. The decoration is very nice!"
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"They could use a snack bar open longer hours."
Reviewed on 25 Jun 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
"Room was clean, hallway and elevator were dirty, garbage outside unit N had a pizza box on it for a few days, there was lots of trash in the parking lot."
Reviewed on 24 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 Dennis the Menace Playground 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, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row 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.
