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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
"Everything was great!"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Merritt House Hotel
"Nice place, unique older hotel that we really enjoyed. Parking is a bit tight, I would plan on anything very large. Walkable to the wharf. Staff was very friendly and helpful"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Really good hotel. Good breakfast. Cosiderate and attentive staff. Enjoyed our stay here"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"I Liked Everything, We'll be back."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"THEY GAVE ME A KEY TO AN ALREADY OCCUPIED ROOM. My partner and I checked in around 9pm and the receptionist gave us a key to our room. I went to the room and unlocked the door and opened it to a woman in the midst of changing. We were both shocked! The receptionist was sorry for this mistake and ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Carmel Mission Inn
"Nice cozy property in a decent location, not far from good restaurants, cafes and downtown. My only downside is having to pay for parking and a mandatory facilities fee (which we didn’t have time to use anyway). Other than that, it’s a perfect place to stay if you are doing a pacific coast ..."
Reviewed on 25 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.
