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
Great location. Wonderful staff. Large room. Room was clean but the shower and tub had some mold along the inside edges. It was a dog friendly room and I did find some urine on the wall and baseboard. Did not smell like pets were in the room. Bed was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was ok. Overall ...
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Breakfast was great. Room was cute. Hotel is older but cute, comfortable and quaint. It’s also in a good location. Garden is adorable. The only reason I don’t give it a five is there were a few spiders- probably not something anyone could help but I hate them.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Upon check-in Raul was friendly and helpful. Upgrade VERY MUCH appreciated !! Like the safe location to all attractions. #1 best place to stay while in town. Parking is appreciated; handicap parking should be free;$25 per night is high perhaps a discount for those with placards. Bath tub backed up ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The room was clean. Overall decent.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
A slightly disappointing stay, had expected better from a Hyatt. The internet was very poor in the hotel bedrooms, but worked fine in the lobby area. The room was very spacious, but the soundproofing was poor & could hear the crying/ screaming kids upstairs/ next door. The patio was very disappointing, ...
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Carmel Bay View Inn
Great and friendly staff!! Breakfast is fine. Pool was cold! Amazing location to downtown Carmel.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 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.
