Old Monterey Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Old Monterey
Popular places to visit
Colton Hall Museum
Find out about the early days of Californian state rules via the displays and guides in this historic 19th-century building.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
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.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
Things to do
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
Clean room, staff were very helpful. Breakfast was excellent.
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Merritt House Hotel
Friendly staff. Great location.
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Clean and great staff
Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025
The Monterey Hotel
The desk staff and valet were so welcoming and friendly...especially the afternoon/evening staff. The room was immaculate and hotel charming.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
This hotel has a beautiful scenery. The service was excellent. I would love to come back.
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Came for a pickleball event, hotel was awesome, staff friendly we didn’t bring our dog but love the option, breakfast was very good loved the choice of either ordering off the menu or having the buffet. Location close to everything, property beautiful
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue 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 Del Monte Golf Course.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium 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.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
