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.
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.
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.
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
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
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Top hotels in Old Monterey
Hotel Pacific
Breakfast not so good
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Easy parking, good breakfast, very walkable
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great hotel , and staff was a great help
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Outstanding place to stay!
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Hotel
The room was clean and staff was helpful. The room itself was nice, but definitely got warm at night. Unfortunately the fan itself made a lot of noise at night. We tried opening the window at night, but it was quite noisy. Overall, the hotel was in a very nice and convenient location.
Reviewed on 7 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 Waterfront are some notable places to visit nearby.
