Downtown Monterey Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Downtown Monterey
Popular places to visit
Golden State Theatre
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.
Monterey State Historic Park
Find out about California’s Spanish, Mexican and American past with a tour of this park’s restored historical houses and museums.
San Carlos Cathedral
Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.
Dennis the Menace Playground
Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground.
Maritime Museum
Follow the story of this fascinating area from the first inhabitants 6000 years ago, to the days of Cannery Row and beyond.
Monterey Convention Center
Learn about the events happening in Monterey Convention Center during your trip 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
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Explore Big Sur: Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey or Morro Bay
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
We were provided with an upgraded harbor view room for a minimal fee. Gorgeous! Can't beat the ambiance.
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
The Monterey Hotel
Friendly and awesome staff!
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Clean and comfortable rooms. Stay very helpful and pleasant
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
The Stevenson Monterey
Yes
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Hotel Pacific
We didn’t have the breakfast.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Monterey Marriott
Beautiful, clean room and friendly staff. I loved the free water filling station on the first floor that allowed you to get flat or sparkling water plus you could get flavored sparkling water or hot water. You're a short 5 minute walk to Canary Row pier.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Monterey hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Monterey
Old Monterey
Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Colton Hall Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
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.
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.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
