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.
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.
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.
Maritime Museum
Follow the story of this fascinating area from the first inhabitants 6000 years ago, to the days of Cannery Row and beyond.
San Carlos Cathedral
Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.
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: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day 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
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Great hotel , and staff was a great help
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Parking is available across from the hotel. Nice facility, historic and quiet. Great location.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Great place to stay. Highly recommended. Just bring your earplugs if you want to sleep in. Also ask for the upstairs rooms. I prefer it.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
The Stevenson Monterey
Great hotel minutes from Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. The room was spacious and clean, staff were friendly and helpful, and we were able to make good use of the 24hr tea/coffee facilities and the heated pool. There is also a microwave in the communal area. Parking was plentiful (both at ground ...
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hotel Pacific
Breakfast was great...more than continental! The fireplace and beautiful suites are such a nice touch to this property. We will come back for sure.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Monterey Marriott
The room was clean, the staff really REALLT friendly and helpful! The hotel was perfect to stay for the Big Sur marathon. Hydration stations in the hallways, staff cleaning constantly, friendly helpful staff. Just wish the property had some refurbishing upgrades to make it nicer. The gym was doable ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
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 Perry House 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 Monterey State Beach.
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, Munras Avenue and Golden State Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.
