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
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Top hotels in Downtown Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Really enjoyed the friendliness of the staff. Room was cute and cozy. Really loved the fire place
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Nicely decorated warm and welcoming
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hotel Pacific
Great staff and the room is clean and great walking distance to the wharf
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Monterey Marriott
Amazing experience
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
The Stevenson Monterey
great price! all the basics, clean.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 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 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, Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center 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.
