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.
San Carlos Cathedral
Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.
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: 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 Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Top hotels in Downtown Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
"Super Breakfast spot in the hotel , Only thing I could comment on is the toilet seat needed tightening . Very minor inconvenience . Staff was always helpful if you needed anything ."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
"Parking is off property, only have valet on weekends, historic rooms are smaller than normal rooms, toilet was weird sounded like it was air injected. Sink faucet was low pressures, shower was hard to go from faucet to shower. Older walls and ceiling heard everything above and outside intend hall ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
"Coffee not satisfactory . A bit pricey, parking ok"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
The Stevenson Monterey
"Good location and great for the late night arrival I needed."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hotel Pacific
"Please do not pay over $300/night to stay here. It is a worn-out, tired property with dents in the room walls, elevators and ice machines that don’t work, broken pocket doors, and patios that overlook sewer lines. The common areas and rooms need a full overhaul. The breakfast was awful and the check/in ..."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Monterey Marriott
"And Too expensive for this outdated place"
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
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 Perry House or Monterey State Historic Park 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.
